"Twenty per cent of our clients are from Dublin and we suspect this figure will increase due to greater road accessibility, particularly when the motorway network from Dublin to Limerick is completed in 2010."

The quality of life and cost factors are very attractive to buyers in this area, he added.

"Lough Derg is one of the nicest parts of the country and only about 100 miles from Dublin. It has great recreational facilities, plus good restaurants, pubs etc and as a result we expect prices to rise significantly over the next 10 years."

BOC Properties is currently offering two high end properties in Garrykennedy and Townlough.

Treetops is a contemporary and luxurious five bedroom, villa-style property nestled in an idyllic, rural and peaceful setting in Garrykennedy and enjoying complete privacy and seclusion. The house sits on three acres of lake-fronted mature gardens and forest walks, with its own private deep water harbour and 40 foot boat house.

The property (approximately 5,500 square feet), comprises a large sitting room, formal dining room, extremely spacious kitchen/ dining/living area, sunroom, cinema, wine cellar, office, utility, garage and five bedrooms, three of which are ensuite. The master bedroom suite is entered by double doors leading to a dressing room and finally into a large marble-tiled double ensuite, boasting a raised jacuzzi bath, providing the full benefit of the views of Lough Derg.

A large, modern sun terrace with chrome and glass railings, providing uninterrupted views across the lake to the Clare shore, is accessed from both the sitting room and kitchen. There is a further balcony perched among tall trees where one can relax quietly in the shade.

The bespoke solid walnut kitchen with granite worktops is both contemporary and spacious, with a large island unit in its centre.

In general the decor of the house has been kept light and airy and glass walls feature throughout. Interest has been added here and there with the use of colour, for example aquamarine wallpaper from the Designers Guild is used on one wall of the sunroom, creating a striking contrast.

Treetops is accessed through electric gates, flanked on either side by high stone piers and walls, leading to a long tree lined avenue sweeping up to the house.

In Townlough, Carraig Derg is a former derelict hillside cottage sitting on 29 acres, which has been lovingly restored to create an interior designed dormer house surrounded by extensive, mature, landscaped gardens with breathtaking, panoramic views over Lough Derg.

The designer hand-painted walls, double glazing and classic style fixtures and fittings create a feeling of cosy sophistication. Upstairs are three bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms. Downstairs the solid pine fitted kitchen-dining area with Aga and Mexican terracotta floor tiles is bright and spacious. The adjacent utility room leads directly to a car port.

The sitting room features a large, beamed, open fireplace flanked by custom-made bookshelves. Patio doors open onto a paved area with a beautifully established pergola. There is a downstairs toilet and to the far side, a well appointed conservatory complete with fan and bespoke blinds. This leads onto a paved area with electric yawning overlooking the well stocked fish pond and spectacular gardens.

There are several different garden 'rooms'. The lower aspect includes a landing space for a helicopter and nearby, a mass of wild roses and tropical plants surround a large pond.

This, the larger of the two water features, is filled with mature carp and its fountain is illuminated at night to stunning effect.

Passing through a small orchard of apple trees, there is a terraced garden and patio paved with Liscannor stone - an ideal space for relaxing and entertaining. On the far side of the house is a lawn surrounded by mature herbaceous borders and an attractive log cabin-style garden shed.

The house is completely private and nature lovers have direct access to woodland walks in the area which are part of the Lough Derg Way.

The main approach to the house is along a tree-lined avenue with stud-rail fencing, but there is also a second access point from the land to the Ballina-Portroe road.

But while the property is private, it is by no means isolated. Limerick is approximately 20 miles away and it is only 12 miles to Nenagh and four miles to Ballina/Killaloe.

There are a number of pubs, fine restaurants and wine bars in Ballina and Portroe and nearby Garrykennedy also boasts excellent access to the lake with its new slipway and marina. BOC Properties, Tel: 067 23460.