A SHOWFLAT opens on Thursday at 14 Crown Gardens, in the West End,

where Glasgow-based developer Cavello is converting a Victorian end

terrace townhouse into one, two and three-bedroom flats. ''The house is

an outstanding example of a traditional palatial West End mansion, but

it has recently been divided into bedsits, and we are now expertly

converting it into luxury flats using skilled craftsmen to restore

plaster cornices and ornate woodwork, and repairing the building,'' said

managing director David Grant.

''The Cavello Property Group has undertaken nine similar developments

of listed buildings in the past 10 years, and we regard this latest

development as the jewel in the crown. We will ensure a high standard of

craftsmanship, planning and restoration of the beautiful banisters,

pillars, cornices, stained glass, parquet floors and original fireplaces

throughout the building.''

The showflat is an example of the style and standard which will be

applied in the development. It has a spacious hallway, an impressive

lounge with a black marble fireplace and an imperial purple ceiling and

glass chandelier emphasising the ornate cornice. Double doors with

original hand-carved wooden architraves open from the lounge to the

modern kitchen, which has a polished beech floor and is fitted with

limed oak units and, like all of the flats in the development, comes

complete with an electric oven, gas hob and cooker hood.

The spacious bathroom is fitted with a reproduction Victorian suite,

featuring mahogany and gold taps and the latest type of power shower, in

addition to a big corner bath which has its own cradle-type shower

fitting. The tiles have been chosen to complement the traditional theme,

and at this stage in the development buyers can choose from a wide range

of kitchen and bathroom styles.

The bedroom in the showflat also boasts an original fireplace with a

tiled hearth, and a French glass chandelier. The original curved central

staircase is intact, with bow-shaped banisters, and is undergoing

restoration.

''Each flat will have gas central heating, a telephone security entry

system, television aerial sockets and telephone points will also be

provided, and the development will have a communal satellite dish. A new

damp-proof course is being installed, and buyers will have a 30-year

guarantee.'' Mr Grant said.

The showflat will be open from 12 noon until 5.30pm on Thursday, when

visitors will be offered wine and cheese. Thereafter, the showflat will

be open from 12 noon until 5.30pm seven days a week, with sales staff on

hand with information on the styles and sizes of flats available.

There will be seven flats in the completed development, and private

garages are for sale, with some off-street parking available to

residents, who also have the use of the gardens which many of the flats

overlook. One of the flats within the development will have its own

private patio and garden, one flat is a duplex, and penthouse flats are

available.

Prices start at #57,000 for the one-bedroom flats, and rise to

#105,000 for a three-bedroom flat with ensuite facilities in addition to

the main bathroom. Several flats will have ensuite facilities, and some

will have two public rooms.

From Hyndland Road, Crown Gardens is second on the right off Crown

Road North. The first flats will be ready for occupation in the spring,

and the development is scheduled for completion early next year. A

brochure giving full details is available from the showflat at the

development, telephone 041 334 1728.

Crown Gardens is conveniently located for Glasgow University and the

Western Infirmary, and there are superb leisure facilities in the area

including Hillhead Rugby Club. Indoor sports amenities are provided at

Kelvin Hall which is just a few minutes away, as are private and public

swimming pools.