There was strong demand at the first launch of these very large detached homes, costing between 1.3m and 2m earlier this year, mainly because of the picturesque setting, site design and landscaping of the gated development itself, as well as the luxurious finish inside.

This week, developers Laragan Homes, part of the Hanly Group, have put a further 14 large homes in Rocky Valley Crescent . . . and just one three-bed corner house . . . up for sale.

Under the terms of the planning permission, these houses are restricted to buyers who have either lived or worked in Co Wicklow for the past year and their popularity is a sign of the strong local demand for large, highspec family homes.

Approached off Rocky Valley Drive, the small development is one of a number of very expensive, welldesigned enclaves being built in Kilmacanogue village, an area of north Wicklow currently finding new life now that the N11/M50 roadworks are finished and journey times substantially reduced.

Rocky Valley sits between the two Sugarloafs and is right beside Avoca Handweavers shop and restaurant. The houses and two two-storey 'lodge' buildings where there will be a later phase of 14 two-bed apartments, are set around separate landscaped cul-desacs to provide a family-orientated environment.

There are a total of 32 houses within which there are 14 house designs because the developers want each home to look as unique as possible.

Kevin Harmon of agents Hamilton Osborne King, says Laragan Homes have tweaked each floor plan and aspect so that when you go in, the individual properties have a completely different atmosphere. The houses also have converted attics which provide even more living space.

And depending on what stage of construction the house is at when it is bought, there is also limited choice in terms of kitchen finish, fireplaces and tiles which further adds to the bespoke feel about the development.

The houses range in size from 1140 sq ft (for the single three-bed) up to 4,316 sq ft.

They have four, five, six or seven bedrooms and all also have a study, so these are very substantial homes. The size of the gardens varies from one-tenth of an acre up to one-third of an acre.

Double garages come as standard with some of the larger homes.

The homes are also fitted with the latest Smart technology including broadband, phone, integrated sound and TV service, all of which are co-ordinated from a central hub. They also have an integrated home telemetry system which means the owner can remotely activate home systems such as lighting and heating via a text message.

The kitchens are the super-plush Alno range from McNally Kitchens, and include Kuppersbush appliances and granite worktops.

The bedrooms are finished with quality custom-made wardrobes and ornate plasterwork includes ceiling cornices and centre roses.

Each house has at least two en-suites and the bathrooms have cast-iron baths with chrome feet and luxurious fittings. Outside, the houses are finished in brick and painted render, while the pathways are cobblelocked and the gardens finished with grass.

Laragan Homes is a subsidiary of the Hanly Group, one of the country's largest developers, which last year built over 500 houses.

The company has led the way with the introduction of smart technology into new homes, and according to manging director, Alan Hanly, these luxury homes provide a lot of extra features and finishes as standard.

Price: Three, four, five and six bed homes from 775,000 to 2m-plus Agent: HOK 01 6181300