Five-bedroom detached houses in a small development in Moone, Co Kildare, aimed at the top end of the market are being launched this weekend by Kilcullen auctioneer Andrew J Nolan. Prices in Shackleton Village are £475,000 with features in the showhouse standard thoughout the development. The village is about nine miles from Kilcullen, and slightly further from Carlow and is situated on the N9, currently being upgraded.

The Corran Homes development will comprise 12 houses and first completions will be by the end of the year. Five houses are for sale in the first phase. The development will be approached through limestone entrance piers, crafted by local stone masons, leading onto cobbled footpaths.

These are large family homes with around 2,800 sq ft. The interior of the house is bright and finished in creams and whites by interior designer Niamh Strathern. The entrance hall is particularly spacious with French oak flooring running into the sittingroom, diningroom, study and landings.

The sittingroom has a wide window and an Irish blue limestone fireplace with a slate hearth, while the diningroom has a French limestone fireplace, also with a slate hearth. This room has French doors leading to timber decking overlooking the rear garden. The decking extends to 600 sq ft and is partly covered with a porch, creating a verandah.

The diningroom leads into the kitchen, which has a top-of-the-range Zanussi stainless steel oven, hob and other integrated units. Utility units are hand-painted in cream and made of solid redwood; the floor is French limestone. Worktops are also in limestone with recessed fluted drainers and the utility room has a deep Belfast sink.

Also at this level is a study with fitted shelving. The room could be used as a small sixth bedroom. There is adequate understairs storage.

A winding handmade oak staircase leads upstairs. Here, two of the bedrooms are en suite and there is a large family bathroom with both shower and bath. Four of the bedrooms are doubles and there is a single room. All bedrooms have fully-fitted wardrobes with etched glass detail.

Indeed, it is the detail which sets these houses apart: they have features such as brass and brushed chrome switches and sockets, built-in window seats in both the breakfastroom and bathroom, and a central vacuum system with outlets on both floors. Attractive wainscot panelling features in the entrance lobby, kitchen, breakfast and utility rooms and downlighters are extensively used in all rooms as well as in the porches.

Outside, the front garden is bound by classical iron six-bar railings with cast-iron posts. To the rear, timber fencing will be erected and the houses sit on approx. one-third of an acre.

Moone is a small village with basic facilities, including a primary school. These houses are likely to appeal to families with an interest in country pursuits. Rathsallagh Golf Course is within easy reach and Dublin city is about 35 miles away, will be a fast commute once the N9 motorway is opened.