Trading up: Upper Cloghroe, Blarney; €470,000

Called Tara, this accommodating family home near Blarney in Co Cork — with up to seven bedrooms over its split levels — was last offered for sale a couple of decades ago, but the owners decided to stay put: now, it’s for sale. 

Definitely. Estate agent Norma Healy of Sherry FitzGerald guides this refreshingly different 2,900 sq ft architect-designed home on a pristine and landscaped acre at well-served Cloghroe at €470,000, and says it has great countryside views, especially from its upper level sitting room with double aspect.

With its unusual layout, and with the option of living rooms at both levels, it’s going to appeal to families looking for something just a little bit different, she says, adding that it is easily reach from the Ballincollig by-pass, Cork’s western suburbs, and from third level colleges too.