Local craftsmen are busy putting the final touches to the showhouse in a new development of just three houses on Stepaside Lane in Dublin 18. Built by Jammel Developments, who also built the small but high-spec Pirton scheme in Dundrum, the three properties are just a short stroll from the village.

There’s also a rural feel, with the rear gardens overlooked by fields of cows and deer against the backdrop of the Dublin mountains.

"Like Pirton, we purchased the sites with planning permission, but changed the internal plans to be more suitable for modern living," says Jamie Doran of Jammel Developments.

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“The previous resident of the site – an elderly lady – said she would miss the sunsets and the deer, so we installed double-height windows to the rear, so new owners can enjoy the same views.”

Doran also changed what were to be four separate rooms into one large area (69sq m) to the rear of the properties. The open plan space now houses a dining area, vast kitchen and living space with an abundance of light shining in through the A-rated NorDan windows and patio doors. Two further rooms lie to the front – a formal living area and an office/playroom.

“It’s really about quality.” says Doran. “The lads at the wall out front are stonemasons from Wicklow and the front doors were all handmade by Seán Boyle in Roscommon. We could have put in regular front doors, but these will last a lifetime and cost €6,000 apiece.”

The attention to detail in the development goes beyond the cosmetic.

All houses have large utilities, with special presses for drying clothes out of sight.

Flooring on the upper levels is concrete with underfloor heating, and the A-rated properties, which extend to 254sq m over three levels, have Dimplex air to water heat pumps, which will keep running costs down.

Kitchens are by Springhill, and feature a large island with marble countertops, Neff appliances and plenty of storage.

Doran, now in his 30s, started out as an investment banker, but threw it in to follow his father’s profession as a builder.

“It was months before I told my mother I had given up the bank to become a builder, and now I wouldn’t do anything else.”

*Doran's spacious five-bedroom houses are for sale through Knight Frank with asking prices from €995,000.