On top of the world

SEXY, that’s one word for this penthouse apartment which soars above the average in Cork city.

Harty's Quay has confounded the sceptics MacCarthy Developments took a gamble with the design, location and scale of this scheme which bucks the traditional trends and it's paid off.

So much so, that five of the original three-bed units have been sold, and the company are about to release a sixth block, through Trish Stokes of Sherry FitzGerald.

This is the harbinger of three more blocks for which the developers have recently received planning permission.

Designed by Project Architects, Harty's Quay is a glimmering glass upright that dominates its waterside site off the Rochestown road. The penthouse is a 1,981 square foot chunk of New York-style living with breathtaking views and one of the best aspects on site, says Trish Stokes.

It has an east-facing terrace on one side and a south-west facing balcony on the other, which means you can have morning coffee on one and a gin and tonic at sundown on the other, she says.

And this lifestyle marketing has paid off this will be the second last opportunity for buyers to acquire a three-bedroomed unit of this size in this phase, and look out for our interior follow-up on the very last finished unit.

Although number 53, The Genoa is unfurnished, the interior is gorgeous opaque glass sliding robes in a very Zen style: a rich cherrywood kitchen with steel highlights: floor to ceiling windows and two ensuite bathrooms along with high ceilings .

This penthouse is a late release and qualifies for a lesser stamp duty rate, says Trish Stokes. Had it not, then buyers would have to pay the maximum stamp duty of 9%, bringing the Government's take on the transaction to €61,200 - even in the this price bracket that's a huge 'ouch' factor.

Harty's Quay has a communal green area that's looking very smart right now and the sale includes two dedicated parking spaces, with a lift directly to your own lobby, shared with just one other penthouse owner.

The apartment comes with full tiling, jacuzzi bath, a large hallway a separate dining room, a main bathroom and lots of storage.

Trish Strokes will have the final and most dramatic of the penthouses in this phase on the market shortly - and this unit will start with a guide price in excess of €700,000. Watch this space.