Dundrum/from €440,000: Seventeen apartments in a development across the road from the Luas and the new Dundrum Town Centre shopping centre are on sale from today. Kate McMorrow reports
Apartments in Dundrum with park-and-ride tax breaks and a Luas stop within the development will be chased by buyers with an eye to the future. Finnegan Menton is launching 17 two-bedroom apartments at Rockfield, a Gannon Homes scheme across the road from a junction leading to the M50 on the southern end of the village.
Prices, mostly between €440,000 and €500,000, reflect the good quality finish in this development, its favourable tax designation and convenient access to the Luas.
Dundrum is, of course, an attractive location, with good schools and shopping and the Dublin mountains on the doorstep. A major new shopping centre, Dundrum Town Centre,under construction across the road from the apartment complex, will include a number of UK high street chains such as Next and Marks & Spencer.
Available for owner occupiers and investors, the park-and-ride tax allowances range from €130,000 to €150,000 on two-bedroom units and €200,000-plus on penthouse apartments. The tax breaks are provided as part of the overall Rockfield development, which includes offices and shops where there will be commuter parking. However, apartment owners will have private surface parking at no extra cost.
Over €60 million in sales has been recorded to date in this well-located scheme, which backs onto Airfield urban farm. Apartment sizes at Rockfield are larger than average, ranging from 66-78.5 sq m (715-845 sq ft) - the dimensions of a two-bed townhouse. Glamorous penthouse apartments of up to 112 sq m (1,200 sq ft) and costing from €750,000 have lofted ceilings and tall arched windows set into the mansard roof.
Designed by architects Conroy Crowe Kelly, the blocks, contoured into a series of S-shapes, have an attractive Art Deco look. A number of tall deciduous trees have been preserved throughout the site, providing mature grounds. Water features and pathways are planned.
There are just four apartments per landing at Rockfield, creating good privacy. The standard specification is high, with wood-panelled walls, polished stone floors and bright entrance lobbies.
A typical two-bedroom apartment has an open-plan sittingroom/diningroom with a compact but well-fitted kitchen off. Standard fireplaces of classic design come with an electric flame-effect fire to boost the gas central heating. Pine French doors open to a good-sized balcony.
Kitchens have cherry-look units with unusual twist chrome handles, a full range of appliances and all tiling. Some two-bedroom units have one double and one single bedroom, others have two good double bedrooms. Fitted wardrobes are standard and there is a good-sized en suite shower room off the largest room.
Penthouse apartments are most impressive, with huge curved windows, cathedral ceilings and very bright accommodation. Views of the city and the mountains from the balconies are excellent.
The apartments sold in this weekend's launch are expected to be ready by the end of this year. The gated nature of the development will prevent public parking within the grounds.
The Luas was tested through Rockfield last week and is scheduled to open in June. Across the road, Dundrum Town Centre is expected to be up and running by early 2005. Viewing at Rockfield is today, tomorrow and over the weekend.
