Trading up: Crossbarry, Cork €690,000

Size: 367 sq m (3,950 sq ft)

Looking for a large family home? Try Haven Lodge, a six-bed home of almost 4,000 sq ft, on a decent 1.8 acre landscaped site west of Cork city. Between Halfway and Crossbarry, the well-built dormer home is private, up on a south-facing ridge, with detached (but linked) four-car garage which has even further accommodation potential.

It’s all for sale with agent Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald who notes that it’s just a ten-minute drive from Cork’s western suburbs and airport, as well as being within easy striking distance of Kinsale and Bandon, plus it’s easily reached from major employers like Schering Plough in Brinny, or Eli Lilly in Dunderrow.