Exclusive scheme overlooks Galway Bay

Co Galway/from €495,000: The final 17 apartments and coach-houses in what is the most exclusive and expensive scheme in Galway go on the market today. Jack Fagan, Property Editor, reports.

It is rare enough that apartments at the top end of the market go for sale in Galway. For that reason it was no surprise that all 17 homes in the first phase of a new development at Barna sold within days when it was launched last October.

The Galway-based company, Edward Holdings run by Gerry Barrett, is now launching the remaining 17 apartments and coach-houses in what is the most exclusive and expensive scheme in Galway. Andrew Heffernan of Keane Mahony Smith's Galway office is handling sales.

While viewers will undoubtedly be impressed by the high quality finishes, they will be equally taken by the superb setting on the edge of the wooded Barna Demesne, about four miles from Salthill.

Another advantage of buying in Barna is that you see exactly what you are getting for your money. Edward Holdings has built two apartment blocks, each with 14 apartments on either side of Barna House, an 18th century house which has been restored and converted into four apartments. These four units sold for between €600,000 and €800,000.

Now going for sale are a mixture of two and three-bedroom apartments in the two new blocks as well as two coach-houses. Several of the homes look out over the little-used Rusheen Bay which is hidden by the extensive Barna woodlands.

Prices for the range of apartments still available start at €495,000 for a unit of 92.25 sq m (991 sq ft) and rise to €681,000 for a home of 120.13 sq m (1,291 sq ft). The vast majority of the apartments are around 111.5 sq m (1,200 sq ft) - larger than the typical starter home in either Galway or Dublin. Also available are two coach-houses, one with 86 sq m (924 sq ft) and costing €575,000 and the other with 96 sq m (1,032 sq ft) and costing €595,000.

An interesting feature is that there are only four apartments on each floor to share the lift, lobbies and inner hall. The apartments are laid out with large hallways and extensive living, dining and balcony areas. Because of the generous space available, the developers have been able to include utility rooms - a rare enough feature in most apartment developments.

The high spec finish in all the units distinguishes the Barna scheme from others. The show apartment has a most elegant kitchen/diningroom with most attractive cherry beech wall and floor units, integrated electrical appliances and polished granite worktops. There is a warm oak floor and eight foot high matching internal doors.

Large windows overlook the woodlands and the coastline and residents will obviously make good use of balconies and terraces during the long summer evenings. Bedrooms are nearly all doubles and come with a good range of wardrobes. There are en suites with the main bedrooms fitted out with granite worktops and timber veneer panelling.