In bluebell woods by a river

Co Wexford: €600,000A spacious 1960s house has enchanting gardens and 27 acres - to be sold separately - running down to the River Slaney. Kate McMorrow reports

It is a salutary lesson to look at what €600,000 will buy these days. The sum might secure a modest home in the city, or it could buy Carraig House in Co Wexford, a 260sq m (2,800sq ft) four-bed house near Enniscorthy with an acre of enchanting gardens.

A further 27 acres running down to the River Slaney is to be sold separately with the property, which is in St John's, a sought-after area less than a mile from the town off the New Ross Road.

The sale by private traty is being handled by local agent Sherry FitzGerald O'Leary, which is quoting over €600,000 for the house on an acre and €1.2 million-plus for the land.

Carraig House and a separate guest cottage were built in the early 1960s by estate agent Clarke Warren for his own use. Proportions are excellent, with the sense of spaciousness that epitomises the era.

The interior is charming and well-kept, although new owners will probably put a 21st century stamp on the decor.

The gardens are a huge attraction, with cottage flowers and old apple trees extending into woodland and pasture.

Off the hallway is a cloakroom and guest toilet. One sittingroom has a Cotswold stone fireplace and split-level dining area.

Another includes a wood-burning stove, two wall beds and a window seat for gazing out on the bluebell woods. A third reception is used as a study. The big kitchen/breakfastroom opens to a laundry, utility and sunroom.

Upstairs are four good double bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room, and a pink family bathroom with bath and stand-alone shower.

The stone cottage is currently used for family visitors and includes a kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom, shower and sittingroom.

Behind the house are two stables, kennels and a cluster of sheds.

The lands are bounded by the picturesque Ring Wood and the river. Lawns, fruit trees and bushes, wisteria and the cottage flowers make a colourful show around the house and cottage. The land beyond this stretches to the river bank.