The idea of the Chantiere Partnership and architects McCarthy O'Hora, Chantiere is selling as a ready-to-go site with planning permission for 136 top-of-the-range homes from two-bed apartments to large four- and five-bed detached houses.

According to local selling agent John Dunne of Hume Auctioneers, the Chantiere Partnership asked it to research the Portlaoise market and see where the gaps were.

"We found there were a lot of two- and three-bed starter homes built recently but a real shortage of larger homes for the trader-up market, " explains Dunne.

Close proximity to Dublin, about one hour by train, has resulted in the town growing hugely in recent years, with many young families moving here from Dublin and Kildare for more affordable housing and a better lifestyle, says Dunne.

"We've had a lot of interest, and an offer of 12m which we turned down, " says Dunne.

The site, which is just five minutes walk from town, will be accessed through the existing Chantiere Gate development.

The plans allow for five different styles of homes. The larger four- and five-bed homes will come in a range of detached, semi-detached and terraced units, all designed in a traditional, Edwardian-style, complete with red-tiled roofs, railed porches and timber-cladding detail.

Building will be in four phases, and the large detached homes are expected to be priced at 600,000 plus.

Further information from Hume Auctioneers, 0502-22452