Trading up: Co Waterford €295,000

Sq m: 167 (1,800 sq ft)

The engineer owner of Rockcliffe, a one-off detached home at The Blaskets, in Ballymabin by Dunmore East, Co Waterford was hands-on in its construction and specification — and it shows.

A recently completed 1,800 sq ft home, it’s extremely well-built, says auctioneer Brian O’Shea of REA O’Shea O’Toole, instancing things like a combined dual central heating system with condenser oil burner/multi-fuel stove plumbed into underfloor heating, with climate control.

Highly insulated, and with 9’ high ceilings, it scores a good B2 BER rating and uses attractive timbers like yew and oak in the main living room’s fireplace, while the kitchen and sun room have onyx marble tiled floors.

Rockcliffe is wired for multi-speaker surround sound, TV, internet, phone etc and the attic is floored and wired.

One of the three bedrooms is en suite and the main bathroom has a jetted bath.

VERDICT: A top-drawer new build in picturesque Dunmore East, and a one-off to boot.