Kenmare ‘Retreats’ to sell for up to €2m each

THEY cost a veritable king’s ransom; a royal, aptly enough, is involved in their design and they offer a private getaway to a little corner of paradise.

You are not allowed to call them apartments and don’t dare mention that common term, holiday homes. Instead, they are known as ‘lifestyle residences’ set in the 12-acre wooded grounds of the five-star Park Hotel in Kenmare.

The Retreats is an exclusive set of 18 two-bedroom bolt holes which are on the market with prices ranging from €1.45 million to €2m for rooftop suites — among the most expensive in the country and promoted as a blue chip investment.

And, as if the rich buyers needed further pampering and luxuries, gifts thrown in on purchase are drawn from a list that includes Harley-Davidsons, BMWs, fully stocked wine cellars, spa pools and Boston Whaler boats.

Construction work is not due to start until September, but seven residences have already been sold off the plans to four Irish clients, two clients from London and one from Los Angeles.

With an emphasis on privacy, comfort and the discreet location, Park Hotel general manager John Brennan is confident the remainder will sell quickly.

“If we had many more residences, we could sell them. But we’ve decided to limit the number to 18 and that’s it,” he said.

“This is Ireland’s first true lifestyle residential development. Those who’ve purchased so far are all people who’ve regularly stayed in the hotel and we know them very well. We expect the other purchasers to be people who’ve also stayed with us. We’ll treat them as members of the family,” he added.

Interiors are designed by David Linley, nephew of Queen Elizabeth. There’s a private, gated entrance to the development and each residence has up to 1,650 square feet of living space.

A nice touch is that underground parking is pitched high enough for a Range Rover and long enough for a Maybach.

Standard features in each residence include a four-seat cinema, a 1,000-bottle wine cellar and a 350ft south facing balcony. The complex will also have a 25-metre swimming pool and guests will have full access to the hotel’s spa facilities.

Services are tailored to the lifestyle and bank accounts of the occupants. Included is 24-hour concierge, in-home dining, chauffeur, a complete housekeeping service, laundry, fresh flowers as well as a personal shopping and delivery service. Purchasers are likely to be in the 35-60 age range.

Kenmare, one of the country’s fastest-growing tourist towns, is a valuable marketing tool.

While the owners will surely appreciate the tranquillity, light and shade of The Retreats, they will, undoubtedly, also be cognisant of the investment value of the property.

“But the real investment is in lifestyle, which is immeasurable,” Mr Brennan said.