Designed along similar lines to the Fairgreen Village scheme in Portlaoise, Esker Hills provides a wide range of elegant, traditional-style houses, all bearing pretty names like Holly, Katherine and Florence.

Designed in keeping with traditional village housing, homes at Esker Hills have been snapped up at previous launches, and with prices from 218,000, it's easy to see why.

Set on a 45-acre elevated site overlooking the town, Esker Hills will eventually comprise 488 detached and semi-detached houses. On offer in this phase are five types of three-bed homes, the Joan, the June, the Holly, the Katherine and the Florence.

The June has a floor area of 88sq m (953sq ft). A charming-looking house which comes in detached or semidetached style, it has a deep pitched roof with fleur-delys capping.

The Joan is a slightly larger three-bed at 95sq m (1,017sq ft), and again comes either detached or semidetached.

The Katherine is a larger than average three-bed with a floor area of 127sq m (1,369sq ft). This home has an unusual pyramid-shaped roof and old-style porch. Well laid-out with good-sized kitchen, dining and livingrooms, this home is aimed at the family market.

The development is entered via large gates, and the roads are designed to slow traffic. The site will be well landscaped to include a pond and water-feature.

A special package is available for buyers who want a home that is completely ready to walk into, complete with floors, furnishing etc.

Standard features in all include a choice of tiling for kitchens and bathrooms, fitted wardrobes, gas-fired central heating and fitted water-softening units.

Price: three-bed houses from 218,000 to 300,000 Agent: Owenass Direct (057-8643567)