The photos you see here demonstrate the versatility of two of my favourite types of native stone. The first photo demonstrates the use of Liscannor stone, used here for paving, creating a curved seating area, a set of curved steps and some low stone walling. The stone creates a natural old world look to a garden, as soon as it is laid it changes a space completely.

Auctioneers often say that only three things matter when valuing a property. They are location, location and location. When selling your home there are a different three items that matter. Exposure, exposure and exposure. That's how you sell you home faster and for more money. Luring prospective buyers to your home does not have to be a challenging task. There are always going to be people looking to move.

There comes a time in everybody's life when decisions have to be made. These decisions range from the early ones (favourite colour), the middle stage ones (favourite subject in school) and the later ones (should I rent or buy)? In Ireland we have a relationship with land and property that is steeped in blood and history.

Address: 1 Redwood Lane, Broomfield, Midleton, Co. Cork
Type: Five-bed detached
Note: Gas fired central heating, landscaped gardens
Contact: Michael Pigott, Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan Midleton 021-4621166
Price: €395,000

Address: 17A, Mount Sion Road, Greenmount, Cork
Type: Two-bed semi detached
Note: Gas fired central heating
Contact: Redfords, 021-4272000
Price: €210,000

Address: 42 Granary Hall, Mount Oval Village, Rochestown, Cork
Type: Two-bed apartment
Note: Electric central heating, security system
Contact: Peter Skuse, Cahalane Skuse Auctioneers 021-4279179
Price: €249,500

Address: 65 Glenheights Park, Ballyvolane, Cork
Type: Three-bed end of terrace
Note: Gas fired central heating
Contact: Michael O'Donovan, Sherry FitzGerald Cork, 021-4273041 086-8205474
Price: €225,000

Address: 81 Maryborough Court, Maryborough Hill, Douglas, Cork
Type: Three-bed semi detached
Note: Gas fired central heating
Contact: Michael Creedon, DNG Michael Creedon 021-4897727
Price: €265,000

I am writing this article from a small mountain top town called Montone in Umbria, having just watched the sun go down over an incredible vista of olive groves vineyards and pencil thin conifers. A welcome break after six weeks of hard work on an exciting project we are building in Crosshaven.

Address: Garriencoona, Effin, Charleville, Co. Cork
Type: Four-bed detached bungalow
Note: Oil fired central heating
Contact: Katriona O'Dwyer 021-4272000
Price: €195,000