A smart new apartment complex in the Griffith Avenue area of Drumcondra, Dublin 9, opens its show units for the first time today. Twenty-two apartments are on offer at Griffith Hall, which is off Glandore Road, a few metres from the junction with Griffith Avenue.
Mostly two-bedroom units are for sale in this phase, with just one single-bedroom apartment available. This costs £179,950 (228,490), 20 two-bed apartments are from £215,000 (272,990) and one two-bed penthouse is priced at £255,000 (323,780). Morrison Homes, well-established north of the Border, has joined forces with local company PJ Walls to develop the prime three-acre site. PJ Walls is best-known as the builder of the Blackrock Clinic and the O'Reilly Hall at UCD. Morrison is a Scottish-based company with a strong track record in the North. The prestigious Danesfort development on Belfast's Malone Road is one of the most recent Morrison schemes.
When Hooke & MacDonald first launched Griffith Hall from plans in February, deposits were placed on 45 units, sight unseen.
Much thought has gone into the design and layout of the nine two and three-storey blocks. The low-rise yellow brick scheme has an unobtrusive minimalist look and parking is underground, allowing landscapers to plant right up to the apartment windows.
Aside from the location, which will suit anyone wanting a speedy commute to the city centre, the level of specification is commendably high. Top-of-the-range Neff kitchen equipment is included in the selling price and there is no scrimping on internal fittings.
In all apartments, decked balconies have south or west-facing garden views. All bedrooms have fitted wardrobes, internal doors are oak and maple kitchens come ready-to-go with a full range of equipment.
Entrance halls are floored in Chinese slate and communal doors are oak. There is lift access to the apartments from an underground car-park.
A typical 500 sq ft one-bed apartment has an L-shaped sitting/diningroom with the kitchen at one end. Four windows, including glass doors to the balcony, provide plenty of natural light. Balconies are decked and have attractive steel surrounds, with enough room for a small table and chairs.
Two-bed units of up to 750sqft, priced from £215,000 (272,990), have a similar floor plan, with bright, extra-large living areas and smart maple and steel kitchens. A Neff oven and hob, fridge freezer, extractor and washer/dryer are included and mosaic splashbacks are standard. A wide glass-block sittingroom window strikes a modern note. As with the smaller units, balconies are decked and steel-railed.
The two double bedrooms have good wardrobes. There is no en suite with the main bedroom, though as a consequence, this room is larger than usual. The bathroom is also a good size and well fitted out, with an over-bath shower, glass screen and mosaic wall tiles.
The penthouses, from £255,000 (323,780), match exactly the layout of the two-bed units on lower floors, but have better views. Buyers in this phase will be able to move in from November next to spring 2002.
Annual management charges are £750 (952) for one-bed units and £895 (1,136) for two-bed apartments.
