Homes on the hill
This week sees the first launch in a decade of new homes in the hipster haven of Dublin 7, writes Liadan Hynes
OF all Dublin’s urban villages currently undergoing a process of gentrification, the area around Arbour Hill and Stoneybatter in Dublin 7 might be the most desirable. More des res than East Wall, less prohibitively priced than Portobello, more hipster than Phibsborough, with a better atmosphere than Ringsend, for buyers who wish to live close to town, and whose budget or lifestyle doesn’t stretch to a three-bed semi in the ‘burbs, this area is a favourite.
Smithfield, which offers several nice eating options as well as The Lighthouse cinema, is within walking distance. The new DIT campus of Grangegorman will bring further energy to the area, and the district is home to a number of cafes and restaurants, most notably, that hipster favourite Lilliput Stores, which doubles as a greengrocer and cafe.
Unlike the residential suburbs and the commuter belt though, it is rare to see a new project of houses in the inner city villages of Dublin. If new sites come up here, they tend to be developed into apartment complexes.
All of which makes the launch this weekend of Dawson Place in Arbour Hill particularly interesting. Built on what was formerly a timber merchant’s yard, at the junction of Monpelier Hill and Arbour Hill, it is the first housing development in this area in over 10 years.
The new scheme from Richmond Homes is a small development of 25 properties, two- and three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached units, and one detached house, all over a mixture of two and three floors, and all with rear gardens measuring between 35-40sqm.
The rear gardens alone make these houses rather special in an area full of beautiful, if small, terraces of cottages and two-up two-down homes, many of which have, at best, tiny yards.
There are a number of house styles on offer, including both terraced and semi-detached, two bedroom, two bedroom with study three bedroom, and three bedroom with study. The downstairs layout is either all open plan, or a kitchen with separate dining and living room.
Kitchens include contemporary matt lacquered units with brushed steel handles and two tier carousel corner units. Appliances including an integrated dishwasher, fridge freezer, oven, hob and extractor are standard. Bathrooms include heated towel rails and floor and feature wall tiling.
Each house includes a store room, and in some cases the master bedroom is en suite. The two-bedroom detached, three-storey house with part single storey (112sqm) includes a roof garden – this unit will likely be release to the market in January.
The scheme should reach full completion by March next year.
Obviously, if you wish to stretch your legs further, the Phoenix Park is on your doorstep. Each unit includes one parking space, either to the front of the house, in a car port, or at an assigned space within the development.
Prices range from €445,000 for two-bedroom houses of between 88-112 sqm, and from €535,000 for three-bedrooms units, ranging from 106121sqm. Viewings are by appointment.
Interest pre-launch has been strong, and Nicole Delaney of Richmond Homes reports nine sales so far, to pre-registered buyers.
The city centre with all its amenities is within walking distance but, if needed, transport links are excellent – the nearest Luas stop is a five minute walk away, as is a Dublin Bikes station, Heuston station is less than 10 minutes’ walk, and the No 37 bus goes to Blanchardstown Centre. VIEWING: By appointment AGENT: Hooke & MacDonald (01) 631 8402