Newcastle, Co Dublin/€227,500-€375,000: With high density the buzz word, it is easy to forget that - especially with family houses - a sense of community is paramount. With this in mind, buyers anxious to put down roots will appreciate the layout at Newcastle Manor, a development in its third phase at Newcastle, Co Dublin.

Douglas Newman Good is opening show houses this weekend for 20 units at the Newcastle site. Designed by architects Fenton Simons in English garden suburb style, the avoidance of uniformity and sociable grouping is intended to encourage a sense of community.

There are six different styles of housing in this phase, from apartments to two-storey houses. Prices start at €227,500 for second-floor two-bedroom apartments of 54 sq m (580sq ft). Two-bedroom mid-terrace townhouses of 67 sq m (718 sq ft) cost from €262,500.

Duplex units with three bedrooms and 105 sq m (1,130 sq ft) of living space cost from €269,950. Three-bedroom end-of-terrace houses in three different styles are from €287,500 for up to 102 sq m (1,099 sq ft) of accommodation.

Four-bedroom end-of-terraces of 122-133 sq m (1,230-1,430 sq ft), cost from €350,000. Top of the range corner houses with three bedrooms and 139 sq m (1,495 sq ft) start at €375,000, with two styles to choose from.

Exteriors vary throughout the terraces, with timbered roof windows, tiles in different hues and a variety of window panes creating a village look. Most main bedrooms include an en suite shower, and bathroom fittings are non-standard old-world style.

Most roofs are high-pitched, providing plenty of useful storage space. The apartment and duplex blocks are low-rise, with gabled arches into a courtyard. All apartments have either a balcony or terrace.

General features throughout the development include leaded glass windows and hall doors, either ceiling cornicing or beams, extra-high ceilings and good quality kitchens. Attention to detail extends to the grounds of Newcastle Manor which, when complete, will be quite spectacular. Mature trees, climbers and hedgerows will emulate the suburban estates of the 1940s and 1950s.

Completions are expected from March to May of this year. Showhouses will be open for viewing this weekend.