Set on the east coast, this former fishing village has been named the best place for work-life balance in Ireland - and the house prices aren't too bad.
One of the most important parts of house-hunting is often what's not mentioned in buying guides -- work-life balance.
Proximity to amenities, commute time, and space for a home office for hybrid working are all factors buyers consider.
This has pushed those working in the capital to extend their search further out into the commuter belt. Arklow in Co Wicklow's train connections to the metropolis have already put it on the savvy home hunter's radar. It is this, along with local amenities, coastal location, connectivity for hybrid working and more affordable house prices, that contributed to switcher.ie recently naming it as the best town in Ireland for work-life balance.
We've found three properties that could help you achieve the ultimate work-life balance goal in the Garden County.
Smartly appointed semi
Address: 47 Oaklands, Arklow, Co Wicklow, Y14N266
Asking price: €359,000
Agent: Forkin Earles
Up first is a fine three-to-four-bed, two-bathroom in a quiet cul-de-sac, with easy access to the M11 motorway - perfect for those who need to commute to Dublin, or even Wexford.
The double-fronted home's location, coupled with the fact that it is well presented, will garner attention. Measuring 110 square metres in szie it has a separate living room and kitchen.
The former is a square-shaped room furnished with pieces in eye-catching colours, set around a wood-fired stove, shown in lead shot.
There is an eat-in kitchen at the back, featuring a small island along shaker-style beige cabinetry. Glass sliding doors wash the room in light and lead out to a spacious garden.
The house has a flexible layout. Currently, it is set up as having three bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs. The downstairs room, a large double, has an en-suite bathroom, mirrored sliding wardrobes and room fora desk, so it can double as a home office.
Upstairs, there are two doubles, a single and a shower room.
Blending its proximity to a wide range of amenities with a home that's optimal for modern family living, Forkin Earles is seeking €359,000 for the semi-detached home.
Bungalow bliss on large plot
Address: 34 Harbour Court, Arklow, Co Wicklow, Y14HW90
Estate Agent: Peter Mills Property
Asking price: €429,000
Set mature, low-density development on the south-eastern side of the town, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow has a C2 energy rating and extends to 122 square metres.
It already has a really good layout and all rooms feature large windows, making it light-filled throughout. The accommodation is to the left of the bright entrance hall. To the right is a spacious, dual-aspect living room with tiled flooring, a feature carried throughout the home.
Double doors lead through to the eat-in kitchen, a long, rectangular, dual-aspect space with a laundry room off it. The house needs some modernisation, and measures 122 square metres in size. There is scope to extend into the large garden at the back, which has a patio, and is laid out in lawn.
The primary bedroom is well-proportioned and has an en-suite bathroom. Two of the three remaining bedrooms are doubles, while the fourth is a single.
Bridgewater Shopping Centre is nearby. As are the local beaches, and the M11 motorway.
A-rated abode ready to move into
Address: Saint Michael's Terrace, Arklow, Co Wicklow, Y14ND79
Asking price: €350,000
Estate agent: Raymond Gaffney and Sons Ltd
Just a short stroll from Arklow's Main Street is a contemporarised two-bedroom A2 Ber-rated end-terrace house that extends to 72 square metres. The bedrooms are at entrance level.
The home is unique in that it is 'upside down'-- i.e. the two bedrooms are on the ground floor while common living areas are on the first floor, creating a brilliantly unique living arrangement.
The two bedrooms are remarkably spacious with laminate flooring offering a modern atmosphere, while the smaller of the two could be easily converted to a home office should you only need to use one of the rooms.
The shower room is fully tiled with a built-in shower unit and a heated towel rack to sweeten the deal.
Upstairs, there is a bright and spacious open plan kitchen/dining room/living room with grey cabinetry in an L-shape in one corner of the room. A roof light window brings in additional natural light and would make a good place to position a dining table.
The house is unfurnished.
Large format glazing washes the space in light, and double doors open out to a covered balcony.
Measuring out to 72m sq, the A2 Ber-rated home is in turn-key condition, with Raymond Gaffney and Sons seeking €350,000.
