Shankill from €299,000: The first phase of a new scheme in Shankill hits the market this week, Bernice Harrison reports

The first phase of a major new apartment development is being launched in Shankill, Dublin 18 this weekend by Sherry FitzGerald New Homes.

Called Olcovar, 50 of the eventual 230 units are now available and they are a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments as well as three-bedroom duplexes. Prices start at €299,000.

In all, seven different show apartments will be on view which should give prospective buyers a clear idea what they will be getting when the first phase is completed later this summer. The development is within walking distance of Shankill village and it is made up of four four-storey curved blocks built around an open area. These are surrounded by a series of three-storey buildings made up of two-bedroom garden level own-door apartments and three-bedroom duplex own-door apartments.

The two-bedroom apartments in the block vary in size from 65-85sq m (700-910sq ft) and in price from €370,000-€450,000. The ground floor, two-bedroom own-door apartments with 73sq m (790sq ft) are priced from €360,000. The three-bed duplexes which have the feel and the layout of a good-sized house have 102sq m (1,100sq ft) and are priced from €445,000. There are eight one-bedroom apartments in each block and they have 49sq m (525sq ft) and are from €299,000.

The developer behind Olcovar is Tudor Homes and, as it is the builder behind Galloping Green in Stillorgan and Brennanstown in Cabinteely, Tudor Homes clearly has extensive experience at the upper end of the apartment market.

So the specifications in Olcovar are good with plenty of interior designer touches and the layout, which varies considerably from apartment to apartment depending on size, is good and well thought through.

The German-made kitchens are sleek and modern by Pronorm and they are typically situated in a corner section off the living area. Each apartment comes with stainless steel appliances including fridges, which range from large American fridges in the larger units to slightly smaller but equally smart-looking versions. There are good-sized en suites off the main bedrooms with granite details and tiling, and all feature a range of contemporary fittings, which in some units include a glass bowl and sink washstand.

All apartments have balconies and all feature wall-to-ceiling windows in the living area and also in most bedrooms. Built-in wardrobes are standard and there is good storage with cloakrooms off the hall and deep cupboards plumbed for a washing machine.

Parking for those living in the apartment blocks will be underground, while it's surface car-parking for own-door apartments, for many a far more attractive option. There is one space per apartment. There is a crèche on-site.

Olcovar (it takes its name from the Irish name of a nearby hill) is beside Shankill village, and is within easy access of a range of services including the Dart.