Downsizing to a £1 million-plus Dun Laoghaire penthouse is not for the average householder, yet this is the driving force for some buyers at the Pavilion, Dun Laoghaire's long-awaited apartment/theatre/retail scheme fronting the harbour. People moving from larger houses in Killiney or Dalkey might even have change left from the transaction, according to Conor O'Gallagher of selling agent Ross McParland.
The opening of show apartments for the first time at the Pavilion coincides with the launch of the last phase of this seafront development. The two apartment blocks, now at the finishing stages, have the modern streamlined look of large ocean liners. Apart from the last four £1 million-plus penthouses, 30 two-bedroom apartments from £265,000 and four one-bed apartments costing from £210,000 make up the bulk of the units for sale this weekend.
Since the initial launch off plans in June 1999, 58 apartments have been sold so far, including some of the penthouses. The remaining units on view this weekend are spread across the spectrum of sizes and locations - all the best units have not been snapped up by earlier buyers. The completion of the entire scheme this summer coincides with the opening of a municipal theatre, fitness centre and retail units on the lower two floors. Freda Hayes' first Meadows & Byrne shop in the Dublin area will be occupying one of the larger units and Hugh O'Regan is fitting out a new restaurant and bar. There will also be a Mao Cafe Bar, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlour and a leisure outlet on a marine theme, yet to be decided. A well-known family restaurant group is negotiating for one of the remaining units.
The retail section is located on Queen's Road facing the seafront, while the theatre is off Marine Road. A Crunch Fitness Centre is directly under the landscaped garden. While all the apartments have views of the harbour and town, those at the front on both blocks have a spectacular outlook across the bay. Upper floor units with the best aspects carry a premium price. All the apartments are larger than average, with generous balconies adding to the living space in summertime.
Each lift serves just two apartments while some of the penthouses have exclusive access. In a compromise between the aesthetic and the practical, doors and windows are natural timber inside, with uPVC outer frames for protection from the elements.
The four one-bedroom units from 680 sq. ft cost £210,000 and have 125 ft balconies. Two-bedroom apartments range in size from 845 sq. ft to 975 sq. ft and are priced from £265,000. These have a very bright sitting-room with a simple recessed fireplace and double French doors to a large decked balcony.
Separate kitchens are Shaker-style maple with steel handles and wall tiling is standard with all kitchens. There is a useful storeroom off the hallway. The main bedroom has wall-to-wall wardrobes and an en suite with bath and power shower. Huge balconies off the bedrooms are a particularly attractive feature. Bedroom two is a small double, also with wardrobes and the guest bathroom has a power shower. A small number of end apartments, with sitting-room bay windows looking out over the harbour, are priced at £400,000.
The four penthouses have soaring views over the harbour, Killiney Hill and the town. The developer has decided to sell these in completely open-plan condition, consulting with owners on the final design to provide an individual specification. Roof windows are positioned for maximum light and glazed doors on both sides open on to long balconies with built-in stone planters. Penthouse prices range from £1 million up to £1.5 million for units with 1,610 to 2,225 sq. ft, excluding balconies.
The two residential blocks face into an inner courtyard behind the theatre. Mature planting will give a long-established look to granite-faced beds and paved walks. A planned sculpture park on the main concourse of the Pavilion is under way with the commissioning by the Pavilion Group of a piece by sculptor Michael Warren. Annual management fees will be £750 for one-bed apartments, £900 for two-bed units and approximately £1,500 for the penthouse suites. One forecourt car space per occupant is provided and a separate underground municipal car park will ensure no congestion around the retail centre.
