Dublin 13/from €199,000: Apartments and duplexes being launched off the Malahide Road this weekend should attract first-time buyers. Kate McMorrow reports.
First-time buyers will be front-runners at a new apartment development launching this weekend off the Malahide Road at Ayrfield, Dublin 13.
Hooke & MacDonald are opening show units on Saturday at The Orchard, which is located at the far end of Greenwood estate, another Albany Homes scheme now maturing nicely.
Prices are aimed at young buyers, who will be impressed by the design of this latest Albany Homes project. Supply will be plentiful on Saturday, with 90 units out of a total of 148 in the entire development being released for sale.
€199,000 is the starting price for one-bedroom units of 40-52 sq m (435-565 sq ft). Two-bedroom apartments of 61-73 sq m (660-790 sq ft) cost from €255,000 and three-bedroom duplex units of 83 sq m (895 sq ft) start at €285,000.
Architects O'Dwyer & Associates have produced a most attractive design with varied roof lines and brightly-painted exteriors.
Five small blocks are going up on the site, each in a different design and linked by a central courtyard. Underground parking frees up surface areas for landscaping. Parking is also free of charge.
Tall windows and French doors opening off the sittingroom and both bedrooms brings plenty of natural light to the apartments.
A typical two-bedroom unit has an entrance lobby with an open-plan sitting/diningroom and the kitchen off the dining end.
Units are Shaker-style wood-look and an attractive stone and slate livingroom fireplace is fitted with an electric flame-effect fire.
A French door with side windows opens to either a small front terrace or balcony.
Both the double bedroom with its en suite shower and a large single room have fitted wardrobes. French doors open from both bedrooms to a large sun terrace or balcony.
Standard features at The Orchard include Gold Shield electric central heating, en suites with most main bedrooms, good quality sanitary ware and modern door fittings. Wardrobes are fitted in all bedrooms.
The surrounding area is excellent for commuters - less than half an hour from the city centre and with a QBC most of the way to town along the Malahide Road.
A Total Fitness centre is a few minutes away and a new Tesco hypermarket is under construction on the Malahide Road. The locality will also benefit from the City Junction Hilton Hotel, due to begin construction nearby soon.
Completions in this phase are expected to begin next August and the entire site should be finished by January 2005 according to the developer.
A management company will take over the ongoing maintenance of the development. Annual charges are expected to be in the region of €950 for one-bedroom apartments and €1,150 and €1,350 for two and three-bedroom units. Viewing at The Orchard is over the weekend.
