Regarded as the perfect example of a Palladian mansion anywhere throughout Ireland or Britain, this family seat of the Dukes of Leinster, dating back to the early 17th century sits in splendour behind a five-mile boundary wall just outside the university town of Maynooth, 15 miles from Dublin. The Carton Estate was bought by the Mallaghan family in 1977.

Now homeowners can experience some of that classical ambience with the final release of 15 houses at Leinster Wood, the development of 115 properties with the woodlands adjacent to the parkland. The undeniable attraction of Carton Demesne as a place to call home has made for a mix of purchasers to date, from families attracted to the country ambience, couples downsizing as well as golfers and non-golfers alike. Woodland and nature walks make for a safe, natural environment in which to rear a family, while the hotel, integrated with the original Carton House, offers excellent spa and leisure facilities in which to unwind. Of the two championship golf courses, the Montgomery course played host to the 2005 and 2006 Irish Open, while the O'Meara course was the venue for the Irish Amateur championship in 2004 and 2005 respectively. The showhouses, designed by Helen Turkington and Cavey Designs, are also for sale in the final 15 homes. The houses are named after the family who once presided over this grand estate, and new owners can choose from the detached, six-bed Emily, with fully integrated basement and views over the water, the four/five-bed detached Duke, also with basement; or the smaller Earl, a four-bed semi.

The Earl has an entrance hall, large kitchen and option to create a separate dining room. Both the Duke and the Emily designs have very large open plan kitchen/dining rooms, a drawing room, office and family room. All homes have en-suites to most of the bedrooms and luxury main bathrooms.

Need to know

Price: four-beds to six-beds from 1.01m to 2.5m
Size of units: ranging from 1,987sq ft to 3,786sq ft
Standard features: High spec SieMatic or Nolan fitted kitchens, Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware, period-style fireplaces, allowance for hardwood floors/ carpet
Size of development: 115 units
On-site facilities: Hotel, spa and leisure facilities, Linden Tree restaurant, parkland extending to circa 1,100 acres, two championship golf courses (membership included)
Completion date: Ongoing until early 2008
Transport links: Regular mainline train; also Arrow commuter train from Celbridge and Leixlip
Distance from Dublin: 15 miles
Agent: Coonan Real Alliance 01-628 6128