Away to Aughrim

SUNNYBANK HOUSE, REDNAGH ROAD, AUGHRIM, CO WICKLOW

WITH the exception of Dublin, Wicklow is the most expensive county in Leinster in which to buy property. According to the most recent Daft.ie report, the average price of a property in the Garden of Ireland stood at just under €315,000 at the end of June.

For €15,000 more than the average, prospective purchasers might consider Sunnybank House, an imposing 5/6 bedroom double-fronted two-storey residence in the granite stone village of Aughrim.

The house has charm and character and sits on a half-acre of established gardens of half an acre, which are nicely secluded thanks to numerous mature trees. There is a formal garden to the front, a large parking area to the rear and a garden area further back.

Located opposite the Bowling Green and Angling Lake, Sunnybank House has attractive views yet lies very close to the village centre. The agents say the property has been rented out and requires some upgrading. New owners will probably want to hang on to and refurbish the original Aga in the kitchen, but may abandon the avocado bathroom suite.

Aughrim is a former gold medal winner in the Tidy Towns villages section, and is very well maintained. The village is a commutable 80km from Dublin and 14.5km from Arklow, which has all the major supermarkets.

The new owners of Sunnybank House will be able to take up country pursuits including fishing, hill walking, mountain biking, horseriding and kayaking, all of which are available in the area.

There is also a parkland golf course at Woodenbridge and a links course in Arklow. AGENT: Sherry FitzGerald Myles Doyle (0402) 32367