Greystones: from €330,000 There is a definite wow factor about a new development of two and three-bedroom apartments which is being launched this weekend by Hamilton Osborne King in the fast-maturing Charlesland complex in Greystones, Co Wicklow.

Named The Crescent, this impressive development of 48 apartments is sited in a prime elevated position with a panoramic view of Charlesland down the tree-lined boulevard and out beyond to the Irish Sea. For once, the development's name is appropriate as the building is crescent-shaped with the living space in all 48 apartments facing eastwards to the sea while the bedrooms face westward with a view of the Wicklow mountains. Joint developers are Mountbrook Homes and Ballymore Properties.

Prices for the two-bedroom units begin at €330,000; three-bedroom apartments start at €395,000 and "double volume gallery penthouses" start at €495,000.

The Crescent is divided into eight sections of three storeys with six units in each section and two apartments on each floor - so six units share one entrance. All apartments are large and make good use of the space: two-beds are 81.7sq m (880sq ft); three-beds, 107sq m (1,152sq ft) and penthouses, 124sq m (1,335sq ft). Depending on where the apartment is sited in the building, there is some minor variation in size and price.

The humblest of these options is a very attractive ground floor two-bedroom unit with a main bathroom and en suite. The galley kitchen is a sectioned-off part of the living area which is dominated by the double-glazed patio doors leading out to a paved patio area and a landscaped private garden for residents.

Climb to the second floor - there is no lift - and the view improves. Again the spec is much the same - two good-sized bedrooms, one en suite, living area with galley kitchen, but this time the patio doors lead out to an attractive colonial style balcony.

On the top floor are the high-end "double volume gallery penthouses". These striking apartments have remarkably high ceilings and feature a mezzanine floor which can be adapted for use as a third bedroom by sealing it off from the living area below, unless owners wish to indulge in the joys of loft life. There is an en suite on the mezzanine and an interesting space behind the sleeping area which could be used as a study.

All styles of apartments are finished to a high standard, have gas central heating and are wired for modern communication needs. The bathrooms and en suites have classy touches while the kitchens, though a little tight, are well-equipped and perfectly adequate for the professional single/couple at whom this quality development is aimed.

The Charlesland development is moving along at a fair lick. A Superquinn select store is now open and there are other essential shops such as a chemist. In addition, the Charlesland Sports Centre, with a gymnasium, a 25-metre pool, running track and other facilities is scheduled to open next year.

Greystones is on the Dart line while a new link road which will connect the Charlesland development to the N11 is expected to open later this year.