After the extravagant affair that was the launch party for its first-time buyer-friendly Belmayne scheme earlier this year there were great expectations for the unveiling of LM Developments' swish Streamstown Wood development in Malahide.
Given the Edwardian theme to the residential development - the houses are modelled on those on Shrewsbury Road - it was an altogether more refined affair on Tuesday night. The flashy cars and glitzy marketing suite were replaced by waiters in tails and the salubrious surroundings of LM's offices on St Stephen's Green. LM's flash director Donal Caulfield was master of ceremonies and the Perrier Jouet champagne and Belle Epoque themed nibbles flowed all night.
The property fraternity turned out in force. Rival developers at the event were Joe Cosgrave, Gerry McCaughey from Century Homes, Alan Hanley and Ray Grehan of Glenkerrin Homes.
Also there was designer Louise Kennedy, who will be overseeing the design of the show units, Geraldine Mullins from Park Developments (Donal Caulfield's old employer) and Aidan Burke, Seán Dunne's former chief financial officer who's now with LM Developments.
Members of the Malahide Mafia and a sprinkling of potential buyers also attended. All were suitably impressed with the plans for the 14-acre site off the Malahide Road, which LM bought in 2006, paying just under €3 million an acre.
A big talking point was the lavish brochure - a large photo-album-style affair, weighing in at 7.5lbs. The leather croc-calf album from Aspinal of London cost €750 a pop to produce. Evidently the night was a big success - LM say they now have six buyers on board.
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