Bland Sneem ‘ghost’ estate banished

A ghost estate in Co Kerry has been reclaimed and tastefully replaced writes Trish Dromey

A GHOST estate is being banished from the picturesque south Kerry village of Sneem, and replaced by a pretty development of colourful townhouses with Victorian-style embellishments.

Renamed Pairc na Sonas, the 42-house development has been taken over by a group of building professionals who have set out to tackle the problem of unsightly ghost estates in three Munster locations — starting in Sneem.

Laois company, Plus Developments brought in Darragh Quinn architects, KPH Construction and Hutch Hollywood engineers to complete and enhance the development and have released the first nine houses with prices ranging from €99,000 up to €129,000.

Selling agent DNG O’Sullivan say the developers have worked wonders with the scheme consisting of houses at varying stages of completion.

“The bland exteriors have been transformed by the use of Victorian architectural embellishment and lighting, colour, porches, stone-walling, picket-style fencing and landscaping,’’ says auctioneer Tadhg O’Sullivan.

The three bed houses range in size from 111 sq m up to 129 sq m. The development offers three house styles all with fitted kitchens, utility rooms, fireplaces and bathroom tiling while the larger ones have en suites. Offering gas heating, the houses have an energy rating of either B2 or B3.

Mr O’Sullivan says that Pairc na Sonas now offers excellent value for money. “There are nine on the market now starting at €99,000, a massive 70% saving on the intended 2007 offering.”.

The auctioneers are opening a show house for viewings every Saturday from 12 until 2.30pm.

LOCATION: Sneem, Kerry

PRICE: €99,000-€129,000

SIZE: Sq m 111 up to 129 sq m

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

BER RATING: B2/B3

BEST FEATURE: Ring of Kerry gem-setting

VERDICT: Sneem’s back with spirit.