The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

Romantic regency escape for two

Book this home

County Kilkenny

This is a quaint and cosy traditional gate lodge, custodian to the exclusive Coolmore estate, where a bleached white exterior and tastefully renovated interior preserve its unique style.
Surrounded by 250 acres of rolling parkland in the picturesque Nore valley, the cottage lies within easy reach of Dublin, Waterford, and perhaps the best golfing Ireland has to offer.

 

A compact and intimate home

In smaller homes, utilities require clever stowage, and so it is that you unknowingly pass the well concealed laundry facility when you step through the entrance lobby and enter the living room.

Under-floor heating guarantees wall to wall warmth.

A high stool dining bar informally separates the snug seating area, complete with wood burning stove, from the compact oak kitchen.

The double bedroom is as sumptuous as it is simple. A wall of convenient wardrobe space spans the short lobby leading to the pearly white shower room.

Outside

The Gate Lodge is situated at the start of a tree lined avenue that introduces the Coolmore Estate. The immediate garden is lawned and defined by low box hedges. Internal roadways on the estate are mostly roller skate smooth asphalt, but there are some 4kms of beautifully brick-paved walks which are ideal for jogging and cycling.

Otters, badgers, Irish hares and red squirrels, foxes, river birds are among the native wildlife to be spotted along the tranquil valley. Fishing rights extend to a mile of the Nore, single bank, with eight pools noted for salmon, though these are subject to licensing requirements and by arrangement.

Elsewhere you will pass a Stonehenge folly of more recent construction, adjacent to the brick paved heli-pad of the same era.

Dining arrangements include an expansive rear patio along the western flank which is easily accessed from the kitchen – Barbecue Shangri-La.

Facilities

The Lodge has a Weber barbecue, smart TV, excellent mobile coverage, and internet. By arrangement there is use of the tennis court and a mile of fishing rights.

Note that there is a separate Cottage on the demesne that sleeps four, and is listed elsewhere on this Unique Irish Homes website.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.

Allergy Warning! Please note that this is a Dog Friendly Home. If you intend bringing a dog, please tell us about him/her when booking.

The main house has a magnificent 3 acre walled garden which the gardener may give you a tour of. There is also an Astroturf tennis court which is available by arrangement.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €795
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €795
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €795
New Years 30th to the 2nd Jan 2023 – €795

Christmas, New Year and public holidays are high season  – please apply for rates.

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

All Year €795 per week Weekends and Mid-Week stays €475

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Booked
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We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

 

Reviews

 

We had a lovely time away…

so relaxing in such beautiful surroundings. The Gate lodge was gorgeous, Charlie enjoyed the garden & lovely walks. The weather wasn’t bad & Hugh was able to barbeque! It was really just what we both needed. Fiona was so helpful. Thank you both so much for all your input.

Mad, July 2020

10 out of 10!!

From beginning to end you have been wonderful to deal with, and when we unfortunately had to change our dates you were so helpful and accommodating. The staff at the Lodge were brilliant and nothing was too much trouble. We were greeted with a wonderful Welcome Pack – which was much appreciated at 8pm on a rainy Sunday night!!
The sun then shone on us and we had a great week in Kilkenny. We also visited Bassetts in Thomastown for dinner (which was recommended) and had a fabulous evening there too!
One tiny bit of feedback re the Lodge – there was no mirror in the bedroom – which would have helped when needing to dry my hair – but honestly it was no trouble doing it in the Living room!!!
We have told our family and friends how wonderful our trip was, and my parents are seriously thinking of booking the same for next year. Thank you so much.

 

Emma, Jonny & Frankie-Dog, UK, June 2019

What a unique way to ring in the new year!

I just wanted to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in the Gate Lodge, Coolmore. The cottage is beautifully appointed and cosy. There was a luxurious welcome basket also.

 

Noreen Keane, January 2017

Click here for reviews on using Coolmore Gate in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 

This region has a rich and ancient heritage of Dukes and Earls, Bishops and brewing. There’s so much to taste and see, we just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

Festivals

 

The Locality

 

 

The Gate Lodge was original constructed in 1850 and served as a home to the gatekeeper and his wife who was the cook in the main house

Thomastown at 5km upstream is the nearest town to Coolmore. There are two large supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and a selection of craft shops to browse.

Photo Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese

At one stage there were 12 water-powered mills, for grain and cloth, working locally. Several mills can still be seen upstream from the bridge in Thomastown. 

Photo Humphrey Bolton

A replica famine ship, the Dunbrody, is now berthed on the quay in New Ross and offers visitors an insight into life as a passenger during the 19th century when emigration to America was at its peek.

Photo Suckindiesel

Dysart Castle, clearly visible around the estate, was the birth place of George Berkeley. George, the eponymous philosopher of Berkeley University California, was active in the first half of the 18th century.

The medieval city of Kilkenny – 25km distant – is often referred to as the Marble City due to its unique black marble mining. It is the smallest city in Ireland.

Photo Sabrina O’Brien

Work on Kilkenny Castle was begun in 1204 and took 9 years to complete. The Castle became the seat to the Butler family, a very powerful dynasty who lived there until 1935.
Lady Margaret Butler who was born there, was the grandmother of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII of England.

The highest air temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3 °C (91.9 °F), at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887.

St Canice’s Cathedral with its Round Tower were founded in the 6th century – Cill Channigh (pr. Kil-kenny) is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice. The Round Tower – one of only two that people can climb in Ireland – is the city’s oldest building, with excellent views for those brave enough to reach the top.

The extensive ruins of Jerpoint Abbey – 6km from the house – is another ecclesiastical site notable for its stone carvings. Built in 1180, it survived till Henry the VIII got hold of it during the period of the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500’s.

It was from a farm here in New Ross that President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather emigrated to America in 1848 on just such a ship.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin or Shannon airports.
Shannon Airport – approx 2 and half hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Cork Airport – approx 2 and a half hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Rosslare Port is approx 1 hour from house, with ferries to South Wales
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2 hours from house

 

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Map

 

The Gate Lodge at Woodhouse

The Gate Lodge at Woodhouse

The Gate Lodge at Woodhouse

Enter a Completely Different Domain

Book this home

County Waterford

As sentinel at the East entrance to an historic Waterford demesne, this is a romantic little home full of surprises and the promise of full days of exploration both on and off the estate.
Everything is here for some sublime relaxation, creative culinary endeavours, or energetic enjoyment on Waterford’s Copper Coast.

 

Modern Romantic styling

From the road this extended little gate lodge floats like an ice berg, deftly denying the scale of the dwelling embedded beneath.

An open living area spans the entire lower floor and includes the dining table and kitchen. Stretching in a gradual amalgam of leisure and pleasure from a lattice wall of formal shelves to a porcelain bright sink.

Subtle painted tones and chalky shades of Cafe crème and pewter characterise the space, while brass hinges, crackle glaze ceramic knobs and Roman blinds of pleated fabric introduce a quality of detail that is evident throughout the home.

Two sets of glazed patio doors spill out through chunky walls onto a sunny partly-paved yard, ideal for sunset barbeques.

Barefoot warm, mottled tawny limestone flags radiate indirect cosiness from the under floor heating.

There is a generous back-from-the-beach wood burning stove and a serious basket of logs from the estate, should you yearn for an open flame.

At the crest of the carpeted stairs is the main street level entrance lobby.

The delightful double bedroom, full of luxury linen and light, nestles across one end of the upstairs. The wardrobe is behind a second door.
Noticeably lower windows and curved ceilings lend a cottage feel to this level.

The bathroom has both bath and shower and there is an adjacent spare room where a fold-out double bed can be used for additional guests.

Outside

The Gate Lodge controls the eastern gate of the historic Woodhouse Estate ranging for 340 acres West from Stradbally village.

The property is bisected by the meandering river Tay, which swirls right past the Lodge and escapes under the road bridge for a final dash to the Atlantic.
156 acres of woodland comprising of more than 150,000 trees – some dating back to the mid 18th century – await exploration either on foot or on cycle tracks.

The owners occupy the eponymous Georgian mansion at the centre of this private estate, but visitors are free to enjoy the walled garden, impeccably reproduced Victorian glasshouse, and paddocks of grazing red deer.

Please enquire about fishing rights or other activities on the estate.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – There is a river, so parts of the property may not suitable for young children, please check with us.

Allergy Warning! Please note that this is a Dog Friendly Home. If you intend bringing a dog, please tell us about him/her when booking.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Single oven Gas Range
• With 5 rings
• Fridge
• Wine Cooler
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Toaster

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• King Size bed
• Fold out double bed
• Hair dryer

Tech & Entertainment

• Good Wi-Fi Internet
• Mobile phone coverage is patchy
• Flat screen smart TV
• with Sky Sports
• DVD player

Other stuff

• Some Books
• Some DVD movies

Stradbally Cove with its sheltered sandy beach is across the road from the Gate Lodge.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except in low season as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €1,100
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €1,100
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €1,100
New Years 30th to the 2nd Jan 2023 – €1,100

Please Note: Easter dates are charged at high seasons rates; thank you.

Christmas 5 night Special from Thursday 23rd December to Tuesday 28th December.

 -€860

New Year 5 night Specialfrom Wednesday 29th December to Monday 3rd January.
-€860

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

May to September €1,100 per week Weekend €550 Mid-week €550
October to April €1,100 per week Weekend €550 Mid-week €550

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Booked
Pending
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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

 

Reviews

 

Without question it has been one of the most unique and wonderful experiences I’ve had in a holiday…

Ireland has left a profound impression on me which I won’t ever forget. A big part in the positive impact was definitely the excellent location I was able to stay at.
The interior was very beautifully decorated and one could very much see the amount of work and detail that was put into every corner of the house. During the entire stay I can note that I haven’t missed a single amenity, as everything was very well thought through and planned out.
The estate is beautifully located on the countryside close to the village of Stradbally. With only five minutes of walking distance to the sea and Stradbally Cove, morning walks were spectacular. The fireplace during cold days and Sky TV in the evening certainly made the stay very comfortable.
The caretakers were very friendly and gave us all the information and things we needed during our holiday. As this was my first time in Ireland I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the fantastic estate to the warm-hearted people who live in the area, I can truly say that staying at here was absolutely wonderful.
The location and places to see in the area were very memorable and your kind service for the stay was amazing. It really felt like a second home and we’ll be sad to leave for now. I do hope to come back again, as Ireland has left a very unique and positive impression on me. I’ll miss this place.

Damian Claus, March 2017

An excellent experience was had at the Gate Lodge. Elegance without arrogance, excellence without excess.
Keep up the good work and I will be in touch, when I next get the chance to visit.

 

Scott Sutherland, February 2017

Very pleasant, will stay there again

Host was very nice, nice touch giving eggs & bacon. Also very generous supply of coffee capsules. Location was nice, near sea, nice estate and near Dungarvin. The house quality was also of a nice standard.
Only negative; Was the weather, but what can u do !!
We are looking forward to staying with you again in sept this time Donegal
& I have been recommending your site to some friends & colleagues.

Kieran, July 2020

Click here for reviews on using Gate Lodge in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 

This stretch of Southern Coastline known as the Copper Coast, just buzzes with undiscovered gems We just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

For unique ways to experience the hidden gems on the Copper Coast we recommend you contact Waterford Camino Tours
Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

The tranquil village of Stradbally – Gold Medal Winner in the Tidy Towns 2019 awards – is a short walk out of the estate, and has a grocery shop and a couple of pubs, but for a full range of shops, Dungarvan is a 15 minute drive along the coast and is your best bet.

photo Paul O’Farrell

Tramore is about 35 minutes away, and is a popular resort for tourists in the summer. It has a 5km beach, sand dunes looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean, and a well deserved reputation for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Clonea Strand is much closer; one of the finest blue flag beaches in the region, and also has a growing reputation as a good surfing beach.

photo Peter Taylor

Mahon Falls is a dramatic 80m waterfall nestled in the Comeragh Mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery. There is a car park near Lemybrien 15 minutes away from the house with a not too strenuous hike thereafter, so don’t miss it.

This region known as the Copper Coast gets its name from the copper mines that were active in the 19th century. It is a sometimes stormy coast that has more than its fair share of ship wrecks.

Road Bowling is a traditional and popular local sport that requires hours of practice and technique to master. 28oz steel balls are rolled in turn for just over a mile along bendy roads from Fenor to Annestown.

In Dungarvan, King John’s Castle, an Anglo-Norman fortification (1185) would have originally been entered by drawbridge. It is undergoing reconstruction but there are guided tours, an audio-visual show and exhibitions during the summer season.

They’re mad about cycling in Dungarvan, and it was here that the first cycling club in Ireland was founded in 1869. The local club went on to win the first ever bike race in the British Isles. They still have the cup to prove it.

Waterford, about 45 minutes away, is Ireland’s oldest city. Originally a Viking settlement, it is now a major port with much to see and do. Glass, or crystal, was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009, when the factory there was eventually shut down.

There is a great annual Viking marathon in Waterford in June.

About half an hour away, the magnificent Lismore Castle with its long and distinguished history, has splendid gardens open to the public during the summer months, and compelling cultural events are held in the town throughout the year.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Cork Airport, Waterford or Dublin.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2.5 hours from house.
Waterford Airport – approx 1 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 1.5 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2.5 hours from house

 

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Map

 

Careysville House

Careysville House

Careysville House

A slice of riverside heaven in Cork

Book this home

A slice of riverside heaven in Cork

County Cork

More than two centuries of charm and tradition permeate this country mansion, with its stunning views over the meandering River Blackwater below.
With an 160 acre private estate to explore, it’s easy to see why generations of guests have returned to this six bedroom family home just half an hour from Ireland’s second largest City, Cork.

 

Privilege, passion and priorities

The house was built in the Georgian style, on the elevated fortifications of a ruined castle. Acquired in the mid-20th century as a fishing retreat with its 3km of double bank fishing, it became part of the Devonshire family estates, which include Lismore Castle about 20km downstream.

A bright fanlight entrance with a cobweb of curved astragals, separate the entrance lobby from the expansive hallway that is the core of the house.

Papered walls are lined with a profusion of formal gilded portraits, studiously ignoring the snooker table below – a reminder that above all this is a family home.

The superb fishing and opulent comfort of Careysville house continue to be enjoyed by the latest generation of the Devonshire family. With permission of Lord Burlington, Careysville House now becomes available for exclusive hire.

 

 

h AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 10 guests
    From €5,995 per week. 
  • Unique Irish Homes season is from 1st October to 1st February 2022
  • Christmas from December 23rd to 28th 2021.
  • New Year’s Eve from December 29th 2021 to January 2nd 2022. Both offers at the weekly rate.
  • Bedrooms
    Two double bedrooms & Three twin bedrooms
    All are ensuite
    One family bathroom
  • Other Rooms
    Entrance hallway
    Drawing room, Dining room, Kitchen
    Staff utilities
  • Features
    Full catering available
    Fishing Pavilion
    Snooker table
  • Contempo
    Flat screen TV, WiFi internet
    Good Cell phone reception

There are splendid views across the Blackwater valley from all the chambers, and the capacious drawing room must have witnessed many an exaggerated yarn of the noble salmon around the open hearth.

 

An expansive modern country kitchen occupies the sunny front corner, where large Georgian sash windows and paneled shutters that feature throughout the lodge, flood the rooms with light.

Genteel dining is best announced by dinner gong in such a large home. Twelve can sit down to a salmon supper in deep-buttoned leather and mahogany elegance.

 

Understated opulence informs the house, where an idiosyncratic mixture of the functional, the personal and the invaluable cohabit.
Monolithic walls, languid blown-glass panes, and the occasional wayward floor board, are testimony to the antiquity of the building.

A family bathroom serves one of the six bedrooms that radiate from the landing – all the remainder are ensuite.

Crisp white sheets, and freestanding piping hot baths await the weary guest.

The sweeping stairway passes a flurry of rainbow coloured parakeets, now frozen by the taxidermist, and leads to the bedroom accommodation.

 

Outside

The tree-lined private avenue runs for a kilometre to the main road ensuring total privacy and peace. An estate of more than 160 acres beckons exploration, or bring canoes and slip down the Blackwater.

Facilities

The house is equipped with all modern appliances, and is fully centrally heated. There is WiFi, a library of books, games and DVDs.
There is also a first class in-house chef who specialises in local produce, should you choose to avail.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week:
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Sunday to Sunday

 

Holidays’ Dates for 2022 are priced as following.
Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €5,995
Halloween   27th- 1st October 2022 – €5,995
Christmas  23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €5,995
New Years’  30th December 2022 to the 2nd January 2023  -€5,995

Full Board includes a full Irish Breakfast or and a full Dinner in the evening

NB. A €500 refundable breakages deposit applies to this home.

 

Period Self Catering per week Full Board – per person per week
1st October 2021 to January 31st 2022. €5,995 per week on Application
1st February 2022 to 30th September 2022. Salmon Fishing Season  

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE – BOOKED

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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Booked
Pending
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Reviews

 

I’d just like to say that…

the house, surroundings, atmosphere, the people, the open fires, beds, bedlinen, every single element of our stay simply could not have been better.
We were looking forward to this stay so very much, and as we had people from all over Ireland popping in and out, each and everyone of them said, the best Christmas/New Year venue they’d ever be to. Maura met us and showed us around the house, the bedrooms were unbelievable, the open fires with all the wood there to replenish the fires when needed – it was the best.
We had a black tie dinner on New Years Eve. It went down a storm…walks down by the Blackwater river, we’re all stuck for words.
A huge, massive thank you to you Maura, all our crew want it again next year…sssh don’t tell anyone else! Take care Maura, have a great 2020.

P. Harvey, December 2019

Facebook Page

using Careysville in search for posts

Out & About

 

The Blackwater valley is centrally placed for a plethora of outings and days of exploration- so many we just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

The Locality

 

Within easy walking distance is the village of Clondulane, but you will need to take the 5 minute car trip to Fermoy for the nearest supermarket. The M8 motorway ensures a very quick trip from here to Cork City.

photo Andreas F. Borchert

Labbacallee to the north west of Fermoy, is Irelands largest prehistoric wedge tomb and dates from roughly 2300 BC

The renowned Mitchelstown caves exhibit some stunning examples of stalagmites and stalactites that are well worth the visit.

Fermoy was established as a garrison town around the same time Careysville house was constructed, and the camp quickly became the largest military establishment on this island during the 1800’s.

If our ex cricket pavilion seems incongruous, you will be interested to learn that in Victorian times cricket was the largest and most popular sport in the Ireland, irrespective of class or religion. Indeed in 1855 the first team to represent this island thrashed their English opponents by 107 runs.

The magnificent Lismore Castle with its long and distinguished history, has splendid gardens open to the public during the summer months, and compelling cultural events are held in the town throughout the year.

The Munster Blackwater – there being several other rivers of the same name – is Ireland’s second largest river after the Shannon, and unquestionably one of the great salmon rivers of Europe. A lazy snaking river, it is also makes for very fine for canoeing.

The views of Lismore Castle from the water as you approach the final weir are spectacular. Beyond that the river becomes tidal for the final 30km to the sea at Youghal.

How to get there – Car advised..

By Air: Flights to Cork, Kerry Airport (Farrenfore), Dublin or Shannon.
Cork Airport – approx 40 mins from house.
Kerry Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 1 hour 30 mins from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2 hours 30 mins from house.

 

 

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Swansea/Cork Ferry is 45 mins from the house.
Rosslare Port is approx 2 hours 30 mins from house.
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2 hours 30 mins from house.

 

Map

Sandbrook House

Sandbrook House

Sandbrook House

A slow-burning mix of country luxury

Book this home

County Carlow

An inviting and elegant home, this substantial 300 year old Queen Anne style country house, set in twenty five acres of mature parkland, makes the perfect setting to share memorable family gatherings, celebrations or corporate retreats.
Within easy reach of Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford and the sunny south-east, Sandbrook House makes a totally unique escape.

 

Relaxed in character and style

As if the archetypically straight avenue isn’t classical enough, the gleaming white panelled entrance hall with its elaborate mouldings, and a guestbook touting entries from 1929, confirms you’re arriving somewhere slightly baroque and enduringly special.

There are four other lofty reception rooms spanning the core of Sandbrook House, and all of them ooze eclectic charm. In the sitting room, on the left, we find the TV and a contemporary wood-burning stove imbedded in the first of a series of white marble mantles.

Once a music room at the end of the house, the drawing room has a few reminders, including a baby grand piano. A majlis style daybed fills the arched bay window that extends onto a covered barbecue veranda.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 23 guests
    From €9,900 per week
    Or €5,000 for a weekend
  • Bedrooms
    Five double bedrooms
    One ensuite with bath and shower
    Two family quad bedrooms
    One single bedroom
  • Bathrooms
    Four plus shower room
  • Other Rooms
    Entrance Hall
    Drawing room, Sitting room, Library, Dining room
    Kitchen, Catering kitchen
    Laundry, Pantry, guest wc
  • Apartment
    Open plan Living/kitchen/dining room
    Double bedroom plus Twin
    Family bathroom
    Separate stairs
  • Features
    Covered veranda with gas BBQ
    Equine Livery boxes available
  • Contempo
    3 Flat screen TVs, DVD player, WiFi internet
    Sonos sound system ground floor & master suite
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    Weekly: Saturday to Saturday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday
    Midweek: Monday to Friday

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Aga range, plus
• Multiple appliances and catering equipment
• Multiple laundry appliances

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Five double beds, one King-size and 11 single beds
• 3 Hairdryers

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• 3 Flat-screen TVs
• DVD player
• Sonos sound system across ground floor & master suite

Other

• Huge selection of books
• Children’s high chair
• Livery stables available
• Gas Barbeque
• Croquet lawn
• Chef available

This covered terrace overlooking the croquet lawn, is furnished with a long rustic table, and accessed from both reception rooms, is equally perfect for afternoon tea, barbeques or sundowners.

The décor throughout is an idiosyncratic blend of antique furniture and contemporary art, with a smattering of collected memories from foreign travels.
Rugs from Iran thrown across traditional sisal carpets, while little brass men perch in precarious poses.

There is a comprehensive selection of books to be read, not all of them in the library at the other side of the hall.
Elegant and cosy, with another roaring fire in another classic white marble hearth.
A wireless Sonos sound system allows your favourite music to follow through the ground floor rooms, today’s essential companion when entertaining.

Beyond the library, there is a formal dining room. Resplendent gold walls, full length drapes, a blazing log fire, and a mahogany table surrounded by faux Chippendale chairs, before you even get to the starters…

The large family kitchen abuts on to the house at the rear, with a door onto the huge lawn which reveals uninterrupted views of Mount Leinster. It is country style, with tall windows, a four oven Aga range, and a substantial rustic table in the centre.

For more comprehensive cooking the adjacent catering kitchen has more of everything from freezers to microwaves.
There is also a separate pantry and a busy laundry room contiguous.

Bedrooms

There are five double bedrooms on the first floor each with its own unique character, and each with an idyllic pastoral view. The spacious master suite has a relaxed seating area, and an integral dressing room, with an ensuite embracing both slipper bath and walk-in shower.

Four shared bathrooms plus a shower room are distributed across the landing, and all the bedrooms have wash hand basins.

The dormer floor at the top of the house is given over to family accommodation. There are two large dorm style bedrooms, each with four single beds – ever popular with the younger ones! A single bedroom with ocular view separates them.

Floor Plans

Self-contained apartment

Annexed to one end of the first floor there is a separate and commodious apartment. It comes with its own open plan living area and kitchen, a double bedroom and a twin, and a family bathroom. It can also be accessed from a dedicated back stairs.

Outside

The house is sits on 25 acres, surrounded by paddocks and mature trees. The sunny south facing croquet lawn is overlooked by an exceptional all-weather veranda.

A number of the original out buildings are undergoing renovation. If you’re a horsey sort, you could bring a couple of animals to Sandbrook – the estate has its own stables and dry arena, and there’s plenty of riding space.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – As with all traditional country properties we would urge caution with young children in an unfamiliar environment.
Pets – Well mannered and polite dogs are accepted downstairs only.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Tuesday PM till Friday AM – 3  nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €9,900
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €9,900
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €9,900
New Years 30th to the 2nd Jan 2023 – €9,900

Important – A refundable breakages deposit of €600  is payable with the rent, this will be refunded within 7 days of depature; provided all is in order.

All Year €9,900 per week Weekend €5,000 Mid-week €4,800

 

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Reviews

 

We booked Sandbrook House…

for a special birthday celebration few days and we were blown away by the comfort, spaciousness and ambiance of the house. The interior of the house is both beautiful and practical. Perfect for our whole family – from 3 to 80 years old. It served the purpose so well with lovely reception rooms and cosy but generous kitchen for a family gathering.
We stayed in Winter so the house came into its own with lovely fires in the lounges and dining room. Not to mention the gorgeous Christmas tree in the entrance hall. Jackie the house manager was extremely helpful as was John the recommended chef who provided dinner for us.
All in all, we were so delighted with our choice of venue as were our guests who all want to return. I could go on and on – giant bath tubs, books and board games in the lounge, sonos system throughout the house. Quite simply lovely, relaxing place to spend a few days in the countryside and just an hour from Dublin.

Marjory Cleary, 2018

Click here for reviews on using Sandbrook in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 
Dotted with mountains and rivers this rural landscape brings more than just golfing, history and horses…

photo Adrian Farwell
Here are some of our favourites…

Try one of the numerous local Festivals:

 

The Locality

 

 
The local village of Ballon has a couple of pubs, a great butcher and filling stations, but you will need to go the 20k to Carlow town for a broader spectrum of goods.

Carlow town was the country’s capital in the 1300’s but it’s probably best known as home of the nation’s 4th most popular Institute of Technology.

Just east of Carlow Town, Browne’s Hill Dolmen is regarded by many as one of the foremost prehistoric monuments in Ireland. Its burial chamber roof is certainly one of the heaviest in Europe at about 100 tons.

photo Kevin Higgins

Carlow Castle is a popular 13th century attraction. An attempt by a doctor in the 1800’s to convert the stone castle into an insane asylum destroyed most of the castle, however the two remaining towers demonstrate what an impressive construction it had been.

The vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny is a short drive, with its fine cathedral, and thirteenth-century Castle, which was principal residence of the Butler family for over 600 years, and well-known design and craft heritage. The city is renowned as an arts and crafts centre and is well served by restaurants and festivals.

The River Barrow which flows through Carlow town, is the second-longest river in Ireland after the River Shannon.


photo Artur Koziol

A long-distance walking trail known as The Barrow Way which follows the original towpath of the river for 114 kilometres, and would take approximately 4 days to cover on foot, though cycling is permitted. It is one of Ireland’s most scenic long distance trails but remains largely undiscovered.

Click here for more information on Ireland’s Ancient East

As mentioned elsewhere, the region is spoiled for fine golf courses within a short distance of Sandbrook. If you enjoy a spot of leisurely fly fishing, Rathcon Lake is well stocked with top quality rainbow trout. The lake is designed so that 90% of the water is coverable from the bank. Rods and tackle are available for hire.

photo Mount Wolseley Resort

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – about 1 and a half hours from the house.
Cork Airport – Just under 3 hours from the house.
Shannon Airport – under 2 and half hours from the house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and about 1 and a half hours from the house.
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is about an hour from the house.

 

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