Six detached four-bedroom houses in Clonmellon, County Westmeath, which go on sale this week at £155,000 (#196,810), are a good illustration of the infinitely better value available for those prepared to commute.
The 1,530 sq ft homes include a garage space which can be converted to an extra room, qualify for the first-time buyers' grant and are exempt from stamp duty.
Clonmellon is on the N52 Mullingar-Kells road, some 42 miles from Dublin. It is situated 20 miles from Mullingar and eight miles from Kells.
The development, with its own attractive stone wall entrance, is just a 500-yard walk from the village. Two larger 1,830 sq ft finished homes in the same style have already been sold.
Facades are of attractive redbrick and marble dash, with antique blend roof tiles. The teak front door leads through the hall to a bright sittingroom with a fine bay window.
Coving in the hall and sittingrooms come as standard. French doors open into the diningroom, with patio doors leading to the west-facing back gardens, surrounded by private, six-foot high walls.
There is a good-sized diningroom and breakfastroom/kitchen, with a separate utility and downstairs toilet. Upstairs, there are fine views of the village and countryside.
The main bedroom is en suite and the hot press is spacious. There is a generous distribution of electrical sockets, phone and TV points.
Built by Martin and Charles O'Reilly Ltd, who have a reputation for high quality, the homes' selling agents are Smith Auctioneers, Navan. The development is two miles from Ballinlough Golf Club.
