North Dublin: Showhouses are opening for the first time this weekend at Abbotts Hill, possibly the best-located of Malahide's millionaire homes.
Twenty-five detached houses remain out of 40 being built on the old golf course, near the Grand Hotel and 10 minutes from the centre of the village via Grove Avenue.
Selling agent O'Farrell Cleere is viewing by appointment only. Prices range from €1.35 to €2 million, with most houses in the €1.4 million bracket.
Developer Gem Homes has specialised in upmarket developments, such as Clonfadda Woods in Blackrock and Beggar's Bush in Dublin 4.
Abbotts Hill is on a raised site, with great views over the bay to Lambay Island.
Floor areas range from 232 sq m (2,500 sq ft) to 465 sq m (5,000 sq ft), with two and three-storey houses in 14 different styles to choose from.
The showhouse fit-out is of a standard rarely seen in the Dublin area. French limestone flooring, underfloor heating, half-panelled walls and a designer lighting system are some of the features included in these houses.
Kitchens are hand-painted, with expensive appliances and granite worktops. Bathroom ware is Villeroy & Boch and tiling has been carefully chosen to complement the classic look sought by the designers.
Sittingroom fireplaces are of Travertine marble. Glass artist Patricia Plunkett has designed a magnificent stained glass window on the staircases.
Each house is tailored to suit the owner's requirements, so there is flexibility in layout and a choice of sanitary ware, fireplaces, kitchens and so on.
Allowances in excess of €100,000 provide plenty of choice and a full-time architectural technician will be on hand to liaise with clients.
With just 40 houses on over 11 acres, gardens and communal areas are generous. Front gardens will be fully landscaped, backs levelled and seeded.
Although viewing is by appointment, O'Farrell Cleere has set up a marketing suite in their Malahide offices for the duration of the sales campaign.
Annual maintenance charges at Abbots Hill are expected to be minimal, around €1,000.
