Co Down: from €272,000A new apartment scheme in Warrenpoint, Co Down has received so much advance interest that the developer has decided to sell the first phase by sealed bids, through Best Property Services of Newry.
Seafields Court has an enviable location - just outside Warrenpoint off the coast road to Rostrevor. It's an area of great scenic beauty. The views are spectacular, with the Mournes and Cooley mountain ranges sweeping down to the sea on either side of Carlingford Bay.
The 55-mile journey to Dublin takes an hour from Newry on the Enterprise train and, depending on traffic, the same time by road along the excellent M1.
Local builder Doherty Developments acquired the 44-acre site - six miles from Newry - about 10 years ago and has established Rowallon and Rathgannon estates in the grounds. A few plots were sold off separately and expensive one-off houses built. The quality of the previous schemes and a recent award for Seafield Court has widened interest in this latest development.
This new development won the Northern Ireland heat of the UK National House-Building Council (NHBC) awards in its category. Upwards of 150 potential buyers from north and south of the Border and across the UK have expressed interest in the scheme so far.
With all this hype, disclosed reserves for the first seven apartments are likely to be exceeded. Two apartments with two bedrooms and 113 sq m (1,210 sq ft) of space including an 11 sq m (112 sq ft) balcony, are quoting a reserve of £190,000 sterling (around €272,000). Four three-bedroom apartments of 113 sq m (1,432 sq ft) - including an 11 sq m (112 sq ft) balcony) - are guiding £235,000 (around €336,044). One penthouse of 260 sq m (2,800 sq ft) - including two balconies totalling 90 sq m (970 sq ft) - is quoting a reserve of £645,000 (around €922,332).
The two redbrick and sandstone blocks, each containing 18 apartments, are designed by architect H D McAleer on traditional lines, with pillared front porticos and curved side balconies. Ground floor units come with gardens and well-landscaped grounds include some mature planting conserved through the construction process.
Inside, the high spec finish will impress. The circular main staircase and lift are centrally placed within the blocks and each unit is wired for surround sound and internet access. Flagged balconies are capacious. Wood, tiled and carpeted flooring is part of the sale and skirtings, architraves and window sills are red oak.
Living areas are bright and open-plan, with corner double doors opening to a terrace or balcony at the sitting end. Larger apartments have a separate sittingroom and kitchen/diner.
Throughout, cream-painted kitchen units are topped in speckled granite, with integrated appliances as standard. A separate laundry room comes with shelving and a washer/dryer.
Bathrooms are top-of-the-range, with whirlpool Jacuzzi baths and stand-alone showers. Floor and wall tiling are in neutral tones. Cream-coloured wardrobes are fitted in all bedrooms and the largest room comes with an en suite shower.
Most of the early interest is centred on the three-bedroom penthouse apartment, one of four on the fifth floor of each block with wonderful sea and mountain views. Wrap-around balconies off both the sittingroom and main bedroom are very large and there is a study off the front hall. One of the balconies is decked, the other flagged and with a hot tub screened by greenery.
The apartments at Seafields Court are ready to move into right away. Annual management charges are expected to be in the region of £800-£900 (around €1,144-€1,287). A monthly rent of £500 (around €715) for a two-bed and £650 (around €929) for a three-bedroom apartment could be expected, says the selling agent. Three show apartments can be viewed on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
