Two to chose from just off the Navan Road

Dublin 7 and Dublin 15: Kate McMorrow previews the launch of two new phases at developments in D7 and D15

Archers Wood:€228,000-€340,000:

Launching from an on-site marketing suite today is the second phase at Archers Wood, an apartment and townhouse development under construction on the Navan Road, just past Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin 15.

The first phase of 80 units sold out from plans last October and Hooke & MacDonald is taking bookings for a further 35 homes from noon today. Some of these will suit a first-time buyer's pocket, particularly as they have an impressively high standard spec.

Prices start at €228,000 for good-sized two-bedroom apartments of 77-83 sq m (828-893 sq ft). Two-bedroom townhouses of 93 sq m (1,000 sq ft) cost from €258,000.

Upgraders will go for three-bedroom townhouses of 110 sq m (1,180 sq ft) priced from €320,000, or larger three-bedroom plus study houses of 134 sq m (1,450 sq ft), which cost from €340,000.

Formerly a stud farm, the environment surrounding this site is rather special, with fine old trees providing ready-made maturity. The design by O'Mahony Pike is intended to do justice to the site, with variegated brick and render exteriors broken up visually by steel and glass balconies.

Developer Laragan Homes is part of the Hanly Group, which has been involved in quarrying and construction since 1972. Skelligs Court at Waterville in Blanchardstown and Temple Court in Santry are two of their previous schemes.

This is a high-tech development with IT "smart" wiring - each home will be wired for a multi-room sound system and plasma TV.

Sit-out balconies will be fully decked, internal doors are ash veneer and apartments and townhouses are designed for maximum natural light.

Kitchens will be the latest designs and floors will be tiled, with a choice of handles and three different colours of granite worktops to choose from. Appliances are also included, with a ceramic hob, steel extractor, oven and grill standard items.

Bathrooms will have good quality sanitary ware with high-pressure plumbing and floor and wall tiling. In the bedrooms, large windows will open to balconies in many units. Heating will be gas-fired.

Parking is underground and at no extra cost. The first units at Archers Wood are expected to be ready to move into in six months time. Viewing is today, tomorrow and over the weekend.

Riverston Gardens: From €480,000

Minutes from Phoenix Park, an easy commute to the city centre and great kitchens are the main selling points of Riverston Gardens, a new Lynam Homes development off the Navan Road in Dublin 7.

Eighteen 117 sq m (1,260 sq ft) four-bedroom semis and one four-bedroom detached house of the same size are on offer at Riverston Gardens, which goes on show this weekend with Douglas Newman Good. Prices start at €480,000 for the semi-detached houses and offers in the region of €550,000 are invited for one detached house with a garage.

Good gardens, front driveways and a high standard of specification will please viewers. Laid out in a cul-de-sac, these houses are likely to attract families looking for more bedroom space in a good location.

Exteriors are rustic brick, with front porches and traditional driveways. The arched window over the front door is a familiar Lynam signature. Interiors are very stylish and the kitchens will sell the houses. Ivory units with polished granite worktops have a full range of integrated appliances included with the price. The pine ceiling over the breakfast area has downlighters.

In the sittingroom, a classic fireplace comes ready-fitted with a flame-effect gas fire. Pine French doors open from the kitchen to a fair-sized back garden, which will be decked and lawn-seeded. Upstairs, there are two double bedrooms and two single rooms, all with wardrobes. Power showers are fitted in both the family bathroom and an en suite off the main bedroom.

Riverston Gardens is almost completed and the 18 houses will be ready to move into when paperwork is completed.

Viewing is this weekend.