Solar-powered holiday homes

Construction work has begun on a new development of large solar-powered holiday homes costing from £260,000 upwards at Roney Beach near Gorey in Co Wexford. Fourteen four-bedroom houses are to be built on a site above a quiet stretch of beach. Each will have a site of up to half an acre and there will be a large communal area with a tennis court.

Just three of the dormer-style houses remain for sale, 11 having been sold from plans.

Designed by Wexford architects Joseph Fox & Associates, the 2,400-sq-ft houses will be more luxurious than most holiday homes with standard features including a computer-backed solar heating system, integrated vacuum cleaning system, Jacuzzi baths and hardwood floors in the living areas. Each of the four double bedrooms will have an en suite bathroom and the main bedroom will have French doors opening on to a spacious balcony with views over the sea.

The ground floor is designed to be largely open-plan with double doors from the entrance hall leading into a large airy livingroom with a high beamed ceiling and windows on three sides. This room opens directly into a sun room with French doors to the garden.

The kitchen-cum-breakfastroom also leads off the entrance hall.

Two of the bedrooms are on the ground floor and there are two upstairs off a wide gallery landing. A full fit-out package is being offered by developers McLoughlin O'Mahony Developments, to include furniture, kitchen equipment, bed linen and towels.

A company will be set up to manage and let the houses should owners wish to join a letting pool. The developers estimate that houses could generate rental income of £9,000 per annum, if they are available for letting for a full 12 months.

Active Ireland is also handling the sales of the last three houses. Its telephone number is 01 478 2845.