Final few homes in starter scheme near Gorey

Co Wexford: from €178,000: Two and three-bedroom houses in a variety of styles and sizes are selling in Gorey through local agency Warren Estates Real Estate Alliance.

Prices at Creagh Demesne are lower than their Dublin equivalents, starting at €178,000 for three two-bedroom mid-terrace townhouses of 68 sq m (733 sq ft). Three three-bed mid-terrace houses of 87 sq m (881 sq ft) cost €190,000.

There are also two three-bedroom end-terrace houses at €194,000 with 87 sq m (881 sq ft) of space. Top-of-the-range are three semi-detached houses with three bedrooms and 95 sq m (1,026 sq ft) of space, priced from €214,000 to €217,000, depending on orientation.

This scheme of 63 terraced and semi-detached houses is about half a mile from the town centre, approached to the right off the Main Street. The 11 houses currently for sale comprise the final phase and earlier buyers have moved in. These units will be ready for occupation by spring, according to the selling agent.

Developers and builders are Byrne & Byrne of Bunclody, which has a strong track record in Co Wexford, with housing schemes in Enniscorthy, Wexford town, New Ross, Kilmuckridge and Courtown among previous projects. Beer & Burgess is the architect at Creagh Demesne.

The houses - mostly timber frame construction - have a traditional layout, with either a sittingroom to the front and kitchen/diningroom spanning the rear or vice versa. A downstairs toilet is fitted under the stairs and the family bathroom is set between the two or three upstairs bedrooms. All three-bedroom houses include an en suite shower off the main bedroom.

Specification is good, with sittingroom fireplaces, good quality kitchen units and white sanitary ware. A flexible arrangement allows buyers to chose alternative kitchens and fireplaces. Allowances of €1,900 for two-bedroom and €2,500 for three-bedroom kitchens can be used to change the kitchen units. Buyers can either accept the simple timber and cast-iron fireplace or choose their own with an allowance of €500. A wardrobe allowance of €1,000 is also provided. Wall and floor tiling is not included.

All the houses have small gardens back and front, with rear gardens seeded and fenced. Open green spaces have been created for communal use. Annual management fees are currently €250 per household.

About 55 miles from Dublin, Gorey is far enough from the capital to have its own unique character and social scene. The arts feature prominently - the town sends more young people to the National College of Art and Design than most in the country and there are thriving arts, drama and photographic groups. Train and bus services link Gorey with Dublin, which is about one-and-a-half hour's drive along the N11.