Cork: from €330,000The conversion of the historic Ursuline convent at Blackrock, Cork, into houses and apartments will interest those familiar with this desirable location.
Eden is being built on probably the last available greenfield site in the Blackrock and Ballinlough suburbs overlooking the Lee, in walking distance of the quays and ideal for either letting or a permanent home.
On the market for the first time through joint agents Hooke & MacDonald and Lisney and selling from plans, Eden will incorporate 550 units, the first 50 of which are on release this weekend.
Prices start at €330,000 for two-bedroom apartments of 70-75sq m (750-805sq ft). Two-bedroom duplexes of 86-105sq m (925-1,130sq ft) cost from €370,000. Three-bed duplex units of 110sq m (1,180sq ft) start at €445,000 and four-bedroom houses of 165sq m (1,775sq ft) are priced from €540,000.
The name Eden was chosen by developers Pierse Homes and Firestone to encapsulate the beauty of this mature site.
A tree-lined drive opens onto the convent gardens, where existing fountains and water features will enhance the new development.
An oratory in the grounds will be retained for residents. The apartments will be set behind the period convent and boarding school building, which is to be restored.
Building work has begun and the first units are due for completion in summer 2006, according to the agents. The convent grounds overlook the waterfront, where a riverside path links the village with the city centre.
Architect O'Mahony Pike has designed the new apartments on contemporary lines to contrast with existing classic buildings. Large bay windows and good-sized terraces, sunrooms and balconies will frame the view and provide good natural light. Layouts will allow for flexible living spaces and easy transition from inside to outdoors.
Interior spec is high: walnut kitchens have a Neff oven, hob and extractor, Franke sink and a fridge/freezer and dishwasher.
Counter lighting and spot downlighters are also included and walls and floors will be fully tiled.
A utility room will have walnut units and Franke sink.
Bathrooms will be similarly smart, fully tiled and with good quality sanitary ware. Wardrobes are standard.
Windows will be timber and oak and internal doors will have steel handles. Each sittingroom will include a stone fireplace. Heating will be by natural gas. Already mature and enhanced by the Leeside setting, the gardens are a strong selling point at Eden. Additional planting will complement existing fountains and greenery.
The formal gardens and mature specimen trees will be incorporated into a series of courtyards and walkways designed to blend new buildings with old.
Pierse Homes has a long-standing reputation for housebuilding in Ireland and the UK. Firestone Developments is an Irish-based investment company involved in residential and commercial development here and overseas.
A marketing suite set up at the Eden site in Blackrock, Cork is open this Saturday and Sunday from noon.
