A new upmarket development of six "bespoke" detached houses in the heart of Co Wicklow is aimed at independent-minded buyers with their own ideas on interior layout.
Glencarrig - set in the village of Glenealy and surrounded by rolling hills - is being built by Tim Phillips of Trailbury Products, with The Phillips Partnership acting as selling agents. Buyers will be invited to design their own interior layout and finish, with prices expected to average about £549,500 (697,720) for the 2,800 sq ft four-bedroom houses.
Houses will all be on three-quarter-acre gardens, with sweeping gravel driveways, ranch-style fencing and brick-edged flower beds. A showhouse, due to open on September 1st, will show some of the possibilities of interior layout, with the emphasis on individual choice.
Anyone deciding to upgrade the very impressive standard fit-out can expect to pay a little more; those who would be happy with less will find a reduced asking price.
According to agent Ray Phillips, virtually any alteration is "up for grabs" providing the rules of construction integrity and planning are not breached.
There is a choice of two house designs on offer at Glencarrig, named after Carrig Mountain which rises above the site. Both are broadly similar and visually appealing, with dormer windows and an abundance of natural light.
Developer Tim Phillips has employed one of the most respected builders in the county, John Staunton, and his team of craftsmen. The specification is outstanding, with a purpose-built sunroom off the sittingroom, a floodlit terrace, high ceilings and a cavernous kitchen/breakfastroom with white oak units.
Under-floor heating and hot water systems will be thermostatically controlled and external cavity walls insulated to 30 per cent above current requirements.
In the showhouse, solid hardwood front doors open into an atrium reception hall, with a timber staircase leading to an upstairs gallery. Floors in the sittingroom, diningroom and sunroom are typically of oak or maple and a vaulted ceiling in the sunroom is an attractive feature.
The kitchens are family sized, with white oak units and a traditional cooking range in addition to a conventional electric oven and hob. Upstairs, there are four double bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms. Top-quality bathroom fittings are augmented by a jacuzzi bath off the main bedroom.
Prospective buyers can view the exterior of the showhouse on the Glenealy site, to get an idea of the setting and standard of finish of the Glencarrig scheme. Design discussions will take place and deposits accepted at the Blackrock offices of The Phillips Partnership, pending a formal opening of the completed showhouse in September.
To reach Glencarrig, turn right at Rathnew for Glenealy, proceed through the village and the site is about 300m farther on the right. The journey is approximately 31 miles from Dublin city centre.
