Detached houses with a high standard of exterior finish are not unusual in Trim, a Co Meath heritage town that prides itself on preserving its character and charm.
Steeple Manor, launching in Trim this weekend through agents Raymond Potterton & Co, is a development of 62 four and five-bedroom detached houses on an elevated 13-acre site.
Ten of the smallest four-bedroom houses are being sold in the first phase, to be ready for occupation by September next. Prices start at £185,000 for these 1,530 sq ft detached houses. Midland Contractors is also responsible for Oakleigh Court, in Duleek, completed 12 months ago.
The houses are of timber-frame construction and in three different sizes, all to a similar design. The curved entrance to the development is of Kilkenny cut-stone, etched with the name of the estate.
A stream runs to the side of the site and there is a landscaped green space by the riverbank.
The first phase houses are in a choice position, looking out on the river and with the newly-restored Trim Castle in the background.
Steeple Manor is accessed by turning off the main Dublin to Trim Road on to Lackanash Road (known as the Old Dublin Road) in the town. The development is on the right, past an old stone bridge. Exterior walls are capped and rendered, with an unusual angled bay window and an arched entrance porch. Front doors are solid teak with glass side-panels.
The interiors are fitted to a good standard, with ceiling cornicing, good quality kitchen and bathroom ware and a stainless steel gas hob in each house. Timber floors and fitted wardrobes are standard in the bedrooms.
The entrance hallway includes a guest lavatory. The sittingroom has a fireplace for which the builder supplies an allowance. This room has two windows and is very bright.
An interconnecting door leads through to a family room which could also be used as a formal diningroom.
A very spacious kitchen/diningroom has pine cupboards and a big fitted utility room off. Glass doors open on to the back garden.
Upstairs, all the bedrooms have polished timber floors. The bay-windowed main bedroom has a good range of fitted wardrobes and an en suite with corner shower.
Three further bedrooms, one double and two singles, all have fitted wardrobes. The family bathroom is off the landing. The attached garage can be fitted out as a family room or study if required, for an additional £4,000.
Garden sizes vary, but all are on good-sized plots. These are levelled and seeded and surrounded by smooth block walls ready for painting. Front driveways are tarmacadamed - they can be cobblelocked at extra cost.
