Topic Newspapers House & Home

TOPIC NEWSPAPERS’

house & HOME

Autumn 2017

Useful tips for decorating...

2

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

W hether you’ve just moved or are looking for a quick, little home pick-me-up, or perhaps something more significant, there are some well-known interior design t rick s t hat designers employ that you too can easily do with minimal effort and cost.

Sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. It could be the addition of a mirror, a painting, a lamp or even a plant. Maybe you want to soften your walls, brighten a room, or add some warmth to your living space.

Take a look at these clever design tips and see how they can inspire you!

1. Paint sm aller rooms in softer, lighter colours to help make the room feel larger The living room is a great example of how to maximise a small living space. A room of this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light coloured walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the nat-

ural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colours will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.

2. Use decorative mirrors to add instant light to your living s pace

Mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space.

Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.

3. Mix it up.

Mix up patterns and textures. Mix up old and new, expensive and inexpensive.

There’s nothing wrong with placing family heir-looms your modern alongside couch. All good interior decorators will tell you that the most important aspect to decorating your home is that it reflects who you are, your personality and your own style. The antique Chippendale desk that was your grandfather’s tells a story. It tells the story of your past.

The modern couch you fell in love with and simply had to purchase also tells a story, your present story, and there is no reason why the present and past can’t co- exist beautifully together. The same can be said for art. Now you might not want to place a painting by Salvador Dali on the same wall next to a Monet, but there’s no reason why they can’t be in the same room together. With fabrics whether it be furniture, rugs

or pillows, varied colours and patterns can bring warmth and texture into your living space.

4. Slip into s omething a little m ore comfortable!

Slip covers often get a bad rap but they are truly wonderful things. They can serve as a means of changing your furniture’s look to reflect the seasons.

These easily removed coverings allow you to have a sophisticated look without constantly worrying about people dirtying or spilling on your furniture.

Slip covers are ideal for rooms used frequently by children. Above the white slip-covered couches gives the air of a casual, comfortable, easy yet sophisticated elegance.

5. Wicker baskets Wicker baskets are an economical and elegant way to add storage to any room. Baskets can be used to store and display books, architectural and decor magazines, toys, towels and blankets to name a few. Place a couple of small wicker baskets on the counter-tops in your kitchen to beautifully display and store your fruit and vegetables.

6. Use what you already have to decorate

a second glance. Your home needs some accessories.

Instead of running to the store, take a good look at what you already have. Trays, wooden, acrylic, metal or silver can be placed on top of luggage racks, tea carts, trunks, bedside tables and coffee tables for extra texture and dimension. Arrange candles on them, frames or pile books on top of them. Plates can be hung to create wonderful wall art. Art from children’s books can be framed and hung in nurseries, children’s rooms or their bathrooms. You will be amazed at what you can do with what you already have!

7. Add a hanging pot holder to your kitchen

Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone complained of having too much storage.

8. Go green

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9. Paint or w allpaper y our bookcases This instant pop of colour will brighten and re-energize any room! It’s amazing how something so simple as a coat of colourful paint can instantly energise and transform your space. This built-in bookcase would be simple and ordinary without the bright blue interior. Perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive way to transform a boring space is to apply a coat of paint somewhere unexpected. Bookcases are an ideal place to start because you don’t need to paint a large area. Other fun places to add a pop of colour include painting fireplace mantels, the insides of closets, hallways

and ceilings.

10. Us e area rugs to s often hardwood floors Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, colour and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same colour. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There are many lovely cotton, washable area rugs which are ideal for those homes with children. There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.

Declan Gill

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many. Plants are an inexpensive means to accessorising your space and adding colour and texture. Not only are plants beautiful but many can clean household air and balance humidity. They can absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air.

No home should be without these wonderful greens!

044 9340471

• 1st and 2nd Fixings • Roofing Specialist Renovations & Extensions • C2 Registered • Fully Insured Dublin Road, Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9221929 Mob: 086 1790283 E-mail: declangillcarpentry@gmail.com

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

3

How to add colour to your bathroom?

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

Neutral shades are a popular pick for bathrooms, but that shouldn’t mean that adding colour is totally off limits. In such a small space, colour might seem risky - but it’s just the opposite.

On a small scale it’s easy to go bold without going overboard. Here are 10 easy ways to add colour into your bathroom design, while still leaving the space feeling clean and put together.

1. Paint first Practically speaking, paint is the simplest and most affordable way to add a large punch of colour to a space. We recommend selecting the shade you want first and then building the rest of the room’s colour scheme around it.

2. Options for an accent wall If the idea of adding colour to the entire room seems a bit too much for your tastes, try doing just one. The key here is to pick the right wall to be your showpiece — you want one with a strong focal point or the one that’s directly across from the door.

3. Play With Colourful Tiles

You can choose from a variety of materials such as copper or painted porcelain, but whichever you choose be sure to select a hue that you’ll be happy with for a long time to come.

5. Make Your Vanity Pop When it comes to adding colour to a vanity, you have two options: add colour to the top or the base. Consider picking one and keeping the other surface neutral for balance. Colourful bases can often be a DIY project and work best on large vanities with cabinet space or shelving. For the countertops, your best bet is to select a coloured marble or granite.

8. Don’t Forget the Decor

One common misconception is that since bathrooms are often smaller than the other spaces in your home, you don’t need to worry about decor. items. The opposite is true. A few well-placed decor items are the secret to making this space feel truly pulled together. Consider using candles, baskets or decorative display shelves to really drive your design home.

9. Hang Vibrant Wall Art

6. Use Colourful Towels

A well-placed piece of wall art is an easy way to add a pop of colour. Keep in mind when finding wall art for the bath-room, it’s important to take moisture into consideration. Be sure to either choose a water resistant material or add a frame for protection.

Any splash of colour can offset a room into a wildly different theme.

10. Bring In Some Greenery

7. Focus on Floor Coverings Use colour that ties in with the rest of your accent shades for a truly cohesive look.

Furniture

Austin Friars St., Mullingar 044 9340589

If all else fails to pique your interest, incorporate a little colour from nature.

Whether they’re real or synthetic, colourful or simply green, a few plants can go a long way to add that pop of colour to your bathroom.

Secrets to Pulling Off Simple, Minimal Design

WHAT differentiates when you're aiming for a truly stunning, minimally designed interior from one that's just not full of a lot of stuff ? From a room that's sophisticated and rich rather than plain and boring? Creating simple spaces isn't hard, but it does require a particular balance of key design ingredients to make the right minimal mix.

1. A keen command of balance, proportion and other basics When a space doesn't have a lot of actual items in it, you have to be even more strict with basic design rules like balance, proportion and harmony. Furniture should all be in proportion with itself — meaning nothing sticks out as too big or too small. The visual weight of a room should be balanced (meaning one side doesn't feel too much "heavier" than any other side). There should be harmony among your furnishings; not everything has to "match" but they should complement and coordinate. And of

course, if you are going to add something too big or too small for dramatic effect — go either really big or really small to exaggerate that you're doing something intentional.

2. Quality over quantity Again, when you're aiming for a minimal interior space, you're going to want to splurge when you can on high-quality and well-made pieces, since you're not just trying to fit as much into a room as you can. Pieces that are unique finds — not just straight from a catalogue.

3. In the details Details — small touches and designs on elements in simple space. Maybe it's a gold-leafed edge of a frame.

An embroidered element on a pillow. Something you don't notice at first glance in a room, but something that adds to the richness without adding to clutter.

And a variety of textures continues to be an important element in minimal spaces for this very reason.

Alo Gowran

4 . Neutral, calming palettes with earth tones

This could easily be disputed, as there have of

Furniture & Carpets

course been simple, minimal spaces that rocked colour. But on the whole, when you're aiming for a truly spectacular minimal environment, stick to neutral colours and those that show up in nature for an easy, sophisticated space.

5. Light plays a huge part In minimal spaces, light becomes as an important element as the larger furniture purchases. Know when your light comes into your home and how it presents itself. Use window treatments to direct it how you want. And that's just with natural light.

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HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

CLEARY ELECTRICAL

Cleary Electrical was set up in Mullingar nearly fifteen years ago and the family run business has continued to go from strength to strength on the basis of its excellent choice of products and willingness to help the customers.

Established by Jimmy and Gerry Cleary, Cleary Electrical is the biggest independent electrical shop in Westmeath and most likely in the midlands. They are a member of the Euronics Ireland Group which is made up of over 40 independent electrical retailers throughout Ireland who join together to purchase big brands.

This backing has allowed Cleary Electrical to purchase top brands such as Bosch, Siemens, Zanussi, Beko, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba to name just a small selection. But the two brothers are also continu-

ing on a family tradition of running a business in the town. And this is what got the whole business idea started.

The ‘customer is key’ approach has ensured Cleary Electrical has become the one stop Mullingar shop for electrical products, and why the customers keep returning.

With such a successful business model established, Cleary Electrical will no doubt be looking to continue offering a first class arrange of products of services from their new premises.

Cleary’s Electrical have recently moved their facilities just across the road from their old premises and later this month, Cleary’s Electrical will be hosting a launch day on Friday, 27 October, with product demonstrations, prizes, giveaways, and lots of other activities. All are welcome for fun in the store on the day.

Mick McCarthy set up shop in 1984 and celebrates over 30 years in the business of top model televisions and domestic appliances at his premises opposite Columb Barracks in Mullingar. Mick is an audiovisual specialist and is ready to provide you with whatever you need, be it televisions, laptops, tablets, washing machines, and has recently branched out into home and business security.

At Fairgreen TV, on Grand Parade, Mullingar, Mick stocks an impressive display of audiovisual equipment, accessories, and domestic appliances

for all to avail of. Fairgreen TV is fully equipped in the latest entertainment technology: HD, 3D, BluRay, and much more, as well as being experienced Sky agents.

Following a decade of experience with RTV (Radio and Television Rentals), a company that rented out entertainment appliances in a time when prices were beyond anything affordable, Mick started his business opposite Columb Barracks and has prevailed for over 30 years selling the most up to date technology available.

For more information call 044-9340471.

FAIRGREEN TV

CASTLE PAINTS LAKESHORE BATHROOMS AND TILES

Castle Paints is a wholly Irish owned and managed company, first established in Tullamore, Co. Offaly in 1985. They are a family run business with years of experience in the production and manufacture of painting products.

1998 saw Castle Paints extend their warehouse to incorporate a paint manu-

facturing plant. The production of industrial, agricultural and decorative paints saw the company quickly establish itself as one of Ireland's leaders in producing premium quality paint. For more inforvisit www. mation castlepaints.ie or call 0579351583.

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all your house and home needs. For more information call 044-9221929 or email declangillcarpentry@gmail.com

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Lakeshore Bathrooms represents an evolution in terms of bathroom showrooms and provide quality innovative bathroom solutions tailored to meet individual tastes and requirements. Lakeshore Bathrooms believes in quality.

They carry an extensive range of products to meet the needs of both private and commercial customers, and offer a choice to suit individual homes as well as hotels, offices, schools, clinics and nurs-

ing homes. Choose a Lakeshore bathroom and endless opportunities will present themselves. Simply express your desire and enjoy the experience for years to come.

Lakeshore Bathrooms take pride in their ability to work within all budgets without compromising on quality.

Their stock includes extensive collections carrying top designer names.

Highly trained staff will help you realise your perfect bathroom, from ini-

tial concept to final product placement. An experienced installation team is also available.

You can visit their bathroom showroom to take it all in and get a good idea of what your finished bathroom may look like.

Situated in the Mullingar Business Park, you can drop in any time.

For more information call 044-9341900 or email info@lakeshorebathrooms.ie

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Ph: 044 9341900 • www.lakeshorebathrooms.ie

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

Take the stress out of moving home!

HOUSE&HOME

5

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

MOVING is hard work.

There's really no way around that, but it can be a lot more tolerable and a lot less stressful. Here's a look at our best recommendations for an easier and more efficient move.

PREPARATION

There is so much to do in preparation for your move: set up mail forwarding, change over your utilities, acquire packing supplies, and so on. The move, itself, is really the easy part as you'll spend most of your time packing and unpacking. If you want everything else to go as smoothly as possible, you'll need to prepare well.

It's a time-consuming and detailed process, but it'll ultimately make your move significantly more simple and less stressful.

TRANSFERRING INFORMATION

YOUR

Before you move, be sure you know all the utilities you're responsible for and make the transfers. The further in advance you can make the call the better, as sometimes certain utility companies will not be able to come out the next day to make the switch. Another switch you can make in advance is filling out a change of address form, which you can do online. If you change your address online, be sure you have a credit card that uses your current address as the billing

address, since that's how the postal service verifies the request.

inexpensive tool and makes things a bit easier than a pair of scissors or a regular knife.

FINDING PACKING SUPPLIES ON THE CHEAP

TAKING MEASUREMENTS

There are a lot of places to buy packing supplies, but boxes and tape can add up to quite a bit of money. You can avoid this additional cost by hitting up one of quite a few places handing out free boxes.

Most retailers receive a lot of shipments, but your best bet is to contact furniture stores.

While your average retailer may be able to provide you with some used boxes, you'll be able to find a greater range of sizes from furniture stores.

Be sure to call them up at least a week in advance of when you want to start packing, however, as box disposal isn't necessarily a daily task.

If your friends are moving before you, another way to get used boxes is to ask them to give them to you when they're finished. You may also be able to find boxes in the office you work in, or ask a friend to bring home any boxes they can find at the office.

TOOLS FOR THE MOVE When purchasing, just be sure to get a hand truck that can handle at least 70kg. and has a pretty solid build construction. Thick, solid wheels are also a plus, as you won't have to worry about deflation during the move. When the move is complete, a good box cutter is also helpful. It's an

You can measure and estimate in advance to get a pretty clear picture.

GETTING HELP Moving is not something you should do alone - it’s not impossible, but it can be a miserable experience. Moving with friends is a lot more fun, and it makes everything go much faster. This isn't news, but if you've tried to coerce your friends to help you move, you may have found it's not the easiest thing to do. While you can win over some with the promise of free food and help with a future move, many people do not want to commit to a full day of physical labour. Instead of asking for the full day, make it easy on them and schedule your friends in shifts. For a one or two bedroom apartment, you won't really benefit from more than four or five people helping you. If you have enough friends, ask some to come in the morning and some to come in the afternoon. With less of a commitment you're more likely to find the help you need.

PACKING If you have a lot of extra sheets, pillows, blankets, and soft items, you should put them all in one place. Assume you'll be using one for each

box, so as you unpack you'll know the first thing you'll need to do is take that soft item to its appropriate place.

Be sure to set aside bedsheets and the minimal number of pillows for their own box so you have them ready to go as soon as you move in. If you have room, include these items in your essentials suitcase.

You'll also find that you have a lot of miscellaneous items that don't belong to any particular room but just happen to be wherever they are.

Find all of these items first, set them aside, and use them as fillers for any box. Packing these items in a particular way (such as placing them in a plastic bag with a specific marking on it, such as a star) will help you keep track of what's miscellaneous filler and what isn't.

Overall, however, you'll want to keep boxes as roomspecific as possible. Even if you're moving to a small apartment and not a multifloor home, having everything in its correct place when it's time to unpack will prevent unnecessary stress.

You'll be in a new environment and won't know where you put every single thing you've moved. Staying very organised while packing will save you a lot more time and effort in the long run. Know your system and stick to it.

LABELLING AND MANAGING YOUR INVENTORY

Unmarked boxes are no fun when unpacking, but there are so many ways to keep track of your stuff - and label it informatively - that it can be hard to find the best system. The most common method involves a black marker and room names on your boxes. However, there are more efficient ways... labelling by weight (and other information) Labelling by room (i.e. living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc.) is a given (even some nifty tape can help), and labelling boxes with their contents can also be helpful.

What most people don't consider when moving a box is actually moving it. A box is a very basic-looking object that doesn't tell you too much about itself just by its form.

Relevant to moving, you don't know know which side ought to be upright and how much it weighs. When physically moving the boxes from one place to another, weight and orientation are important.

For example, you don't want to place a heavy box on top of a light one.

Everything you own may fit wonderfully in your current home, but it may not in your new one. It can be easy to make assumptions and forget to measure, so be sure to set aside some time to do it. Make an appointment at the new place, if necessary, to be

absolutely certain your furniture will fit the way you want it. All you need to bring is a tape measure and the measurements of your furniture.

If you really want to prepare, consider templating your furniture. everything you haven't yet packed, it gets a little stressful, so let's take a look at how to break up this enormous undertaking.

We'll get into the big stuff next, but first things first: set aside the essentials. You're going to need mainly clothing and toiletries which should fit pretty easily into any standard carry-on suitcase. While you may want to wait until the week before you move to do this, put everything you need in that suitcase and live out of it. This isn't as comforting as having every- thing in its usual place, but you'll know where your necessities are and you won't accidentally pack any of them. When all your other packing is complete, you can just zip up your suitcase and drive it over to your new home.

DON’T GO TOO CRAZY Keep your choices to two or three types of finishes to start, and repeat each finish a couple of times throughout the room. Your space will be less chaotic, and feel more balanced throughout.

WHEN IN DOUBT . . . ?

White and wood is one of those magical combinations, like basil and tomatoes. They just work. When you have a variety of wood tones that would otherwise look nutty,

intersperse some white sections (with paint, furnishings, etc..) to break it up and calm down the look.

Packing by room is an idea worth pursuing, but it's not necessarily realistic. Some of the time you'll have electronics from the living room fraternising with the soft pillows and sheets from the bedroom in order to save on packing materials. At times you may want to wedge a book from another room into a box that has just a little extra space left. There are all sorts of situations in which you may want to mix contents from room to room, but it makes keeping track of what's where a lot easier.

In addition to packing supplies, you're going to want some tools for the actual move. It's fairly inexpensive to rent a hand truck and furniture dolly—both of which you'll want to have—from a truck rental company, but if you've got room to store them in your new place, it's not much more expensive to buy them. Also, if you're planning on applying wallpaper (or hiring someone to do it), you're going to need to know the measurements of your walls.

The same goes for hanging various items on the walls.

What looks nice in one space may look awkward in another.

People hate packing boxes because of how long it takes to do it well and how many things there are to consider.

On top of that, you have to think about what you can't pack and actually need on a day-to-day basis.

Friday 20th October 9am - 6pm Saturday 21st October 10am - 6pm Sunday 22nd October 12pm - 6pm

Interior designers in store

Shutters

Massive Showroom 24 Lough Sheever Park, Mullingar, Westmeath

044 9341444 • 044 9341728

Roller Blinds

Roman Blinds

6

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT? 5 Secrets to Mixing Multiple Wood Finishes

SWITCHING - WHY ISN’T EVERYONE DOING IT….???

Switching is the new ‘Buzz Word’ in town and all the Banks are talking about it, promoting it and offering cash back deals to get it, yet very few people are act ually doing it??

If you are an existing mortgage holder and your mortgage is not in a negative equity situation, then you may well be able to avail of a much better mortgage rate with a new lender and be paid handsomely for moving your mortgage!

WHY CUSTOMERS DON’T SWITCH Apathy! Usually it is a combination of apathy and fear of the onerous amounts of paperwork involved in making the change. Lenders are aware of this and have completely streamlined and simplified the amount of documentation required.

Fear of the unknown!

Customers feel confused about what rates they ‘should’ be paying and therefore do not feel comfortable to make a rate decision. This is where talking to an Independent Mortgage Broker can add real value.

Value? Most customers are not aware of the current value of their property and how a simple valuation of their property can help them leverage much lower rates than they are currently being offered.

All lenders offer lower fixed & discounted variable rates for the lower LTV’s (Loan to values).

So – if you can relate to any of those feelings and would like to know just how easy it would be to Switch, how little paperwork would be required and even get the opportunity to delegate all the work to a qualified Mortgage Broker, then talk to Tara Wylie and her team at New Star Financial Management, Mount St., Mullingar.

Phone 044 933 5443

VARIATION in colour, pattern, texture, and style is essential to decorating - it keeps things interesting.

When it comes to wood finishes, matching floors and furniture look staid and flat. It's also largely impractical for those of us who don’t buy all our decor in one fell swoop. People are far more likely to cobble together a room over the years, bringing together a mix of inherited,

found and purchased items with a variety of finishes. Here are five secrets to making it all mesh...

1. WATCH THE UNDERTONES. While wood finishes don’t need to match, they should complement each other. Look at the colour bias of each wood to see if it is warm or cool, then make sure their undertones match, regardless of finish.

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2. GO WITH THE GRAIN If your many different woods all have a prominent grain, try keeping the patterns similar and retain the "mood" of the room.

(In general, larger wood grains read more casual, while a finer grain signals formality.)

3. USE A BUFFER Placing a wood table directly on top of a different wood floor draws attention to

Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath T: 087 9938 753 E: Info@sheridanwindows.ie

5. WHEN IN DOUBT, WHITE IT OUT White and wood is one of those magical combinations, like basil and tomatoes.

They just work. When you have a variety of wood tones that would otherwise look nutty, intersperse some white sections (with paint, furnishings, etc..) to break it up and calm down the look.

LYNN

PROVIDERS Lynn Providers Ltd are the midland’s top suppliers of internal doors and ironmongery from all leading suppliers. You can find all your timber and laminate flooring, door frames, gates, decking, skirting, windowboards, and much more.

Based in Rathconrath, you can find out more about Lynn’s services by calling 087-2106418, 0449355411 or emailing lynnproviders@eircom.net.

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4. DON’T GO TOO CRAZY Keep your choices to two or three types of finishes to start, and repeat each finish a couple of times throughout the room.

Your space will be less chaotic, and feel more

balanced throughout.

tractors provide free and helpful advice so contact on 044-9331806 for a no obligation free quotation today.

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their dis-similarity.

Adding something in between, like a rug or carpet, lets them breathe a little bit and smooths the transition.

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Contact Billy Lynn, Rathconrath, Mullingar

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HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

ABBEY MURPHY

INSURANCE Abbey Murphy Insurance are life and general insurance brokers based in Mullingar. Their client base is varied and ever changing and increasing. Abbey Murphy have an extensive portfolio of motor, household, liability, commercial, life, pensions, and healthcare, and also thrive in their areas of personal, well-informed, and quality advice and service.

For more information visit their offices on Mary St, Mullingar, or give them a call on 0449333066.

CL SKIP HIRE

Chris Lynch Waste Management is the longest running skip hire company in Mullingar. They have over 35 years of experience serving the Mullingar and surrounding area with unbeatable skip hire and waste management services. The business is run from a state-of-the-art waste transfer station which was built in 2004. The facility boasts a kilometre squared purpose built recycling unit and a spacious yard which can be easily found just fifty metres past the NCT test centre in the Mullingar Business Park. The facility is licensed to process industrial as well as construction and demolition waste. They also recycle cardboard, plastic, glass, timber, and metal. In addition to this, CL Waste Management operate a pay-by-weight system so that customers can bring their construction and demolition waste directly.

At CL Waste Management, the company is constantly trying to provide the most cost effective skip disposal service for the customer.

This includes the “Skippy Bag” range, the cost effective alternative to skip hire.

The “Skippy Bag” is a waste bag which acts as a skip but has the benefits of lower cost and efficiency.

In addition to waste management and recycling services, sister company CL Tool Hire has been providing tool hire for over 30 years in the midlands area. Established in 1978, they are the longest running and most reputable tool hire company in the country.

Whether you are looking to hire or buy, they can provide you with a huge range of equipement.

7

MICHAEL McCABE GROUNDWORKS AND SEWERAGE SOLUTIONS

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

With over 20 years of experience, Michael McCabe Groundworks and Sewerage Solutions offer the highest standards on all your home projects.

Based in Daingean, Co. Offaly, McCabe’s cater for a range of different works including sewerage, rain water harvesting, ground works, paving, and printed concrete.

Contact the Michael McCabe team for advice on how to proceed with the best option for your sewerage system.

You can spruce up your driveway, foundations, patio, footpaths, and yards with a huge variety

of paving and groundwork from Michael McCabe. Using top quality materials from local suppliers, all work is guaranteed and passed according to engineer’s requirements with 20 years of experience in the field. Michael McCabe Groundworks provide end-to-end paving solutions, and supply the expertise, labour, specialised tools, plant and equipment. Do it once, do it right.

Take advantage of the local weather with rainwater harvesting which can reduce your water charges and help to protect the environment. The

rainwater is collected in your home guttering system, stored in an underground precast concrete tank, pumped into a tank in your home or directly to your appliances, and then filtered and sterilised which can then be used as hot water in your shower or sink.

Michael McCabe Groundworks also specialises is pattern imprinted concrete created using a strong concrete mix which is then stamped with textured mats to create a surface texture that resembles natural stone, brick, paving, or any other of countless variations. A

colour hardener is then added to give your new driveway the colour of your choice. Next, the surface is sealed to protect it from the elements and keep it in pristine condition for years to come.

Imprinted concrete is a non-porous, impermeable surface, which means that weeds can’t grow through it and that stains can be easily cleaned off.

For more information on Michael McCabe Groundworks and Sewerage Solutions visit the website on www.seweragesolutions.ie or call 0876774381.

Abbey Murphy Insurance Brokers is one of the Midlands best known Insurance Brokers, with over 30 years serving the greater midlands area. We have two busy offices, one based in Mullingar and the other in Longford, where you will have access to a high level of expertise, a broad range of products, value for money and above all, excellent customer service.

When we get our Home Insurance renewal notice in the post it’s never a pleasant experience but the consequences of not having adequate insurance cover in place could be devastating.

As with all insurance policies it’s the small print that you need to be aware of. Among the questions Insurers will ask are questions relating to:

Construction of the House Rebuilding cost of the house Types of locks on windows and door Previous claims or losses Cover required for items away from your home

Here at Abbey Murphy Insurance we will go through this with you to ensure that you will have no nasty surprises.

ABBEY MURPHY INSURANCE STAFF: Brian Geraghty, Orla Carolan, Breege McDermott, Michael Gardiner (Manager)

It would be our pleasure to have the opportunity to quote you for one of our wide range of Commercial, Personal, Life and Health Insurance products, so please do give us a call.

Deanspoint Insurance Brokers Ltd t/a Abbey Murphy Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Unit 31, Zone C, Mullingar Business Park

Tel: 044 9339544 • 044 9339586 Mob: 087 9673155 ORDER YOUR SKIPPY BAG NOW ONLINE AT

www.skippybag.ie

Building your own home 8

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October 2017

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

Self build mortgages are mor tgag e f acilities arranged for individuals building their own home. This mortgage category encompa sses both direct labour construction and houses built by contractors under a building ag reement.

Building one's home is not for everybody but, in almost all circumstances results in lower house purchase costs when compared to a ready-built house. The process generally takes considerably longer than anticipated and requires a great deal of planning. Hiring the right professionals is absolutely vital to the success of any project. Project management is a serious business and we believe that hiring an experienced project manager will be self financing, The self build process involves: acquiring a site, obtaining planning permission for your house and the construction of the property.

Some lenders do not provide mortgage finance for self build properties.( KBC for example).

However, most lenders will provide self build facilities, and mortgage rates are the same, irrespective of the construction format.

Lenders in general are reluctant to advance traditional mortgage facilities where the site in question exceeds what can reasonably be described as a house plot.

We set out below a number of key issues that arise in relation to self build mortgages: The first step in the process is to establish what you can afford and get approval for the cost of your development.

Lending criteria for self builds is strict.

Lenders have had poor experience in the self build area with many houses left unfinished due to inadequate budgeting or problems with employment etc.

As a guide lenders are happier when the following factors apply • Facilities required do not exceed 4 times gross income • You have savings (cash) of around 10% of the value on completion.

• Employment must be permanent and secure • Self employed applicants are finding securing mortgage approval to be very difficult at the moment.

PLANNING PERMISSION

which you intend to build and establish an approximate site and building cost within the constraints of your borrowing capacity.

Always look for approximately 20% more than the estimated costs.

When purchasing the site the bank will issue a formal loan offer where the client has an idea of the cost of the site and his budget is set out, but the lender will condition valuation, estimates, architects letters & qualifications, planning permission.

Banks will not issue any funding until all of the conditions are met and full planning permission is in place.

Lenders will advance up to 70% of the cost of buying the site and 100% of the building cost. They will not lend more than 100% of the construction cost irrespective of the value on completion!

The next important decision is to decide how you will build your home

LABOUR Again the house is built under the supervision of an approved architect but in these circumstances the work and management of the project is subcontracted in full to a builder.

Generally a builder is chosen following a tender process organised by the architect.

In both circumstances the key ingredient to choosing all concerned, from the architect, to the direct labour individuals is your satisfaction with their ability to deliver the products and services they claim in a professional and efficient manner. The easiest way to ascertain this is to ensure you employ experienced reliable people and that you thoroughly check out and record all references.

Direct labour In these circumstances the client, under the supervision of an appointed architect, manages all the various elements of the build from sewerage and drainage and foundations right through to plastering and fitted kitchens. This is

Michael McCabe The next step is to talk to an architect or building engineer in the area in

a difficult undertaking and requires great dedication and control to ensure the smooth running of the project.

Groundworks & Sewerage Solutions

Lending criteria When assessing a self build credit application lenders will apply the same lending rules to a self as they do with a straight house purchase. Basically they need to satisfy themselves that you can com-

Daingean, Co. Offaly Call: 087 677 4381

Over 20 years experience - highest standard guaranteed

SEWERAGE - RAIN WATER HARVESTING - GROUNDWORKS - PAVING - PRINTED CONCRETE SEWERAGE WORKS • SEPTIC TANK INSTALATIONS • PERCOLATION • DRAINAGE • RAIN WATER HARVESTING • FULLY CERTIFIED GROUNDWORKS • FOUNDATIONS • FLOORS • FOOTPATHS • PIPE LAYING • CONCRETE WORKS • SLAB LAYING • FENCING • BLOCK PAVING • DRIVEWAYS • LANDSCAPING • DIGGER & DRIVER HIRE

www.seweragesolutions.ie

Servicing The Irish Midlands For All Your Sewerage & Groundwork Needs

fortably afford the mortgage repayments. Please review the documentation required and also check out your estimated borrowing capacity using our "how much can I borrow" calculator.

Paying for the site The first stage is the funding of the site purchase. .The site must have outline planning permission and as a guide the maximum funds available at the outset is 70% of the site purchase price.

Funds are drawn down in stages by your solicitor so that money is available to the builder or in respect of direct labour during the construction phase.

No funds will be

advanced by a lender unless the stage of development has been certified by a suitably qualified architect or engineer.

At the outset the lender will satisfy himself with regard to the qualifications of your appointed architect. This process involves the lender requiring the architect to issue a letter setting out their qualifications and professional indemnity insurances arrangements.

Planning costs Lenders are also happy to cover planning and other related costs at the end of the construction phase subject to overall costs coming within the limits specified

above.

Construction insurance

Special buildings under the course of construction insurance is required during the construction phase and this is a matter your architect will advise you on.

Be prepared for the unexpected The importance of project planning cannot be overemphasiszed in a self build project. You need to be involved from the start and take a hands on approach. If you are building jointly with your partner you should, at the outset, clearly decide which one of you is taking prime responsibility for the build.

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

9

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

Things you need to know when buying a new home...

There are a lot of factors you need to consider when buying a new home off the plans, something which has now returned as the need for family homes intensifies.

To ensure you get the home you want you need to keep some important points in mind.

Most new buyers are very up to speed on the development they are looking at and have done their homework by reviewing planning applications on the county council’s website.

Keep an eye on where your house is located in relation to the main road, which may be noisier and busier. Is it worth waiting for phase two or three which will be deeper into the development? If you want a quiet road, pick something further in that won’t have everyone else passing you daily.

Your garden - an important area Gardens will often vary in size even if they look the same on a site map.

Often the site maps provided in brochures are for indicative purposes and have been subjected to artistic license. Ask the agent or developer for a landscape plan or building site plan that shows your exact boundaries.

Also, confirm with your agent what’s included in the front and back garden regarding planting, paving, grass, fence types, etc and often A-rated

schemes may have a sizeable heating unit or pump out in the back garden, so establish where this may be too.

Get to know the builders The downturn whittled out a lot of the below-par builders, so those back building now are for the most part the more reliable, steadfast firms.

While the standard of new builds has come on immeasurably in the past decade and 10-year structural guarantees are the norm with most new builds, it’s still important to do your homework. Ask the agent what other developments the builders have completed (visit them if possible to see how they’re maturing) and research the contractor’s track record online or by asking around.

Make sure you’re happy with the house According to a home adviser, buyers need and should expect a lot of reassurance from contractors as to what exactly they are getting with the sale price. Go through every inch of the house in minute detail with your agent (from tiles to toilets, kitchen doors to window finish)

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there’s no such thing as being too fussy in this situation.

Be sure to check exactly which fittings and fixtures are standard and what are considered extra and ask for a list of all providers so you can go and visit the kitchen supplier, or tile store if you want.

While it’s unlikely the builder will agree to make any structural changes to the house, once contracts are signed, they may be open to cosmetic changes, like different wooden floors from the same supplier for instance.

Be clear on parking issues Parking is a hot topic with buyers and can be very tight in new developments, with two parking spaces the maximum allocated to each house.

Zoned visitor parking spaces are typically scarce, so if you need an extra space (you may not now, but you may in a few years for a teenager) discuss with the agent if there are parts of the road where parking will be allowed.

It’s worth noting that if you’re buying in a town, there is likely to be limited parking spaces and you may have to pay the local authority for the privilege of parking your car.

M.F. KELLY & ASSOCIATES Engineering & Planning Consultants HOUSE PLANS & EXTENSION PLANS PLANNING APPLICATIONS

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Tel: 057 9351269 Contact:

David McGrath or Michael O’Rourke Sales

• • • • •

MAP WORK • HOUSE DESIGN • STABLE DESIGN GARAGE PLANS • CRECHE DESIGN COSERVATORY PLANS • AUTOCAD FILES AGRICULTURAL SHEDS PERCOLATION TESTS

Greenpark Meadows, Mullingar t: 085 7255182 • e: info@mfkelly.ie w: www.mfkelly.ie

Members of Engineers Ireland

Dessie Greene Stone

SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY BUILDING STONE Guillotine split or random hand picked.

Also window and door heads, pier caps, round and square stone gate posts, stepping stones (rock armour ) and stone for all garden features.

Now available TUMBLED STONE

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086 2580435

(new stone with a very traditional old look) 4" and 6" crushed stone.

10

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October 2017

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

MURRAY ARCHITECTURAL

Architect Frank Murray and Imelda Murray established Murray Architectural Services in 1984.

They specialise in residential and commercial design.

With over 30 years experience Murray Architectural Services help you realise your vision for your build.

Services include new builds, extensions, commercial architecture, surpre-planning veys, permission applications, fire safety certificate applications, tendering packages and much more. For more information visit their website on www.murrayas.ie or call 057-9354552.

Dessie Greene Stone is a family run business set up in Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath, in 1990. Since then the business has grown and they now supply stone throughout Ireland, specialising in the production of top quality limestone, building stone, window sills and flagstones.

All work, from the individual needs of a single house owner, to the demands of a large building project are carried out to the same high standards.

Dessie Greene stone is available in a variety of sizes, shapes and finishes, including sawn, guillotine cut and rock faced. It can be used for houses, entrance piers and walls, flagstones, rockeries and fireplaces.

Nothing can match natural stone for its innate beauty, durability and

sheer elegance. Created by nature's processes over 350 million years ago, the stone is quarried from the ground in Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath, by rock breaker or by saw, never dynamite.

They use the most advanced guillotines and equipment. This guarantees not just the beauty and texture but precision and satisfaction for every customer.

Building stone is a natural material. It has been used successfully in Ireland for over 3,000 years and indeed many of its older structures are still standing today. It is virtually maintenance free.

Since the business opened in 1990, Dessie Greene has supplied most of the top construction companies in the country.

DESSIE GREENE STONE

TULLAMORE CARPETS

Tullamore Carpets supply Tullamore town and beyond with the best choice and price for carpet and all things flooring. With over 40 years supplying the midlands, there are fantastic deals this autumn on a range of

services including cut pile felt back carpet, hardwearing carpet for stairs and landing, heavy duty laminate flooring, and much more. Call 0579351269 for more information.

SMYTH’S HARDWARE Dominick Street, Mullingar • Tel: 044 9340766

G N I D N A T S T U O

S E V O T S N O E VALU

ES C A L P E R I F &

ALL HOME DECOR & DIY SUPPLIES Friendly, family run business with expert advice

Alo Gowran’s - a family run, personal business

Established back in 1978, Alo Gowran and Sons have been serving the people of Westmeath and beyond for decades. The doors were opened by Alo and Mary Gowran; a true family business, it is now run by Mary and her three sons Brian, Gerard, and Derek as well as Derek’s wife Audrey. At Alo’s the fact that it is family run, means a more personal approach. In doing so, Alo’s keeps everyone as happy as possible.

The furniture store on Austin Friar’s St, Mullingar, has top quality suites, dining sets, and a wide variety of beds to look at. The suites can be leather or fabric, contemporary or retro - the most comfortable suites for your home.

The dining section has

over thirty sets on display on the first floor of the town centre outlet.

And whether it’s single, double, queen, or king, Alo Gowran’s has it all. If you’re looking for something in particular, they’ll do their best to get it for you. There’s a huge range and the staff will help advise on what’s right for you.

Alo Gowran’s also has a range of carpets and flooring at their large showroom in the Lynn Industrial Estate. The showroom opened in 1998 to ensure the family had the space necessary to show off their wares. Gowran’s fitters have been with them from day one so you can depend on them completely to do a perfect and professional job

every time. If you need your home measured for carpet or flooring, it won’t be a problem.

There’s also a huge timber showroom with a large selection of solid, semisolid, and laminate floors.

With their growth in popularity and large selection of products, Alo Gowran’s stocks the very best in suites, beds, tables, chairs, rugs, lights, mirrors, pictures, carpets, timber, and flooring. The family are nearly 40 years in business and are looking forward to seeing you for all your house and home needs.

Call into Alo Gowran’s on Austin Friars Street or Lynn Industrial Estate, or call 044-9343821 for carpet and flooring or 044-9340589 for their furniture store.

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

11

M F KELLY & EASY WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR GARDEN ASSOCIATES Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

M F Kelly and Associates provide a comprehensive and professional engineering and architectural service for new Houses, extensions and commercial buildings.

They cover all aspects from initial house or building design, site layout design and preparation of planning application documents through to

construction supervision.

Services include map work, house design, stable design, garage plans, creche design, conservatory plans, AUTOCAD files, agricultural sheds, percolations tests and much more. For more information visit www. mfkelly.ie, call 0857255182, or email info@mfkelly.ie.

MULLINGAR

CREDIT UNION

Mullingar Credit Union was founded in 1962 under the leadership of Father Finian O’Connor. From small beginnings it has grown to a position where it now plays a major role in the economic and social life of the town and the many villages and local communities that make up it’s common bond.

The Mullingar Credit Union pride themselves on excellent service to members. They always endeavour to cater for the individual needs of each member and aim to offer the best value in loans,

return on savings and other services.

Home improvement loans are available at very low rates with a choice of repayment options to suit your circumstances. Interest is charged on the reducing balance of the loan, with no penalty charges for early repayment. There are no hidden fees or set up costs, no upfront repayments, and no transaction charges.

It's not just the house which could do with a spring clean and a declutter. If you're lucky enough to have a garden or patio area, no matter how small, there are lots of ways you can make it look more appealing.

Cheap garden ideas and updates don't always require green fingers - in fact, even scrubbing the patio after a long winter or adding a bit of paint to the woodwork can breathe life back into your outdoor space. And it doesn't have to just be you doing all of the graft either - get the kids a trowel or a brush and get them helping out in the fresh air too.

When the sun finally starts to shine (fingers crossed!), you'll be so glad you made the effort!

Colour it in If your garden's lacking in colour, buy a colourful wooden planter or two (filled with lovely plants of course) which you can stand them on the patio or on the lawn. It doesn't matter what sort of planter you buy, but raised planters are useful if particularly you're growing delicate flowers or fruit and vegetables as the raised part gives more protection against pests (and any pets). If

you've got old plant pots, you could give them a new lease of life by painting them - go for calm summer pastels or brighter bolder colours.

Feed your lawn Many gardeners recommend fertilising the lawn a few times a year (between one and four times). How long it takes depends on the size of your garden but on average, it should take a couple of hours maximum.

Shine a light Garden lighting can add a lot of character to your garden and means you can sit out on the warmer nights.

The choice of garden lighting is huge, from batteryoperated lamps to solar-powered lights. To save money (and do your bit for the environment), solar-powered lighting is a good option. The variety is immense, from tea lights to lamps, many of which can be staked into the ground (perfect if you don't like DIY).

Add a water feature Fancy water features aren't what we're talking about. We mean something as simple as a bird bath.

Not only will it look great,

but it will attract birds to the garden which is perfect if you've got kids as they will love looking out for the birds as they visit your garden for a quick wash.

Most sheds can stand the test of time but if yours looks more shabby than chic, all it needs is a scrub down and a paint. Sheds don't have to be brown either - you could go for blue and white for a 'beach hut' feel or go the whole hog and turn your shed into a cosy garden retreat with wicker furniture if you've got alternative storage space for the lawnmower and other gardening gear.

Top tip: Got rusty garden furniture that's seen better days? Slice a potato in half and apply a little baking powder, then rub onto the affected areas. The acids in the potato react with the soda and dissolve those unsightly brown patches.

Clean that patio As with spring-cleaning the house, often what your garden needs is simple cleaning. If you've got a concrete patio, give it a really good clean with a hose or bucket of soapy water and scrubbing brush or a good-quality broom.

If the dirt refuses to budge, you might want to hire a steam cleaning machine or pressured washer to shift it. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes without all the muck.

Declutter!

Decluttering isn't restricted to the house - gardens are often littered with bicycles, broken plant pots, toys and tools. Give it a good tidy-up with the usual advice - store what you might use, recycle anything that you won't (and can be recycled) and bin the rest.

Get rid of the weeds Weeds are like dust. You can get rid of it but it will still return - however, that doesn't mean you don't dust! Weeds can really make a garden look messy and uninviting so pluck up the courage and book in a gardening session. It's free exercise and the garden will look great.

Top tip: For a chemical free solution that won't ruin your slabs or grass, pour boiling water onto the offending area. The weeds should shrivel up, and eventually clear up altogether.

For more information visit: www.mullingarcu.ie or call 044-9348817.

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TOPIC

For a €3,000, two year variable interest rate loan, with weekly repayments of €31.21, an interest rate of 7.9%, an APR of 8.2%, the total amount payable by the member will be €3,244.56.

Loans are subject to approval. Terms and Conditions apply.

044-9348868 Mullingar Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Using Mirrors to Open Up Your Living Space 12

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

Your House & Home Feature • Your House & Home Feature

If you have a small living space, mirrors can be a great tool for making it seem bigger. Decorators use mirrors to achieve different effects.

The great thing about mirrors is that you can always find one that will suit your decorating style.

From the incredibly modern look of repeated convex mirrors, to the vintage style of antique framed mirrors, there are plenty of options.

Light it Up

In many homes or apartments and even houses, a room will only have windows on one wall. You can double that amount of light by placing a mirror across from the window. Light will enter the window and reflect off the mirror, directing sunlight at other areas of the room. You can also multiply this effect by angling mirrors at other areas of the room. Mirrors can be used to reflect lamp light as well. Increase the brightness of a lamp by

placing it in front of a mirror that hangs on a wall.

Mirrored Shelving

Try adding mirrors to the back of your shelving displays. The mirrors will create illusion of the shelves being deeper and recessed.

Objects such as pieces of art and plants will be doubled by the mirror, making for an even more impressive display. Panels of mirrors can be adhered to the walls behind wall shelves, or you could purchase a display case that is mirrored.

Distressed Mirrors

A mirror doesn’t have to accurately reflect an image in order to be valuable for decorating. Many designers used mirrors that have been distressed or look aged. This look is especially great for rooms with a vintage feel. You can usually find some antique mirrors at estate sales or shops. Refinish or replace the frame to update the look a bit and place it in a place that will catch the light and brighten the room.

TOP OIL MULLINGAR

Top Oil at Lough Sheever Corporate Park is ready and waiting to make your home the cosiest in town with g reat deals on heating oil coming up this winter.

With your local Top Oil dealer you can benefit from a range of different options at the touch of a button with their easy online ordering system Ordering Home Heating Oil online is quick and easy. You manage your options and pay online, then Top Oil’s local drivers deliver your oil to your home. Delivery is guaranteed within 48 hours, six days a week in the majority of cases, and each delivery is guaranteed to be in line with Top Oil’s excellent quality and security standards.

Get a quote from the home page or from the “Order Oil” module, then follow the simple steps to complete your purchase.

Ordering online takes less than 5 minutes. It’s easy, fast and secure.

Top Oil’s prices are transparent. The rates vary several times a week and prices will change depending on your county, the quantity and the type of oil you choose. Top Oil provides clear information to help you to make a decision and control your spending.

When ordering with Top Oil, you can be sure that

Top Oil Mullingar 044 93 43632 Top Oil Athlone 090 64 37000 Lambe’s Oil Tullamore 057 93 21000

you are getting the very best quality and safest product possible.

You can pay online with ease and with complete peace of mind. Top Oil’s order module is fully secure and uses the SSL protocol, which ensures all online transactions remain confidential.

Local drivers operate six days a week in most locations. If you order your fuel before 5pm, you can expect delivery on the next business day. For orders made after 5pm, delivery will be the following working day. Of course, you can choose a later date if you wish.

You don’t need to be at home to take delivery as long as the driver has access to your tank. You’ll be able to leave the driver some specific notes during the process of your online order, and he will be able to contact you by phone or text message before the delivery.

If you have any questions, the Top Oil team is at your service. Visit the website www.top.ie or call 0449343632.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK HIGHTOWN CORALSTOWN Co. WESTMEATH €295,000 A wonderful four bedroom detached home with open plan kitchen/dining room, sitting room, patio, outbuildings, and more on an elevated site with panoramic views of the picturesque surrounding countryside.

John Coyne Estates are delighted to present this four bedroom detached home to the market within easy commuting distance of Dublin. This stunning home comes to the market in pristine condition throughout and boasts a site size in the region of 1.1 acres. Another feature to this property is the additional detached building fronting onto the main road which is ideal for a number of commercial or residential uses.

The accommodation consist of a beautiful entrance hallway with stunning mosaic tiling, storage under stairs, high quality carpet, and a neutral colour scheme which you can make your own with splashes of colour.

A highlight of this property is the open plan kitchen/dining room; a beautiful new solit wood kitchen with

island containing soft closing drawers and lighting. This magnificent integrated kitchen includes top quality appliances, solid walnut worktops and lights above and below the wall units. The Super Stanley Oil Cooker is ideal for budding chefs and is also used for central heating. The dining area has access to the front patio area which benefits from the sunlight throughout the day.

The sitting room is adorned with high quality carpet floor covering, feature fireplace with cast iron insert.

This magnificent reception room is perfect for entertaining guests.

There is also access directly to the patio area.

There is also a large double bedroom on the ground floor with high quality carpet floor covering, as well as an immaculate bathroom with bath, WC, wash hand basin, and separate shower unit.

Upstairs is the master bedroom, a breathtaking room with built in wardrobes, ample storage, and an abundance of natural lighting.

There are two more bedrooms upstairs, one single and one double with high quality carpet. One of these bedrooms also benefits from a front facing aspect.

The well presented shower room is located

43 Lynn Heights

excellent 3 Bedroom Semi-detached Price Region: €169,000

8 St. Lomans terrace

town Centre 4 Bedroom Mid-terrace House Price Region: €169,000

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PROPERTY

TOPIC • 19 October, 2017

just off the landing and contains WC, wash hand basin, and separate shower unit.

Also with the property is a building which can function in both residential or commercial capacities, with a floor area in the region of 50 square metres. It is a very solid structure with large windows and has the benefit of a new cladding roof and ample road frontage. The roof is non-rust cladding with PVC coating.

Two outbuildings to the rear of the main house are ideal for a number of uses.

Features The residence is exquisitely finished throughout, and is heated with oil fired central heating, and double-glazed PVC windows throughout. The property is secured with wrought-iron entrance gates, and is fully

alarmed with Eir phone watch. There are two outbuildings in excellent condition. The house has moulded architrave around all windows.

The property is situated on an elevated site with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Coralstown itself is firmly on the commuter belt, and is in close proximity to Kinnegad and Mullingar. Available locally are all amenities including churches, schools, pubs, restaurants, shops, and more. There are also many activities close by including football, soccer, rugby, horse-riding, canal walking, and cycling.

Viewing comes highly recommended.

For more information call John Coyne Estates on 087-2888363 or visit daft.ie

Mabeston, delvin

Charming 3 Bedroom Cottage on c.1 Acre Price Region: €185,000

FEATURED PROPERTY

New to the Market

HIGHTOWN, CORALSTOWN, MULLINGAR €449,950 Beautifully presented, three reception, four bedroom family home with two reception rooms and well-established boarding kennels. 1,980 sq.ft. approx - Sherry Fitzgerald Davitt and Davitt - 044-934 0000 CULLIONBEG, MULLINGAR - €289,950 Charming three bedroom property set on a large 1 acre secluded site close to Mullingar town presented to the market in good condition - Sherry Fitzgerald Davitt and Davitt - 044-934 0000

SCANLON’S BAR & LOUNGE EDENDERRY Co. OFFALY Landmark Licensed Premises with full planning permission to the rear for substantial commercial development.

Scanlon's Bar & Lounge is successfully trading in the heart of Edenderry and provides further potential for an intending purchaser.

Turnover figures are available for inspection through the Sole Agent.

The main building comprises a substantial twostorey building extending to approximately 310 square metres with a site area of approximately 0.23 acres. The property has been remodelled extensively in recent years with ground floor accommodation briefly comprising of public bar with open plan function area and seating for up to 100 people, lounge, ladies and gents toilets and extensive roofed smoking area.

The first floor provides residential accommodation which briefly com-

Full planning permission has been granted in summary to the rear for a substantial commercial development which briefly comprises of ground floor shop units with overhead office space. The planning permission also incorporates a refurbishment and extension of the existing building.

Features There is space in Scanlon’s for 100 people, with a seven day licence, in an ideal location in the town centre.

There is a large yard to the rear with parking for up to 15 cars. The property was recently fitted with a new smoke and security alarm system. There is a roofed smoking area and a beer garden for 50 people. There is also a storage and pool area at the rear. The whole site is in excellent condition throughout. Viewing is highly recommended.

Contact John Coyne Estates on 087-2888363 or visit daft.ie.

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16 THE BROSNA, MULLINGAR - €94,950 Three bedroom apartment, situated in a well maintained security gated complex with dual entrance. Superbly located close to the town centre with all amenities Sherry Fitzgerald Davitt and Davitt - 044-934 0000 87 MANORFIELD, KINNEGAD - ASKING PRICE €195,000 Superb 4 bedroom semi-detached house recently redecorated throughout, overlooking large green area, close to all amenities - Sherry Fitzgerald Tom Fox 044-9379988 BALLYNABARNEY, LONGWOOD, CO. MEATH - ASKING PRICE €800,000 82.5 acres of excellent quality agricultural land with extensive road frontage, old stone farmhouse and yard for sale in one or two lots. Ideal location bordering River Boyne and close to canal - Sherry Fitzgerald Tom Fox - 044-9379988

Properties required for buyers

3 & 4 bed properties in all areas of Mullingar, Collinstown, Delvin and Castlepollard

Sherry Fitzgerald Davitt and Davitt 044-9340000

Site RequiRed 0.5 / 0.75 Acres Subject to FPP

Gainstown / Gaybrook / Lynn/ Belvedere / Russellstown areas Phone in confidence: 087 2479933

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ADDRESS 6 Kinsbury, Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath Asking price €220,000

ADDRESS

139 Pettitswood Manor

Spacious 4 Bedroom Semi-detached House Price Region: €239,950

prises of kitchen, reception room, four bedrooms, and bathroom.

This space is also suitable for conversion to apartments.

Development site

WE’RE YYOUR OUR LOCALS IN KINNEGAD MAIN STREEETT,, KINNEGAD A, CO. WESTMEEAATH TH

T: 044 937 9988 E: INFO@TOMFOXAUCTIONEER.IE

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ADDRESS 26 Aisling Court, Killucan, Co. Westmeath Asking price €110,000

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Recently redecorated and superbly Very large 2 bedroom ground floor located 4 bedroom detached apartment situated in the small development of the Old Glebe in the bungalow, situated in small heart of Killucan village. ideal development just off Kinnegad’s Main Street. Acc. incls 4 bedrooms (1 ens), investment property within walking distance of all local amenities and a kitchen/dining and Prsitting oper ty details room, listing including.

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CALL 053 91 46046

CALL 053 91 46046

THERE’S SELLING LLING PROPERTY – AND THERE’ HERE’S SELLING PROPER O TY THE SHERRY FITZ WAAYYY..

CALL 053 91 46046

PSRA No. 001479