Secluded and spacious homes at Macreddin resort

Co Wicklow/from €1.45m: Chalet style houses in a 'village' scheme at a new golf resort are on the market, writes Anne Dempsey.

The development of Macreddin Village near Aughrim in Co Wicklow, continues apace with the construction of 22 large detached houses in tandem with a 160-acre golf course all within the complex of the BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa. The lhomes - which are being sold from plans through Colliers Jackson-Stops, come in three styles and range in price from €1.45 million to €1.75 million. The first phase of eight homes will come on stream in spring 2007 - the golf course is set to be completed by next summer.

The houses will appeal to golfers looking for a holiday home with lots of facilities nearby, not least of these the excellent bar in the hotel, Equally, with each home situated on around one-quarter acre, the choice to live in privacy and seclusion can also be exercised.

The 200-acre Macreddin Village is the brainchild of Evan, Eoin and Bernard Doyle who combined skills in catering, marketing and property development to design and create a quiet and beautiful oasis, set in a leafy valley near Aughrim. Opening at the start of 2000, the village centrepiece is the BrookLodge Hotel with its 64 bedrooms, Ireland's only certified organic restaurant, spa, and village shops. The family brew and serve their own beer in the pub, and bake their own bread which is sold in the village bakery. Other shopfronts include a café, craft and clothes shop, plus a delicatessen which sells produce such as pesto, jams and chutneys all made in-house. There is also a gated fragrant organic herb garden situated appropriately near the kitchen quarters.

Other facilities include a conference section and an equestrian centre with horse riding, trekking and tuition available at all skills levels. A new 24-bedroom wing, brasserie, conference centre and exercise swimming pool are in the pipeline, while out of doors there is access to miles of woodland paths and trails, off-road driving tracks and clay shooting. The Wells Spa, built within the last few years, has 16 treatment rooms, swimming pool, steam room, outdoor hot tub and an eclectic mix of face and body cossetting.

Built in red cedar and stone, the houses are by Lindal Cedar Homes, a long-established Canadian company, known internationally for its signature post-and-beam designs and detailed craftsmanship. Situated in clusters of four, each house will have its own unhindered and unique view of the golf course.

The emphasis is on bright open-plan living space, walking from the front door straight into the main living area in a way so familiar from a hundred US sitcoms. The living areas have soaring ceilings, immense glazed areas, balconies and decking all designed to pull the valley into the house. The main bedroom in all cases is on the ground floor.

Standing at the back nine of the golf course at the 10th and 11th hole beside the site for the first eight homes, there is a panoramic view of sky, green valley and blue distant hills. No house will be more than five minute away from the hotel.

Phase one combines each house type. Priced at €1.75 million, the Muskoka is the largest house style with 405sq m(4,359sq ft). There are three reception rooms, including a first floor recreation room and plentiful decking. Two en suite bedrooms are on the ground floor with each of the three first floor en suite bedrooms sporting a balcony to capitalise on the glorious views.

On 305sq m (3,292sq ft), Cliffside is a split-level home with a livingroom, family room, decking and the main bedroom suite on the ground floor, with three further en suite bedrooms and a recreation room on the lower ground floor. It is priced at €1.45 million.

Vista Spring has a floor plan of 262sq m (2,820sq ft) and is also priced €1.45 million, promising a high standard of finish. This house style has two spacious reception rooms and three en suite bedrooms.

Kitchens by Edwin Loxley look sleek and gleaming in their brochure. They feature the state-of-the-art equipment you would expect in such surroundings, while fittings in birr oak offer a country feel. Bathrooms by Nevobad feature large cocoon baths complemented by cascade high pressure taps.

With each house purchase comes the use of hotel facilities, free golf club membership for two, and a golf buggy. Garden and exterior home maintenance will be by Macreddin management.

The homes are grouped around the exterior of the 72-par golf course which encircles the hotel. Designed by Ryder Cup winner, Paul McGinley, the front nine holes sweep eastward from the clubhouse, while the back nine move across the valley boasting well protected greens, elevated landing areas fringed by pine trees, the Rive Creedon weaving throughout. The clubhouse, finished in natural materials in sympathy with the surrounding homes, will incorporate a bar, lounge, terraces, dining, changing rooms and golf shop/reception.