When it comes to apartment living in Galway the options are fairly limited. The city has many units which cater for everyday living, offering easy access to the centre of Galway, with enough living space to get by. However progressive property firm DNG Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard has a new listing at No 2 Barna House, Barna Demesne, which brings apartment living to a whole new level.
The original Barna House was carefully renovated by the award winning O’Malley group in 2005 and the former period residence, which is a protected structure, was turned into four luxury apartments as part of the Barna Demesne development.
From the outside the building has retained all of its original features and looks exactly as it did more than 100 years ago. Now one of three blocks, Barna house is flanked by Seabury and Woodbury which, although very modern in design, were both built in a style that complements and accentuates the impressive original house.
From the minute you enter the Barna Demesne complex, you can tell it is a class above anything else on the open market. The private security gates open to manicured lawns and gardens, with the buildings hardly visible, tucked away to the rear of the grounds. Upon entering the old house via the original limestone stairwell, the open common areas are reminiscent of what the grand entrance hall must have looked like over a century ago. All of the original sash windows are still in place, and as soon as you enter the apartment, you see stunning semi-circular windows which offer wonderful vistas over Silverstrand.
Comprising almost 1,700sq ft of living space, basically the whole of the first floor, this is an exceptionally spacious home. The high ceilings offer a real sense of openness and each of the rooms flows into the other, without ever giving the impression that you are still in an apartment. This property has wonderful wide panel stained oaks floors and original cornices and coving. The huge open marble fireplace is the main feature in the large living room, which leads to a separate dining area which is big enough to cater for all those guests who will, no doubt, be beating a path to your door should you be fortunate enough to purchase this unique property.
The kitchen is finished to the highest standards, with stained maple countertops, and is complete with a breakfast area offering views over Rusheen Bay. Indeed all the rooms have wonderful views and the large bedrooms offer views over the wonderful gardens and the Aran Islands. Both the bathroom and the en suite are tiled extensively and there is a neutral colour scheme throughout. The apartment has an entrance from the main entrance hall, but also has a private lift entrance from the rear of the building, directly from the private secure car park.
The development is fully managed and is run in conjunction with the existing owners of all the units. Barna Demesne is kept beautifully and is well presented all year round. It is just 15 minutes from the city centre, but offers peace and tranquillity for those who want to escape the ordinary and live in real comfort. With a guide price of €450,000, viewing is highly recommended.
Viewings are strictly by appointment only and can be arranged by contacting selling agent James Heaslip of DNG Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard at 091 565261.
