The Sunday Independent, April 24th 2016
It is not often that describing something as a vestige of the bygone Celtic Tiger era would be seen as a positive, but in the case of the penthouses at Spencer Dock, which went on the market for the first time this week, this is the case.
Originally built by Treasury Holdings in 2008, these four units have been rented for the intervening period. It is unlikely that apartments on such a grand scale, combining this level of size, standard and luxury, will come to the market again. Currently, the average size of a penthouse in the South Docklands is about 139sqm. These units range from 251sqm to 330sqm.
Situated on the north side of the city, behind the Convention Centre, these duplex apartments were designed by architects Scott Tallon Walker. There are four duplex units in total, with asking prices ranging from €900,000 to €1.45m. They are: 65 Baltrasna House, 251sqm, €900,000; 54 Kirkpatrick House, 246sqm, €975,000; 47 Hill of Down, 330sqm, €1.35m; and 48 Hill of Down, 272sqm, €1.45m. No 47 Hill of Down boasts a hot tub on the upper-level terrace, while the terraces of 54 and 48 have heated swimming pools.
All are triple-aspect, with multiple outdoor areas that include balconies on the lower level, terraces on the top. The bedrooms are on the lower floor, with open-plan living quarters above.
All bedrooms are double, with most including a walk-in wardobe or entrance corridor lined with fitted wardrobes.
There are Whirlpool baths in the master en suite and chrome heated towel rails in all bathrooms. 54 Kirkpatrick includes a study on the lower level. The upper levels, all open plan, are split into three areas: a living area, a kitchen in the middle, with integrated appliances, and a dining area to the other side. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout take advantage of the incredible views that stretch from the Wicklow mountains to Croke Park and beyond, which can be enjoyed from Jacuzzi, bath, bed or living room.
Each apartment comes with two underground parking spaces, concierge service available 7am-10pm and 24-hour CCTV. This is a particular draw for potential purchasers who spend a good part of their time abroad, says agent Owen Reilly.
Built around peaceful ground-floor courtyards that boast award-winning landscaping, the Spencer Dock apartment complex is otherwise fully occupied.
Natural materials have been used throughout, with French walnut and oak floors, and solid oak joinery including all window frames which softens the overall look. These units have a BER rating of between B1-B3.
Owen Reilly believes the appeal of the penthouses is much broader than it would have been 10 year ago. He puts that down to two factors: a change in attitude to living in town, thanks mainly to the large numbers of foreign professionals who prefer city apartments to suburban homes. And second, he cites the development of the locality.
In its early days, this areas tended to shut down for the weekend once the Friday post-work drinks crowd left. Now, the docklands is well established as a busy, lively place to live, with a good choice of wine bars, cafes, restaurants, theatre, water sports, jogging tracks and excellent transport facilities.
The apartments are located near to Spencer Dock Luas stop and adjacent to the Irish Rail Docklands station.
The Sunday Independent, April 24th 2016
To read the article on-line, please click here.
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