Dublin 13: from €;345,000 The final phase of 108 homes at the popular St Samsons development in Balgriffin hit the market this week, writes Kate McMorrow
If last year's off-plans launch is a reliable yardstick, phase two at St Samsons in Balgriffin, Dublin 13, could draw the crowds. This Shannon Homes scheme is in a great location, off the Malahide Road at the turn-off to Portmarnock.
Hamilton Osborne King will be taking bookings from noon today for the last 108 apartments, duplexes and townhouses, out of 290 units in the entire development.
A variety of apartment and house styles will be on view. Prices start at €345,000 for two-bed apartments of 59-91sq m (635-979sq ft). Own-door three-bedroom apartments with 94-101sq m (1,012-1,087sq ft) cost from €410,000.
Three-bedroom duplex townhouses cost from €440,000 for 103-133sq m (1,109-1,431sq ft) of living space. These have three-bed apartments overhead, accessed via a separate door and lobby, and a small back garden with gate to a communal green.
Priced from €460,000, three-bedroom terraced townhouses have the kitchen/breakfastroom to the front and a good sittingroom spanning the rear, opening to a cobblelock terrace and enclosed back garden.
Families will go for four-bedroom duplexes and townhouses from €525,000 and €665,000 respectively. These range in size from 120-152sq m (1,292-1,636sq ft) and are designed around a courtyard entered via an archway. Some four-bed houses include a utility and second reception room. They come with large back gardens, accessed via gated side paths.
Outside space is landscaped to Shannon Homes' usual standard, with communal gardens for the apartments and enclosed back gardens with townhouses and duplexes. Cobbled terraces are supplied with townhouses, while apartment terraces are decked.
Good storage is a feature of the apartments and townhouses, which have several different kitchen styles. Ivory-painted wardrobes with latticed panels are fitted in all main bedrooms, with cream panelled wardrobes in the other bedrooms. Bathroom floor and wall tiling is included and also kitchen wall tiling. Townhouses and duplexes have classic-look fireplaces with flame-effect fires.
Likely to be in demand, the three-bedroom apartments open from the ground floor into a good-sized hallway with potential for understairs storage. A staircase with oak bannister climbs to the second floor, with tall windows on the half landings maximising natural light. At the top of the stairs is an inner door with second hallway and rooms off. Glass doors open to a sit-out terrace from the sittingroom.
A good section of the St Samsons site is complete and owners have moved in, giving viewers an idea of how the development will look once landscaping matures.
Exteriors are of part brick and render, varying in style and roof heights to avoid a block look. A free car-parking space is included with the price. To reach the site, turn right opposite Campions pub on the Malahide Road towards Portmarnock. The entrance to St Sampsons is a few metres along this road.
The giant ClareHall shopping centre is within walking distance. Nearby is Father Collins Park, newly designed by Argentinian architects Abelleyro & Romero, which will have a lake, playground, skateboard area, running track and amphitheatre.
Viewing extends from noon today until Sunday next. Completions are scheduled for spring 2007.
