The final phase of this boldly-styled development in Dundrum, Co Dublin, comprises 11 properties ready to walk into, seven of which are bright, airy penthouses with dramatic glazed walls and double-height ceilings.

The 1.5m show penthouse is a three-bed duplex that exploits all that light and great mountain views, especially in the shape of large, furnished terraces leading out from most rooms.

Whoever buys this spacious property will have any desire for a garden somewhat sated:

not only is there the delight of the outdoor roof terraces with teak plantation furniture, but also an internal courtyard at the centre of the three downstairs bedrooms, complete with tall garden sculptures and terrazzo planters.

The entrance hall gives a good indication of the highly individual style throughout, with the show-stopping feature being a wooden chandelier that anchors the double height space and twinkles with a myriad of tiny lights. This was imported from Belgium by Fionnuala Moulton and Arlene McIntyre, the scheme's interior designers.

Their core business, under the company name Velvet, is the design, fit-out and project management of properties for developers and investors, specialising in custom-made furniture sourced abroad.

The look features the rich dark woods and creamy velvet and suede furnishings that have become shorthand for contemporary style.

"We mostly import from Paris, Belgium and Indonesia, from manufacturers with whom we've built up a good relationship. We usually have items specially made for specific projects . . . and you are really only as good as your suppliers, " says Moulton.

They stress that, for them, interior design is about being there right from the initial planning stage, and deciding on everything from paints to electrical wiring.

"Downlighters are used everywhere by developers and, of course, they're great, but if you can get into a design at planning stage, lighting can be made much more of a 'wow' feature in a property."

The confidence of a developer is also crucial, according to Moulton and McIntrye, who both sing the praises of Gerry Haughey of Dorville Homes in this regard.

"We were given free rein in the penthouse design, and took the bold decision to paint all the different woods used in the doors, window frames and skirting, in one creamywhite, uniform colour.

"The transformation was amazing: it just pulled the whole space in each room together. But imagine telling most developers that you are going to paint over his oak and pine joinery? They would probably baulk at the thought, but Gerry put his trust in us and everyone seems to love the result."

One bedroom in the show penthouse is decorated as a child's room with red and blue bed linen imported from the US. Part of the design focus was to show that these are family-friendly spaces.

"A lot of penthouses tend to be aimed strictly at the young professional market, or those trading down, but here we've shown that these properties can be fun for kids to live in too, " McIntyre explains.

And were there any families among prospective buyers at Thursday's launch? Yes, says Gavin McCarthy of agent Hooke & MacDonald.

"The duplex penthouses, in particular, have a real 'house' feel to them, as opposed to being an apartment, plus you have the terraces and views of trees and the mountains in the distance."

A Wyckham of which Miss Austen may have approved.

Agent: Hooke & MacDonald Prices: Two-bed penthouses from 625,000; three bed penthouses from 675,000.

(The same agent has just launched 30 apartments at Southmede, opposite Wyckham Place, with prices from 380,000 for a onebed. First completions set for summer 2006) Velvet: 01-874 8784, email:

info@velvet. ie