HowthThe second and final phase of apartments at the St Lawrence/Findlater site overlooking Howth harbour goes on sale from plans with Douglas Newman Good today.

It took some time for developer Denis Finn of Peninsula Building Services to acquire planning permission for the scheme on Harbour Road, which will encompass the former St Lawrence Hotel and historic Findlater building.

The prime position of this small development - across the road from the DART station, fishing harbour and marina - is a strong selling point and the first phase of 27 units sold out very quickly off the plans, many to local residents. Luxury penthouses costing €1 million were among the first to go.

A high quality specification is planned for the apartments, including underfloor heating and generous balconies or terraces. Architects Fitzgerald Kavanagh will supervise the sensitive restoration of the apartments in the Findlater building, which tend to be among the most expensive in the development.

The remaining 31 apartments are all two-bedroom units of 63 sq m to 101 sq m (678 sq ft to 1,087 sq ft).

Prices from €430,000 reflect the spectacular views and excellent location of the scheme, in one of the most sought-after villages in the Dublin area. One two-bedroom penthouse is still available at €575,000.

The apartments will be distributed among the ground, first, second and penthouse floors, with front and rear aspects.

Car-parking will be underground and the compact south-facing communal grounds will be extensively landscaped. One free parking space will be allocated to each apartment owner.

The interior specification allows for high premium kitchens with granite worktops, floor and wall tiling and underfloor heating, expensive bathroom fittings with shower screens and heated towel rails. Wardrobes will be fitted in every bedroom.

Apartments booked this weekend are expected to be ready to move into by late autumn 2004 onwards.

Plans are on view at the Leeson Park offices of the Douglas Newman Good agency.