These bespoke Donnybrook apartments currently on the market balance city life with being close to nature

An immediate sense of ease envelopes you as soon as you walk through the gates of Donnybrook Gardens. Tucked away in a quiet enclave of Dublin 4, the bespoke apartment development exudes tranquillity Though only a short distance from St Stephen’s Green, the lush private setting feels like an urban oasis.

Meandering, flower- lined walkways lead to a kitchen garden with raised herb beds, a charming pergola and various outdoor hideaways. Lines of pleached lime trees are offset with the soothing light champagne mortar of the building’s facade.

To create this urban oasis, a team of leading designers and craftspeople were brought together to interpret the vision for Donnybrook Gardens. The brief was to create a new standard of apartment living for discerning downsizers, while the watchwords were “simplicity”, “security” and “sophistication”.

Every detail was carefully considered to deliver a refined living experience, and every apartment was designed to feel like a proper home.

Inspired by the tradition of grand apartment-living found in great cities around the world, each of the five linked apartment buildings features its own impressive Portuguese limestone entrance.

Double- height halls lead to large generous lobbies, where original Irish art, commissioned especially for the project, decorates the walls. Comprising two-bedroom, two-bedroom with study and three-bedroom apartments, the bespoke development maximises light and space, combining understated luxury with an authentic connection to nature.

Donnybrook Gardens was formerly home to UCD’s School of Horticulture and the name was inspired by the horticultural history of the site. The project holds special significance for Head of Landscape & Urban Design – and alumnus of the school – Daibhí Mac Domhnaill, who has created an intricate environment that ensures continuous colour throughout the year, while emphasising pollinator-friendly planting and invigorating fragrances.

It’s a beautiful garden to behold, but it’s also designed as a social space for the residents to enjoy. The Kitchen Garden serves as a focal point for the community to grow together. The idea of the garden as ‘another room’ continues in the residences, where wrap-around balconies, accessed from the main bedroom, kitchen and living room, offer views of the verdant landscaping.

Neighbouring balconies are staggered, ensuring they don’t meet at eye level. The discreet, streamlined design continues inside, where the arrangement of just four large apartments per floor lends to the overall sense of discreet privacy.

The 85 apartments and penthouses in Donnybrook Gardens have been designed as versatile spaces with the use of the highest- quality materials throughout. Tall American white oak panelled front doors lead into extra-wide halls and corridors. Floor-to- ceiling windows combine with generous ceiling heights and room proportions to bathe the homes in natural light.

The custom-designed kitchens are sleek and smart, with bespoke cabinetry, high-end appliances and luxurious finishes. Generous storage allows for clutter-free surfaces, while a separate utility room provides additional shelving and closed-cabinet storage.

In the spacious bedrooms, soft hues and tactile touches evoke a feeling of calm. Contemporary LED downlights offer a  sophisticated lighting experience and greater control, while custom-designed, integrated wardrobes maximise space.

Every home has a main ensuite and secondary bathroom, where naturally finished porcelain tiles create warmth and texture, and high-quality brassware and heated towel rails add a touch of luxury. Some apartment types feature double sinks for added convenience.

The house-like proportions of the apartments include full-height cloakrooms and plenty of practical storage space, while the basement level contains a generously sized, secure storage unit for each apartment, perfect for golf clubs and such.

Conveniently located within walking distance to Donnybrook village and landmarks such as Herbert Park and the Aviva Stadium, Donnybrook Gardens is both close to the city and close to nature.

Chic boutiques, artisan food shops and some of Dublin’s best restaurants are just minutes away. Run by a specialist residential management team, the development boasts a dedicated concierge service that handles deliveries and a residents’ Clubhouse encompassing a lounge, coffee dock, meeting rooms and gym.

It’s designed as a relaxed social space and it’s one of many features that elevates this bespoke development beyond the ordinary.

To book an appointment to view the new show Penthouse at Donnybrook Gardens, contact Hooke & MacDonald on 01 631 8402.

Photography: Donal Murphy