The manor house, which was originally the seat of the Bishop of Armagh, was built by Daniel Robertson, who was responsible for the Italian gardens at Powerscourt. It is being restored and adapted to accommodate 19 luxury suites.

A number of gate lodges and farm cottages are also being restored. The focal point of the 96-bed hotel currently under construction will be a glazed atrium offering views over the rolling meadows and mature woodland.

Other amenities earmarked for the redeveloped site include a spa, tennis courts, an equestrian centre, a leisure centre, a 25m swimming pool and a children's play area. A number of shops, pubs and a restaurant are also planned for the site.

The championship golf course is being co-designed by Retief Goosen, winner of the US Open in 2001 and 2004, and Jeff Howes Golf Design. Howes was involved in the design of renowned courses including Mount Juliet and Gowran Park.

Carrigglas is about a mileand-a-half from Longford town. The estate features a celebrated avenue and neoclassical courtyards designed by James Gandon, who also created the Custom House and Four Courts in Dublin. In 1837, the Huguenot family bought the house and it stayed in their ownership until it was purchased by the current developers, Tom Kearns and his son Tommie from Lanesboro.

"I suppose the big attraction is the golf course, " says Niall Manley of selling agents Hooke and MacDonald. "Retief Goosen has designed courses in Africa and in Asia, but this is his first European project, so that's a big selling point."

The 160m Carrigglas development is seen as a major boost for the local economy as it will generate 270 jobs during construction and 320 permanent jobs once completed. The hotel is expected to open next year and the golf course should be playable sometime in 2008.

The first phase of 50 houses have just been released for purchase off the plans and will be ready for occupation by mid-2007. Prices start at 340,000 for three-bed houses (92 to 144sq m) and from 370,000 for four-bed houses (119 to 183sq m). There is a choice of towhouses, semidetached and detached homes.

The houses are cutting edge in terms of design, fixtures and fittings, offering a wide range of choice on fireplaces, wall tiling, wardrobes and kitchen presses. The latest environmental and technological systems have been incorporated, including solar panels and CAT 5 cabling for digital and highspeed communications. The estate will have its own private road network with security cameras covering communal areas.

"Carrigglas will develop into a strong community of people who will live here and who will Hooke and MacDonald 01 631 8402