Address: 15 Castleknock Drive, Castleknock, Dublin 15 Agent: Sherry FitzGerland

Near Castleknock station, this four-bedroom, 144.9sq m detached house has an airy feel with warm colours and solid wood floors. On the ground floor is a sitting room, living/dining room, kitchen and wc. Above are four bedrooms, one en suite, and a bathroom. There is a garden to the rear and side. BER: E2

Plus: Fresh bright colour scheme. One of the bedrooms opens to a balcony.

Minus: Ground floor could be opened up: at the moment a WC in a central position disrupts the flow. There is a lack of planting in the garden.

Address: Caragh Lake, Killorglin, Co Kerry Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Coughlan

With a lake and views of Carrantuohill at the bottom of its two-acre garden, this five-bedroom house closely relates to its setting with its stone exterior and large windows and glazed doors. The landscape can also be appreciated from the upper living space with south-facing balcony. Built in 1994, the house has five bathrooms, two of them en-suites. There is also a self-contained apartment in the basement along with a garage. BER: C3.

Plus: The lake at the bottom of the garden, with a jetty. Mature trees and lawn surrounding it and connection to those through large windows and glazed doors.

Minus: Colour scheme won't suit everyone being on the yellow and beige side, punctuated by dark glossy wood. The overall feel, with copious tiled floors, could do with warming up.