Stylish and sustainable in leafy city setting

Dublin 3: from €350,000:Apartments in a secluded scheme with a pitch and putt course alongside is close to shops, writes Fiona Tyrrell

Stylish apartments, which have been designed with energy efficient elements, have come up for sale in Dublin 3.

The Garden House, off Richmond Road, is a new scheme of 42 apartments and duplexes. Located off a private drive called Waterfall Avenue, the scheme has a leafy and private setting even though it is just five-minutes walk to Drumcondra.

The Garden House backs onto a private pitch and putt course and there are also views onto farmland beside St Vincent's Hospital, complete with cattle - an unusual sight in Dublin city.

Selling agent Gunne New Homes will be taking bookings at three show units on site this weekend.

Dundalk-based developer Rockland Holdings, headed up by Donal Carroll, has placed an emphasis on design and energy efficiency. A centralised gas boiler system reduces CO2 emissions and energy consumption. It also means around-the-clock hot water and reduced heating bills.

Double-glazed airtight windows and better-than-average insulation will also reduce heat loss.

One-bedroom homes measuring 47-58sq m (506-624sq ft) cost from €350,000. Two-bedroom homes measure 71-79sq m (764-850sq ft) and cost from €450,000.

Duplex penthouses have 88-122sq m (947-1,313sq ft) of space and cost from €550,000. One car-parking space per home is included in the price.

The scheme is laid out in two blocks, one of which overlooks the private pitch and putt course.

Landscaping by Chelsea Flower Show winner Paul Martin is impressive and incorporates a water feature, cobbled paths and lots of attractive shrubs and trees.

Inside the fit-out is stylish with a strong contemporary feel. Standard features include recessed lighting, Italian Snaidero kitchens with black granite worktops, integrated kitchen appliances, oak-finished doors and attractive high gloss wardrobes with walnut interiors.

The bathrooms are particularly impressive. All have larger than average windows, full-height mirrors, heated towel rails, wall-hung sanitary ware, Spanish marble floor tiles and cream and mocca tiles.

The Garden House has eight duplex penthouses which may be of interest to those looking to trade up in the area. These two-bedroom homes are laid out over two floors with two double bedrooms (one en suite) and the bathroom on the ground floor.

Solid oak stairs lead to a striking open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and a funky curved lounge zone. Also at this level is a utility room and an extra store room.

All homes have at least one generous store room and most of the apartments have terraces.

The apartments overlooking the pitch and putt course have clever winter-garden terraces with glazed panels that can open out in warmer weather. The apartments are complete and ready to move into, says the selling agent.