Builder Keith White contacted me to try and resolve problems with the construction of this Middle-Class Housing estate called The Georgian Village. I had suggested to the residents that they should move out of the houses and get their money back, however, I was to learn that everyone there loved these houses. A very clear signal that market choice had progressed. The rising middle class had developed a taste for mock-Georgiana even though at the same time the real authentic Georgian buildings were being torn down in Ireland. Irony.  

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It was at this time, I myself was also being exposed to refined tastes, inspired partially through my interactions with the cultured English gentleman, Ernest Ottewell (noteworthy for his involvement in the Flood tribunal). Ottewell introduced me to prestigious entities such as Lloyd’s insurance brokerage, Rolls-Royces cars, antique clocks, and fireplaces. This association led my influence in a pivotal deal for a site off Booterstown Avenue called Castle Court. We acquired the site for £150,000.

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Dismissing standard box houses and convinced that modern architecture was not economically viable, I sought to align with the recognised rising demand for sophistication. I scrapped existing plans, collaborated with a young architect to craft designs blending elements of Georgiana with Mediterranean influences. We would sit side by side working through the design together. 

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The result was three distinct styles:

• The Rembrandt, a four-bedroom two-storey house

• The Renoir, a three-bedroom two-story house

• The El Greco, a three-bedroom bungalow.

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Despite their premium price tags—ranging from £12,100 - £13,000 at launch the Castle Court development became the talk of the town.

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Upon completion of two show houses, I orchestrated a grand opening, putting 25 of the 50 properties on the market. The event was marketed with the headlines "REMBRANDTS FOR SALE" - a new and innovated approach to selling properties giving them grandure before even being viewed.

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I recall Ernest saying to me "Paddy let there be a ladies evening" so I ordered a hundred bottles of champagne—a gesture that resonated joyfully with the attendees (I had a few bottles of whiskey in the bag of the car just incase!) 

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The event was attended by Fianna Fáil TD at the time, David Andrews and it was a roaring success, deposits were secured for every one of the 25 houses, with even a prominent PR professional, Pat X, placing his watch as a deposit.

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Over the subsequent 18 months, as the second batch of 25 houses was sold, prices escalated from £13,000 to £21,500.