Overlooking Killiney Bay, Sorrento Terrace and Dalkey Island, this is one of the most exclusive sites to come on the market, reflected in the prices which start from 1.1m for a two-bed.

But selling agents Hooke & MacDonald and Kelly Walsh are expecting no shortage of interested buyers despite the high prices. Built on the site of the former Killiney Court Hotel, this development has generated much interest since the early planning stages.

Rhode Island developers and Ellen Construction are building 47 two-bed apartments laid out in two blocks, the Newman and the Deane, on either side of the existing Victorian villa, designed in 1865 by Sir Thomas Deane, the architect who designed the College of Surgeons and the Museum Building in Trinity College Dublin.

The villa once formed the centrepiece of the old hotel, and its chateau-style facade is being restored and will house three large apartment suites, while the later extensions to the hotel have been demolished.

Both new apartment blocks have been built on raised podiums, allowing good views of the sea.

Designed by architects Henry J Lyons & Partners, The Court Killiney Bay blends in well with the existing building, and is finished in Dura limestone. A lot of work has gone into the landscaping, with the gardens designed in Victorian style and incorporating most of the old trees planted in the late 19th century.

Apartments are very large and luxurious with high ceilings and large windows, and only two units share each hallway and lift.

Two-beds are very spacious, ranging in size from 120 to 142 square metres (1290 to 1525 square feet) and include spacious hallways, large living rooms, kitchens, dining area, double bedrooms, two bathrooms and good-sized balconies overlooking the sea. In addition, all units have private storage facilities in the basement.

Oak doors, ornate cornicing and stone flooring in the hall give a hint of what's to come at The Court apartments.

Kitchens have solid-wood units with integrated appliances and stone flooring, while living rooms have elegant fireplaces fitted with gas fires, and large windows finished in aluminium on the outside and bleached driftwood on the inside. There is zoned central heating, and bathrooms are finished with natural stone walls and heated stone floors.

Each apartment block is fronted by a reception area with concierge service, providing good security, and all apartments come with basement parking which can be accessed by lift.

Penthouse apartments are even more stylish, with each having its own private roof garden planted with grass and trees, and walled in for privacy. Ground-floor units also come with private gardens, while middle floor apartments have large balconies.

Price: two-bed apartments from 1.1m Agent: Hooke & MacDonald (01-6318402) and Kelly Walsh (01-4752330).