What will €500,000 buy?

Address: 51 Corbawn Drive, Shankill, Dublin 18

Agent: DNG Dún Laoghaire

Inside this three-bedroom, 104sq m (1,119sq ft) detached house has been beautifully decorated, with features including walnut floors and a wood-burning stove. It has also had insulation and solar panels installed. Accommodation includes a living room, kitchen/dining room, three bedrooms (one with en suite) and a bathroom. There is parking to the front and the back garden has a lawn, fruit trees and shed. The Dart station and village are nearby, as is the sea. BER: C3

Plus: The interior is a masterclass in contemporary design using good quality materials

Minus: The exterior has poor proportions overall including mean windows

Address: De La Cour Villa, Dooniskey, Lissarda, Co Cork

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Hinchion

Built in the 18th century by the De La Cour family, this substantial home sits in a verdant site of over three acres. At the end of a tree-lined drive, it sits high enough to get wide views of the countryside. The gardens include formal lawns and a wood floored with bluebells. There are three reception rooms, a dining room and kitchen plus two bathrooms and five bedrooms (two with dressing rooms attached). It is half an hour from Cork and 10 minutes from Macroom. BER exempt

Plus: Lush parkland around the house and generous proportions within

Minus: The house needs a bit of work, including the walls which look worse for wear