An attractive looking scheme, houses and apartments will be laid out on a 6.5-acre site, much of which will be landscaped, while the main avenue into Royal Canal will be lined with trees and shrubs.

Within walking distance of the town centre, Royal Canal is an urban development, in which architects at Coughlan Associates have designed a mix of both traditional and contemporary homes. Houses are finished in a mix of brick and plaster, while apartment buildings have Swiss-style, deeppitched roofs and dormer windows at attic level.

A busy town with plenty of shops, restaurants and local amenities, Mullingar is on the N4 primary route, the N52, and 10 minutes' drive from the N6, and according to developer John Taggart, location is key to the success of this scheme.

"Since we launched this scheme just over a year ago, " he says, "there has been phenomenal interest, particularly from first time buyers."

Homes at Royal Canal are being sold in 'turn-key' condition to include flooring and fittings, which will likely suit the investor and first-time buyer market.

Duplex units will be laid out over two storeys and include three bedrooms, kitchen with living/dining area, en suite and main bathroom, while four-bed houses will be laid out over three floors.

Standard features in all homes include a choice of five styles of fitted kitchen units complete with all appliances, fitted wardrobes in bedrooms, carpeting to bedroom and living areas, with ceramic flooring in kitchens and bathrooms.

All rooms will be painted cream and downlighting will be fitted in kitchens, bathrooms and living areas.

Bookings are being taken today in the Mullingar Park Hotel from 12pm to 5pm, and at the on-site office Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.

Price: three and four-bed duplexes and houses from 234,950 to 314,950.

Agents: Sherry FitzGerald Davitt & Davitt, 044 61000, and Property Partners James B McDonnell & Co 044 40320