Trading up: Maryborough, Cork €269,000

Sq m: 115 (1,246 sq ft)

The term ‘family home’ can be read in several ways - one of which might read ‘home to bunch of free-ranging kids, everything up in a heap, a bit grubby and lived-in, but sure everyone’s happy out so what matter.’

Family home No 9 Yewlands doesn’t fit the first chunk of that description, it manages to exude calm amid child-care, and is tidier — yet more child-focused — than most families could hope to achieve.