The last units at an exclusive south Dublin scheme include some stunning pehnthouses. Kate McMorrow reports
Five luxurious penthouses on a grand scale go on sale today at Hollybrook, an exclusive development off Brighton Road in Foxrock.
Joint agents Gunne and Hooke & MacDonald are offering three-bedroom penthouses ranging from €2.3 million to €2.995 million, depending on size and location within the block, with the smallest penthouse around 248 sq m (2,669 sq ft).
Together with six two and three-bedroom apartments, this marks the last availability at Hollybrook, which is developed by Sean Dunne of Mountbrook Homes. The standard of finish at this elegant apartment scheme is of an international standard, rarely seen in this country.
Although prices are aimed at a more affluent clientele, these apartments are as good as you will get and there has been no shortage of buyers since Hollybrook was first launched in 2002. The majority have been local residents downsizing within the area, with a smattering of young professionals and out-of-town business people.
Also for sale are three-bedroom apartments of up to 258 sq m (2,777 sq ft) costing €2.1 million and spacious two-bedroom units of 143 sq m (1,542 sq ft) and 127 sq m (1,367 sq ft) for €995,000 and €845,000.
The redbrick and granite classic-look block is hidden behind iron gates and tall trees, next to the residence of the Japanese ambassador and across the road from the Netherlands ambassador's home. The building with its formal Italianate gardens, fountains and gravelled drive blends seamlessly with other mansions on the road.
A 24-hour concierge service facilitates owners who are not in residence and monitored security is excellent. Through the entrance lobby is an inner reception hall with leather sofas, suitable for informal "meet and greet" occasions.
Other communal areas include a basement gymnasium, sauna, steam room and plunge pool, sumptuously fitted out in polished wood and grey sea shell tiles.
Each floor has airy reception halls furnished for informal meetings. A lift of polished granite and steel climbs from the underground car-park to to the upper floor. Whatever the apartment, the level of quality is impressive. Provision has been made to install a plasma screen television over the fireplace and surround sound is standard. Windows are fine-ribbed timber, painted white and multi-paned in Georgian style. Each unit is fitted with a personal safe.
Solid beech kitchens from the Design House in Dalkey come with integrated Neff appliances, granite worktops and plenty of space for a breakfast table. The guest bathroom with double shower and the en suites have polished marble and granite tiling and vanity tops, with double width showers and smart chrome fittings.
The five beautifully decorated penthouses positively exude understated glamour. At the top of the range are a couple of two-storey penthouses, one with a conservatory and the other with a huge roof terrace.
Mountbrook Homes commissioned designer Helen Turkington to furnish and decorate one of these penthouses, which is on the market with contents for €2.995 million. Brazilian mahogany floors, subtle khaki and taupe wallpapers, painted wainscoting and antique-style furniture have created a glamorous oriental look. The front door opens to a lobby/day room with leather chairs and rugs. Three double bedrooms are at this level, two with fine en suite bathrooms and one with a fitted beech dressingroom off. The guest bathroom is also here. Upstairs at roof level is a vast sittingroom with wainscot panelling and limestone fireplace.
Double doors and a row of oblong windows link with a large bright sun room, decorated in ivory and capable of hosting a sizable party. The kitchen / diningroom has ivory-painted units with buff marble worktops and an island unit with an unusual glass breakfast bar.
Another two-level penthouse with a similar specification and layout has a private south-west-facing terrace measuring 154 sq m (1,500 sq ft). Partly decked with pebbled areas, the terrace is enclosed by terracotta roof tiles and tall chimney pots.
A new owner could install pitch and putt and a plunge pool here and have room left over for outdoor dining. Like the furnished penthouse, bathrooms and kitchen are luxuriously fitted out and the sense of space is its greatest asset. Two car-parking spaces and a large storage unit in the underground car-park are included in the price. The annual maintenance charge averages around €3,500.
A few two and three-bedroom apartments are still available, one with French doors from the lower level unit to a lawn and seating area. These are the dimensions of most four-bed houses, with two en suite bedrooms, walk-in dressingrooms and limestone fireplaces. Viewing is by appointment with the selling agents.
