A showhouse opens this week in a new development of 57 houses in Trim, Co Meath, which is expected to attract interest from Dublin-based families. The development on the Dublin Road, just outside Trim, is called Effernock Manor, a name which may sound strange to outsiders but which will be familiar locally. All the houses are detached and prices range from £144,950 for the three bedroom units to £325,000 for five-bedroom houses set on half-acre sites.

Apart from the various sizes, there are three very different styles available to cater for a broad section of the new homes market.

Trim has become a commuter town for Dublin workers and it is likely that there will be strong interest in Effernock from families who fancy living in what is a particularly handsome town with good schools, shopping and sporting facilities. The developers are Highpark Developments.

The three-bedroom bungalows have 1,260 sq ft and come with the option of a garage and a utility room at an extra £5,000. Two of the bedrooms are at the back of the house, the third, the main one is to the front of the house along with its own en suite. The livingroom opens into a large, open-plan dining-cum-kitchen area.

The four-bedroom houses have 1,600 sq ft including a roomy main bedroom with en suite. There is also a second bedroom and a small study at first floor level.

Downstairs, there are two more bedrooms and a bathroom on one side of the hall and the reception rooms on the other.

These consist of a large reception room, which opens into an open-plan dining cum kitchen. The four-bedrooms start at £165,000.

The five-bed detached houses which start at £295,000 are wonderfully spacious with 2,800 sq ft. Two of the bedrooms come with an en suite and the main bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe. Also upstairs is a small study and a well-appointed bathroom. Downstairs, there are two more bedrooms and a bathroom.

The reception area includes a very large livingroom with a bay window to keep it bright and cheerful. The kitchen will undoubtedly be seen by most families as a dream kitchen with extensive range of units and room for a good-sized dining table.

Off the kitchen is a utility room with access to the back garden.

There is also a formal dining room, which interconnects with the kitchen. Aside from their sheer size, the five bedroom houses also come with some attractive extras including patio doors to the diningroom and a cobblelock patio area.