Rural scheme a picture-perfect example of country living

LAUNCHED at the same time as the announcement of the Local Area Plans, this small scheme at Knockraha, Co Cork, is a text-book example of what the planners want for Cork county.

Firstly, this new development of 20 serviced sites and 14 townhouses, called Radharc na Tuaithe, is near a village centre where there's a school and a bus stop to the city a must for cutting down on car dependency.

A new influx of population also keeps schools, shops and pubs alive and preserves local infrastructure.

For those buying into a ready-made community, there is the advantage of living and growing up in a clean, rural environment without the distractions of big city estates.

And, in most cases, buying in the country offers good value especially if it's a self-build project.

Prices here start at around €210,000 for a fifth of an acre, fully serviced plot with planning for house types ranging from 163.4 sqm to 179.57 sqm.

The townhouse will start at €235,000 for the mid-terrace type which has three bedrooms and three bathrooms and 106.80 sqm of space.

A landscaped green area of just under an acre is also being provided, as will roads and services.

The developer is builder Patrick O'Brien, of O'Brien Construction Carrigtwohill, who is prepared to contract-build the detached houses, says Cathal O'Shea of Aveska Funding Ltd, which is who are handling the marketing.

Work will begin on site next week, says Mr O'Shea.

Knockraha is three miles from Glanmire village and 7.5 miles from Cork city.