Scandinavian style brings a fresh feel to classy houses

Delgany: €1.45mArchitect Martin Noone has used lots of ash and well-placed glazing in three four-bedroom houses that have been well finished, writes Fiona Tyrrell

Inspired by Scandinavian architecture, three detached houses in Delgany have a dramatic design and a hand-crafted finish.

Priory Gate comprises three four-bedroom homes on the outskirts of Delgany village, just past the church on the road to Killincarrig.

The scheme is across the road from the highly regarded Elsinor scheme by the same developer.

For their second Delgany development John and Liam Dowling of Clayworth Investments have again teamed up with Dún Laoghaire-based architect Martin Noone, known for his Arts and Crafts finish.

Laid out over three floors, and with 253sq m (2,725sq ft) of space, the houses will appeal to young well-heeled families looking for designer homes.

They are for sale through Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €1.45 million.

While the size of the houses will undoubtedly be a big draw for prospective buyers, what will most appeal is the design and remarkable attention to detail.

A Scandinavian feel has been created with copious use of ash and clever use of glazing to maximise light.

Elongated windows, glass block features in exterior walls, internal portholes and skylights are incorporated to help "chase different qualities of light", says Noone.

To the front, and darker side, of the house there is an internal garage (so well finished it could easily become an additional bedroom) and the fourth bedroom with a handsome built-in desk.

To the rear, the main reception room is a stunning affair with wooden ceiling, a minimalist white marble fireplace and large doors opening out to a generous balcony with views over rolling hills and down to the sea.

A smart wooden staircase leads down to the ground floors. Here there is a small livingroom, which could double as a playroom, and a large diningroom. Also on this floor is a stylish kitchen with an oversized ash island unit and lots of integrated kitchen gadgets such as hot plate, cappuccino maker and TV.

The top floor is devoted to three generous bedrooms - all en suite with wardrobes wired for a small plasma TV.

The rear garden has two feature Liscannor stone archways, a terrace and a large lawn area.