While commonly used to describe any bog-standard top-floor apartment in Ireland, the title of penthouse should be reserved for outstanding apartments that are a cut above the rest – those finished to luxurious standards and larger than their neighbours. Despite the hubris of the Celtic Tiger, houses remained king and finding a good penthouse in Dublin can be a challenge. However there are a number of quality options on offer.
Apt 34, Block B, Grand Canal Building, Percy Place, Ballsbridge
Price: €455,000; Agent: The Lansdowne Partnership; Size: 107sqm (1,150sqft)
Constructed around 1991 by developer Johnny Ronan, Block B is a four-storey building comprising seven large apartments: two per floor and one large full-floor penthouse occupying the top floor. A rarity in Irish developments, the block’s lift arrives directly into the apartment’s foyer when the necessary key, available to the penthouse’s residents, is inserted.
Now more than 20 years old, the décor is somewhat tired, however new owners could greatly enhance the apartment at little expense by updating the laminate floors with a more upmarket alternative and by repainting. Despite this minor issue, the apartment offers the best of apartment living in a fantastic Dublin 4 location, right beside Baggot Street Bridge. The open-plan living room cum kitchen is large and benefits from a double aspect, with southeasterly and northwesterly orientations. Both bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and there is a separate WC.
If there is any negative aspect to the apartment it will be its E1 BER rating that might be off-putting for buyers seeking an energy-efficient and naturally warm home; however for a top-floor apartment of this era the rating is hardly surprising.
The current asking price represents exceptional value, especially considering that 14 years ago an identical apartment in the neighbouring sister block was sold for a price of more than €700,000 (IR£550k). The apartment is currently rented with the existing tenant’s lease expiring in September 2015.
20 The Pines, Trimbleston, Goatstown, Dublin 14
Price: €765,000; Agent: Bracken Estates; Size: 175sqm (1,884sqft)
Trimbleston is a modern Sorohan-built development situated just off Goatstown Road. Originally a large three-bedroom apartment spread over one floor, the owners of Number 20 made some clever modifications that have culminated in the creation of this wonderful penthouse. The apartment was extended upwards on to the private rooftop with a glass-box-style room opening out on to a magnificent and utterly private roof terrace, complete with hot tub and pond. This rooftop structure offers a space perfect for entertaining all year round, with dining table, TV area and a small kitchen that can be concealed by a set of folding doors – ideal for preparing drinks. There is also an ultra-modern bathroom at this level.
On the main level there are two full bathrooms, three double bedrooms and a large open-plan kitchen/living/dining room opening out to a smaller terrace. There is a sense of quality throughout, from the beautiful internal staircases with oak-panelled walls and glass bannisters to the integrated Bose sound system. In addition to the internal features, the apartment is offered for sale with two designated parking spaces and a separate lock-up unit. Surprisingly, for an apartment of this size, two of the three bedrooms do not seem particularly large – which may prove disappointing depending on buyers’ requirements.
The development was first launched in 2005; however by 2007, 185sqm penthouses were offered for sale with prices starting from €2.5 million. These would have been apartments with triple aspects and slightly larger rooms; however given Number 20’s unique features, such as having the second-largest terrace in the development, one can imagine its value would not have been far off those figures in its current form.
Apartment 14, Block 3, Clarion Quay, IFSC, Dublin 1.
Price: €675,000 ; Agent: Felicity Fox; Size: 158sqm (1,701sqft)
Clarion Quay is an award-winning development located in the heart of the IFSC that offers some of the best designed apartments in Dublin city. Apartment 14, Block 3, is one of six similar penthouses perched atop eight-storey blocks within the Clarion Quay development. It is a quintessential city-centre penthouse that would not seem out of place in any major city – with 360 degree views, fantastic outdoor space and a neutral décor that would appeal to most buyers’ tastes.
The livingroom cum kitchen is impressive thanks to its 5.5m high ceiling, with light pouring in from three sides of the room, and sliding doors opening to a good-sized balcony. Adjoining the livingroom there is a dual-aspect master bedroom with its own dressing area, en-suite bathroom and another balcony. There are two further double bedrooms, a utility room and a bathroom at this level. Upstairs there is a light-filled study and a den. The apartment has underfloor gas heating and both heating and hot water are included in the hefty annual service charge of €4,228. The 64sqm roof terrace is sparse, but neighbouring penthouses demonstrate how special this space could be. When launched in 2000, these penthouses were offered for sale from about €795,000 upwards with parking. No penthouse in the development has been sold in recent years, however there is one other on the market that has been completely redesigned asking €750,000.
