Live in luxury for less

Sinead Hogan Fancy living in Celtic Tiger luxury, but with a recession-sized mortgage repayment? According to Anne Bannon, that's exactly what you can do at St. James Court. With the showhouse featuring soft furnishings by designers including Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, the properties have all the hallmarks of more flúirseach times but are now "priced to sell". The showhouse, for example, was originally priced at €1.4million but now has a tag of €800,000. There are also two houses which are sealed but not completed internally, and these are available at €400,000 each. "These are houses with a real value. They're magnificent, and at the current prices they're a real steal," according to Ms. Bannon. Set in the charming countryside near the market town of Kingscourt, St. James Court is a an exclusive development of six large detached residences, each sitting on an average of one acre. Featuring natural stone and brick elevations, there is a choice of layouts, ranging in size from 365m2 to 475 m2. The Lismore (the showhouse) is a six-bedroom detached residence extending to 365m2 (3,928 sqft) approx and sits on C 0.76 acre. The Ormonde is a six-bedroom detached residence extending to 365m2 approx. and sits on C 0.7 acre. The Carrigeen is a six-bedroom detached residence extending to 365m2 approx and sits on C 0.73 acre. The Ballymore is a six-bedroom detached residence extending to 365m2 and sits on C 0.8 acre. Neighbouring the development, the tranquil haven of Cabra Castle stands on 88 acres of superb gardens and parklands including its own nine-hole golf course. The area is also ideal for coarse fishing in the numerous nearby rivers and lakes such as the Ervey and the Greaghlone. Across from Saint James' Court is the 565 acres of Dun a Ri Forest Park. With its leafy glades and interesting features such as Cromwell's Bridge, Toba na Splinne, Holly Well and the Ice House, it also features a dramatic gorge embracing part of the Cabra Estate with beautiful views of Slieve Guillon and the Mountains of Mourne. Enquiries to Anne Bannon at 087-2318677, or to Peter Donohoe at 086-6012726 or John Barry at 087-2341221.