£190,000 townhouses in Rathfarnham

A scheme of 35 two-bedroom and three-bedroom townhouses goes on sale today at Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. Prices from £190,000 reflect the attractive setting of Otterbrook and the fact that Rathfarnham residents tend to move within the area. Ross McParland New Homes is handling sales.

Otterbrook is located on Willbrook Road on the village side of the Tuning Fork public house. This is a quiet, residential part of Rathfarnham and the Owendoher River runs through the grounds. The houses will suit those trading down from larger houses in the area. Alternatively, buyers moving from a sterile apartment block will find the development's landscaping an attractive feature.

There are 29 two-bedroom houses of 700 sq ft and six 900 sq ft three-bedroom units for sale. Construction is well under way on the site and all the houses will be ready for occupation by January next. Builder Collen Construction is long established in the Dublin area, its most recent development being Portside Gate at East Wall.

The 35 houses are set around a landscaped central courtyard with tiny open-plan gardens and parking to the front. Period-style street lights are an attractive feature.

The six three-bedroom houses have all-brick exteriors and are positioned on the corners of each of three terraces.

The two-bedroom terraced units forming the majority on the site have rendered exteriors. Solid timber windows and a circular landing window on the two-bed houses add visual appeal to the exteriors.

Standard features include coved ceilings, timber windows, wall tiling, a stone fireplace and fitted wardrobes, along with a Barna garden shed. The three-bedroom houses are priced at £225,000. Windows are tall in all the houses, creating exceptionally bright interiors. There is a goodsized sittingroom with a white stone fireplace and natural timber double doors to a large kitchen/diningroom.

Kitchen units are Shakerstyle in light wood and steel, with terracotta wall tiles as standard. There is a downstairs lavatory and a nice-sized garden with a small Barna shed, also standard. There are two double and one single bedroom upstairs and the main bathroom. The main bedroom has an en suite shower and all the bedrooms have fitted maple wardrobes.

The two-bedroom houses cost from £190,000 to £195,000. These enter straight to the livingroom from the front door to maximise usable space. There is, however, an understairs area that would convert to a coat storage cupboard if required. There is a stone fireplace in the sittingroom and doors to a kitchen/breakfastroom with enough room for more formal dining. Kitchen units are again Shaker-style in maple with steel accessories. A glass door leads to the garden. Upstairs, there is one double room and a large single which could fit a 4 ft bed at a pinch. There are maple wardrobes in both rooms. The main bathroom has a deep shaft Velux window.

The communal gardens are an attractive feature of Otterbrook. The paved area between the blocks is cobblelocked and trees have been planted. Tall mature trees border the site and the river runs just inside the stone-walled entrance.

A public boardwalk has been constructed along the riverbank and this is shaded by well grown deciduous trees.