Smart Citywest scheme with a good spec

Dublin 24/from €360,000: The first 80 duplexes and apartments in an attractive development at Citywest are on the market, writes Kate McMorrow

The prospect of a Luas stop a few yards from the front gates within two years will be the major draw at Citypark, a smart new apartment and duplex development at Citywest, Dublin 24.

Once people arrive at the site, other considerations will take precedence however. Landscaping is superb and the cool contemporary low-rise blocks are pleasing to the eye.

All units look out on a courtyard designed in Italianate style, with low box hedges bordering flower beds and deciduous trees. Pavement flags are grey granite.

Hooke & MacDonald will be taking bookings from noon tomorrow for the first 80 units, out of 210 in the entire scheme. Two-bedroom apartments will be in the majority, with 28 three-bedroom duplexes on offer.

Prices start at €360,000 for good-sized two-bedroom apartments with balconies and around 68sq m (730sq ft) of space. Own-door two-bedroom apartments with up to 91sq m (980sq ft) of accommodation also cost from €360,000.

Above the own-door apartments are three-bedroom own-door duplexes which are likely to sell fast. Prices start at €415,000 for these 109-118sq m (1,170-1,270sq ft) duplex units, which have huge terraces and bright airy accommodation.

Beyond the boundary fence, a small shopping centre is taking shape which has Dunnes Stores as the anchor tenant.

The general spec at Citypark is excellent, full credit to Liam Mulsey of Aranbel Construction, who has a track record in house-building in west Wicklow and Kildare. Through a granite-pillared entrance, the cream render low blocks are enlivened by large windows and steel rails supporting glass panels on duplex staircases.

Balconies are finished with timber decking or paving.

Nordic pine windows - clad in aluminium on the outside for durability - tilt inwards for easy cleaning. Front doors are also Nordic pine.

The exclusion of kitchen appliances from the standard fit-out is surprising, given the quality of finish.

A typical apartment has a larger than average sitting/diningroom and kitchen, with cream cupboards and walnut-look worktops.

A window at the sitting end looks out on a small terrace or balcony. There is storage for the hoover and sports bags, a large main bathroom and an en suite shower off the largest bedroom. All bedrooms come with fitted wardrobes at Citypark.

Duplexes enter into a hallway and through to a large kitchen/breakfastroom overlooking the front. Across the hall is a separate sittingroom opening out to a huge terrace with enough space for a family dining table and barbecue.

A limestone fireplace with flame-effect gas fire is an attractive focal point. A guest toilet and broad storage cupboard are also at this level.

A staircase climbs to a spacious landing, with the bedrooms and family bathroom radiating off. Two of the bedrooms are doubles.

Bedroom three, while it fits a small double bed, will probably be used as a study or guest single room. Wardrobes are ivory-painted, with lattice detail.

All the duplexes and two-bedroom own-door apartments will be ready to move into by early autumn this year. A separate block of two-bedroom apartments will be ready for occupation by the end of the year. The annual maintenance fee has not yet been firmed up.

Previous developments by Aranbel Construction include Brayton Park in Co Kildare, and Blessington Orchard and Blessington Abbey, both in Co Wicklow.

Viewing extends from noon today through to Sunday. To reach the site, turn left off the N7 at the signpost for Saggart, proceed to the roundabout at Fortunestown Lane, where the shopping centre is being built. Signboards for Citypark are visable at this stage.