Taking a cue from the famous apartment blocks of New York and Paris, a swish new residential development in south Dublin is looking to recruit a 24-hour live-in concierge to pander to the needs of its well-heeled residents.
A relatively new concept in the Irish property market, the concierge at sophisticated The Grange in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, will be "a servant to the residents", according to property developer Ray Grehan of Glenkerrin, which built the high-profile apartment scheme off the Stillorgan dual carriageway.
The position for the concierge is advertised in today's Irish Times and the new recruit, who will wear a full uniform, will be expected to offer a dedicated service to residents.
Ever since the boards went up around the former Esso station site, developer Glenkerrin has been upping the ante in terms of marketing and presentation.
Slogans on billboards promised would-be buyers the chance to experience "the spirit of gracious living". This was supported by images of svelte models sipping champagne and nibbling asparagus tips from silver forks.
On the night of the launch, party guests were greeted by Macnas, while a fireworks display spelt out "The Grange" in the night sky. The slick campaign worked a treat and buyers were happy to fork out €550,000-plus for two-bed apartments.
When 200 new owners move in early this summer, they will benefit from high-end pampering from the concierge.
Services will include greeting arrivals, accepting deliveries, directing guests, organising housekeeping and taking care of dry-cleaning and ironing.
If required the concierge will also book tickets and order taxis, Mr Grehan says. There is also the added security benefit of having a 24-hour concierge, he adds.
The aim is to help time- pressed residents improve their work/lifestyle balance.
"We can help free up time for those who want to enjoy greater levels of leisure time, which doesn't include ironing, maintenance, cleaning or staying in and waiting for a delivery."
The concierge will live on site with his/her family in a two-bedroom apartment and together with a team of six people will oversee the maintenance of The Grange.
Maintenance fees at The Grange are expected to be in the region of €1,500, according to Mr Grehan.