Six of the best in revitalised Norbury Hall

Norbury Hall has been one of Trim"s most talked-about developments since its construction and launch about three years ago, for a variety of reasons. These ranged from its unique design to fit in with the heritage town, blending the modern with the old stone buildings, to its high specifications and the resulting initially high prices being asked. The development of 20 apartments certainly occupies one of the town"s most desirable locations, overlooking the River Boyne and the Porchfields, the amenity and recreation zoned area of the town surrounding the river, and the neighbouring King John"s Castle. The development is now experiencing a revitalisation, with the remaining apartments having been taken over by Hora Builders, the construction company that was initially contracted by the developers of the project, and which is now marketing the last six apartments in the building in the last remaining block, at more realistic prices than at launch time. Aidan Hora describes these as the best apartments in the development, as they are facing the front of the buildings with the unrestricted views of the Porchfields and the Boyne. There are six apartments available, all with appliances fitted, two car parking spaces and basement storage. Norbury Hall consists of three blocks of six apartments, as well as two in the front section, with their own door access, making a total of 20. Prices are from €265,000 to €380,000. Each apartment is approximately 1,100 square feet and feature large balconies. Aidan Hora explained: 'We built the block a number of years ago, on contract. The apartments were given a specification by the developers more in keeping with the very best new apartments in London or New York.' The individual apartments have fantastic layouts with large, spacious halls with double doors leading into the living rooms. Bathrooms are fitted with Villory and Boch sanitary ware, timber vanity units, mirrors with built-in lighting, chrome quadrant shower doors, floor to ceiling polished porcelain tiling as well as under-floor heating. The kitchens were given similar treatment. Units are custom-designed in solid beech with granite worktops. Again, underfloor heating was fitted below the top quality porcelain floor tiles. In the bedrooms, each wardrobe has been custom-built by Glenwood, specialists in custom joinery. 'The result of all of this specification was that, when complete, the developers were forced to launch the apartments at initial prices of €450,000-€600,000,' Aidan Hora added. 'Unfortunately, this was excessive for the local market.' Now, after three years, Hora Builders has acquired the last remaining block within the scheme. 'We have done this because, in our opinion, these apartments are truly special and deserve to be brought back to life,' Mr Hora added. 'The scheme, unfortunately, hadn"t been well managed since completion. We have completely refitted the common areas, introducing luxurious colours, hall furniture and lighting, giving the entrance lobby the quality of a luxury hotel. The gardens have all been given a full makeover and are now in excellent condition. The basement car park has also been finished to the highest standard, with all walls having just being painted white and correctly marked. This adds significantly to the brightness and sense of quality of the overall development. We feel that we have a name locally for quality and that the public will trust our company to stand over the product,' he added. Features of the Norbury Hall apartments include the natural stone front, cedar wood-panelled balconies with glass and stainless steel rolls and trims, intercom system to all apartments, semi-private lifts to most apartments and underfloor heating in kitchen and bathroom. Mr Hora reiterated that the last six remaining apartments are, in fact, the best apartments in the development. 'They are located at the front of the scheme and have unrestricted views over the Porchfields and the Boyne. We have priced these apartments at realistic levels from €265,000-€330,000, depending on the specific qualities of each apartment. These apartments represent long-term value to both those looking to trade down from larger properties in the area or for younger people looking for something which is a little bit different.' Hora itself are handling the sales directly, and can be contacted on (046) 943 2463 or (046) 943 8868.