Clever features and efficient layouts in new Stepaside scheme

Last October developer McGarrell Reilly launched a new scheme of detached houses at Stepaside Park, Dublin 18. While new, it was a development within a development, accessed through the mature estate of the same name, completed by the same firm 13 years ago, in 2004.

Hidden from view, phase one comprised 17 mainly four-bedroom, two-storey, detached properties of 154sq m/1668sq ft which sold for between €725,000 and €740,000 apiece. Included in that number were two five bedroom units, one sold for €795,000, the other went for €830,000.

Today the housebuilder is launching another eight substantial detached family homes. All the properties are three-storey five bedroom units, ranging in size from 213sq m to 222sq m/2300sq ft to 2400sq ft, to a design by Conroy Crowe Kelly Architects.

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Stepaside Park, Stepaside D18

The properties vary in layout but standout ideas by Arlene McIntyre of Ventura Design include a recess for the TV so that it sits flush with the wall of the chimneybreast in the main living room. This makes the screen the focal point of the room and any pretence at a fireplace has been dispensed with in these A-rated homes.

The kitchen is in walk-in condition, with traditional painted doors and white quartz countertops, all appliances are included. The mainly Neff white goods include a tall American-style fridge freezer unit, and in the utility the AEG washer and separate drier are also included.

Two of the bedrooms are hotel standard doubles with small walk-in wardrobes by McCauls. They come with en suite shower rooms that include marble effect floor and wall tiles. A Stira ladder leads to the floored attic space.

Of the eight houses for sale, each seeking €850,000 through agent SherryFitzGerald, six are in the same row. The showhouse is located here and is one of three with a similar layout.

Of the three different layouts on offer this one feels the most considered. There are two other house styles, one of which resembles the classic two-storey over basement period design, and the only criticism of this configuration is that there are simply too many floors to navigate.

Set up by Sean Reilly in the early 1980s, McGarrell Reilly is best known for its work on Malahide Marina, where work began in 1995 and Lusk Village. Its most recent developments have been a new phase of five-bed properties at Steeplechase, Ratoath.

When finished this new Dublin 18 estate will comprise 52 detached homes, predominately four-bedroom properties.

The Green Line Luas stop at Glencairn is currently about a 25-minute walk, but a pedestrian short-cut – estimated to cut 15-minutes off that time – is awaiting planning sign-off.