The first 40 homes were snapped up after being sold from the plans earlier in the year, and now Slane Developments is releasing another 22 houses, and is expecting similar interest.

A small number of large up-market dormer bungalows at Kerry's Garden, one of the old castle gardens, will be released in a later phase, with prices expected to be in the region of 725,000 to 750,000.

These homes will have around 232sq m (2,500sq ft) of space and will have some top-of-the-range fittings.

On an elevated site in Slane village, Castle Garden is in a picturesque location, with all homes having views of the castle and the Boyne Valley. Building is now under way with the homes due to be ready between the end of this year and early 2007.

Just off the east/west N51, Slane is a pretty country village with local shops and facilities, while nearby Drogheda and Navan, both a short drive away, offer a good range of schools, businesses, shopping and other amenities.

Traditional in style, these pretty homes are designed to reflect 19th century village architecture, with their stone-cut features, dormer windows and overhanging timber porches.

Three-bed houses have a floor area of 102sq m (1,100sq ft), while four-beds range in size from 111sq m to 148sq m (1,200sq ft to 1,600sq ft). All homes include a hall, living room, kitchen/diningroom, bedrooms, bathroom and en-suite, while some of the larger four-beds also have a conservatory.

Bright and modern on the inside, all homes come with fitted Nolan kitchens, fitted wardrobes, wall tiling in the kitchen, bathroom and en-suite, and levelled and seeded front and rear gardens.

Castle Garden, Slane, Co Meath Price: three-bed houses from 335,000; four-bed houses from 375,000 to 400,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald New Homes (01-6671888)