Chapelizod: Buyers who missed out on the first phase of The Island, Chapelizod, have a second chance to view from noon today, when 40 two and three-bedroom apartments go on show with the Hooke & MacDonald agency.
The location is superb, on an island on the River Liffey yet right in the village, minutes from the Phoenix Park and 10 minute drive from the city quays outside rush hour.
Prices start at €295,000 for good-sized two-bedroom apartments of 55-71 sq m (600-770 sq ft). Three-bedroom units of around 93 sq m (1,000 sq ft) cost from €335,000.
They have been difficult to build, says Liam Carroll of Danninger, who opted for a complex design with apartments stepped back from neighbours within each block. This creates a village look in keeping with the local streetscape.
Exteriors are of tumbled brick, render and cedar cladding, with timber window frames and steel and glass-sided decked balconies. Sittingroom windows are floor-to-ceiling and arranged in a box bay to give a sunroom effect.
Apartments overlook either the Liffey or the millrace, where a humpback stone bridge crosses to the village main street. A few apartments on the village side of The Island will also be available in this phase.
Because the entire island belongs to the development, residents will have private access to a broad expanse of lawn sweeping down to the picturesque weir. A pathway will run along the river's edge to the weir, shaded by tall deciduous trees.
A typical two-bedroom unit includes a decent-sized bright sittingroom with doors to a decked balcony. Kitchens are compact and separate from the sittingroom; there are no appliances but otherwise are fine for the average commuting resident.
Two bedrooms, one a good-sized double, the other a small double and the bathroom complete the accommodation. Wardrobes are fitted in all bedrooms. White and blue mosaic wall tiling in the bathroom and neutral kitchen wall tiling is included in the price.
Costing from €370,000 to €450,000, three-bedroom apartments on the upper levels with terrific views over the Liffey are the ones to go for, if the price suits. Floor-length windows create good natural light and doors open from the sittingroom and bedrooms to decked terraces.
Public areas in the apartment blocks are colourful, with terrazzo-patterned floor tiles, soft pink walls and grey-blue woodwork. Staircase sides are glass, with oak banister rails.
The landscaping has not yet been carried out and viewers will have to use their imagination to visualise the planned cobbled courtyards, walkways and broad lawn which will stretch down to the mill race. Mature trees along the riverbank have been preserved and screen the development from sight of the busy bridge over the Liffey.
The island/village location, with the river flowing past, the Phoenix Park on the doorstep and traditional village atmosphere, is a huge draw. Buyers can expect to move into this phase within six to eight weeks. Annual management charges are €1,200 for two-bedroom units and €1,400 for three-bedroom apartments.
Viewing at The Island is today, Friday and over the weekend.
