Here comes the sun in Blackrock

Cnoc Na Mara, Blackrock, Co Louth

JUST in time for the prime summer launch season, house-viewing weather has picked up. Nowhere are clement conditions more advantageous for attracting would-be buyers than at a coastal scheme such as Cnoc Na Mara in Blackrock, Co Louth, which has views across Dundalk Bay from its location on the Golf Links Road.

A second phase at the seaside development was released in late March when viewing conditions weren’t as ideal. Of the 19 homes in that tranche, four are still available. A third phase of 28 three-bed homes, some of which will back on to Dundalk Golf Club, is due to have a pre-launch soon, though a showhouse for these types won’t be open until September. For now, there is one four-bed detached property for sale at Cnoc Na Mara — it measures 1,723 sq ft and costs from €350,000.

There is also a four-bed semi-detached version with 1,450 sq ft of space that’s priced from €285,000, and two five-bed detached houses costing from €385,000 apiece. The latter style has 2,150 sq ft of accommodation spread out over three floors. The five-bed showhouse for this type provides inspiration on how to make the most of the design — its top floor has been fitted out to house a ‘chillout area’, a home office and a bathroom, but could be used as a master bedroom.

Cooney Architects have placed a strong emphasis on natural light and sun orientation at Cnoc Na Mara: there are two floor-to-ceiling windows to the front, one at ground floor level and one directly above from the first floor, as well as double-size floor-to-ceiling doors to the rear that open on to the patio and back garden. The facades of the homes are finished in ochre brick and render, with a pitched roof creating an apex over the master bedroom.

The properties, which feature an air-to-water heat recovery system, have an A3 energy rating. Cnoc Na Mara is a few minutes’ walk from the new St Francis National School. Blackrock itself is close to the M1 and the development is a 50-minute drive to the M50. Enquiries to: DNG Duffy (042) 9351011.