Frustrated commuters looking for family-sized accommodation close to the city centre will be interested in a new launch this weekend of three-storey houses in the heart of Dublin 6.

The 32 four and five-bedroom terraced houses are the latest phase of Park Development's stylish Mount Saint Anne's scheme, currently under construction on the site of the former St. Anne's convent off Milltown Road. One block of apartments is sold out and another is well on the way to completion.

There are 16 of each house-type for sale in this latest phase. Prices start at £545,000 (692,010) for 1,800 sq ft four-bedroom units and £675,000 (857,070) for two-storey over garden five-bedroom houses with an impressive 2,475 sq ft of living space.

Selling agent Hamilton Osborne King will be taking bookings at the two showhouses this weekend. Like the apartments, the designs are uncompromisingly modern, with curved exterior lines and abundant use of natural materials to prevent a stark look. The attractive former convent church at the entrance to the development is to be converted to apartments at a later date and there is a four-acre public park for residents' use.

Both house-styles have all the attractions of large period houses without the drawbacks. Floor-to-ceiling timber windows flood the interiors with light and luxuries such as integrated stereo wiring, granite vanity tops and top-of-the-range kitchens all standard features. Radiators are the new upright models which allow more space for furniture.

Interior designers Duff Tisdall and Peter Johnson have combined to create stunning interiors in the two showhouses - worth a look to see what can be achieved, given the clear palette of a brand new house. The four-bedroom units have a family sittingroom on the ground floor, leading into a smart kitchen/diningroom fitted with German Leight units and a range of Neff electrical equipment.