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.

Up in the large, diverse house-type scheme above Douglas village called Maryborough Woods, and built by O’Brien and O’Flynn, No 9’s an end-terrace four-bed home for sale via agent Jeremy Murphy at €269,000. It’s on the right of one of the Yewlands terraces of four homes per run, so is effectively a semi, and it has a long front garden with side lawn and off-street parking for a couple of motors.

Mr Murphy says it has been extremely well-cared for by its family owners, has one en suite bedroom among its tally of four, has a front living room, kitchen/ dining with family space in a rear section, garden access, utility and guest WC.

The south-facing back garden beyond feels extra rooted, thanks to the presence of mature retained ash trees, and there’s a raised section at the end, plus patio.

VERDICT: A manageable buy for traders up, or even first-time buyers, within a hilly walk of Douglas village.