Through the mill - with style

Artane/from €299,000: Timber Mill, a major new development in Artane onDublin's northside, sold 90 units off the plans two years ago.

The development is nearing completion and a second phase of 30 two-bedroom apartments are now for sale with prices starting at €299,000 for a 60sq m (650sq ft) unit. The most expensive top floor units are €355,000.

The name might sound whimsical for a built-up suburb close to the city centre, but it does have sound origins: the site, at Kilmore Road, opposite Artane Castle Shopping Centre, was once home to a timber mill.

The well-established suburb has good public transport and easy access to shopping centres and public amenities.

Award winning company Murray O'Laoire are Timber Mill's architects and the overall design is urban and contemporary.Timber sheeting, zinc and black slate are some of the traditional materials that give the scheme its distinctive look.

The apartments are in three-storey blocks with each entrance having access to only six apartments, so there are are no long dark corridors. The low-rise style also rules out the need for lifts.

An attractive aspect of the design is that both the top and ground floors have good outdoor private space. Ground-floor units have decent-sized patios with double doors opening out onto to them while the top floor apartments have roof terraces extending to over 50sq m (538sq ft).

The apartments have the usual features, including fitted kitchens, downlighters and fitted wardrobes in both bedrooms. Unusually, there are no en suites. Underground parking for one car is included in the price.

An on-site creche is already up and running and there is one block in the scheme yet to be built.

When it is completed sometime next year, it will include retail outlets and a pharmacy.

The developers are Werdna Ltd and the sales agents are Hooke & MacDonald. Buyers in this second phase have an advantage over the first phase off-the-plans buyers in that they will be able to choose from fully fitted show apartments which are on view tomorrow and over the weekend.