High-spec village scheme in top spot

Dublin 18: from €345,000The first 50 homes in a €200 million development in Carrickmines hit the market this week, writes Kate McMorrow

A major new €200 million development on Glenamuck Road, Carrickmines, Dublin 18 launches from plans today with the Hooke & MacDonald agency.

The Carrickmines Manor site is just past Carrickmines Tennis Club in one of Dublin's most sought-after locations. Pierse Homes is joining forces with Redquartz Boundary in turning this site into an upmarket scheme of houses and apartments.

Prices for the first 50 units start at €345,000 for 49sq m (525sq ft) one-bedroom apartments. Two-bed apartments of 66-80sq m (710-860sq ft) cost from €395,000. Three-bedroom courtyard houses of 125sq m (1,345sq ft) start at €650,000. Top-of-the-range are three/four-bedroom three-storey houses from €720,000.

Building work has started at Carrickmines Manor and completions are scheduled from early 2007. Design is a medley of contemporary and traditional, with houses grouped around landscaped courtyards and a lattice of pedestrian streets.

Landscaping will complement views of the Dublin foothills and apartment balconies are positioned to benefit from the outlook. Design is by architects O'Mahony Pike.

Spec will be extremely high at this development, as befits its location. Oak internal doors and timber-framed windows and patio doors are planned.

Expensive kitchens will have cherry units topped with polished granite and with brushed chrome handles and occasional brushed glass doors.

Integrated appliances will include a dishwasher, fridge-freezer, washer-dryer, a Neff double oven and ceramic hob and stainless steel microwave.

Bathrooms will be equally glamourous, with good quality sanitary ware, shower screen, stainless steel heated towel rail and floor and wall tiling.

Wardrobes will have ivory and cherry doors, with wood insides complete with hanging space and drawers.

Walls throughout will be painted an ivory colour and ceilings will be higher than usual.

Recessed lighting will be fitted in kitchens and bathrooms. Brushed chrome light switches and sockets are another standard feature.

Houses and apartments at Carrickmines Manor will also have a combined digital telephone and broadband television network.

Landscaping by Brady Shipman Martin will be extensive, with planting, walkways and courtyard areas to give the development a village atmosphere. Surface residents and visitor parking will also be provided.