Co Wicklow: from €355,000A scheme of one and two-bedroom apartments beside the River Dargle makes the most of its waterside location, writes Property Editor Orna Mulcahy
A development of 50 one and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the river Dargle in Fassaroe, Co Wicklow, comes to the market this week fully built and ready to move into.
Prospective buyers will be able to view the apartment they are considering buying - a rare advantage in a market where developers tend to sell most of their apartments off plans to satisfy their bank manager.
Riversdale, which is just off the N11 at the Upper Dargle Road, has been built by the Cosgrave Group which can be relied on to deliver solidly built homes, well finished in good locations. As such they have built up a loyal following with many of their apartments and houses sold to their regular clients.
This scheme adjoins La Vallee, a previous development of offices and apartments which was completed about three years ago and which now has a pleasantly mature look.
A riverside walk has been built behind both schemes and is part of a terrific landscaping plan that includes a large communal balcony that overhangs the river.
This site is all about the river which winds its way behind the apartments. Most of the units overlook the water and the dense woodland rising above the site, while even those at the front of the development have a pleasant outlook over trees at the front of the site.
The scheme also overlooks the N11 and a raised roundabout is to be built beside the site, so early buyers are sure to snap up the apartments on the river side.Prices start at €355,000 for one bedroom units, with two-bedroom apartments ranging from €445,000.
Prices are for ground floor units. Expect to pay several thousand more for higher up units, with the top floor homes priced at €410,000 and €525,000 respectively.
The five-storey development should have broad appeal. With a large purpose-built creche on site, parents with young children will almost certainly be in the mix, while older buyers trading down from larger homes in the area will be attracted by the relative tranquilllity of the riverside location.
The Riversdale scheme will also appeal to the large number of buyers in the market for well located, easily maintained, "lock up and leave" homes that are close to transport routes as well as the airport.
The scheme will have a total of 124 apartments, with 20 one bedroom units and 30 two-beds going on sale today.
One-bedroom apartments range in size from 49sq m - 41sq m (525sq ft-550sq ft) with two beds from 73sq m - 77sq m (790sq ft - 830sq ft).
While they are not overly spacious, the layout is good with wide hallways floored in pale ceramic tiles and plenty of storage, in the bedrooms and in walk-in cupboards off the hallway.
Each unit has a large livingroom with space for lounging and dining, while the kitchens are lavishly fitted with a glossy units, polished granite worktops and integrated appliances.
Bathrooms are fitted with good quality sanitaryware, attractive sandstone coloured tiling and heated towel rails.
Each apartment has a large balcony with expensive, timber effect decking with a nonslip finish.
Riversdale is minutes from Bray town centre, and is also a short drive from Avoca at Kilmacanogue.
