Grand estate by river and sea awash with titled owners

CO WATERFORD - €4M:THE EARLY 17TH CENTURY Woodhouse manor - later extended - sits pn a 330-acre estate and takes its place among the castles and country piles built by the Irish landed gentry.

It was constructed in 1605 by the Fitz-Geralds from whom the Desmond family is descended.

One branch of the family includes the Knights of Glin, and the current Knight, Desmond FitzGerald, lives in Glin Castle, Limerick.

Woodhouse was also once the home of Lord Beresford but more recent titled residents have come from further afield: the owners before the current inhabitants belonged to the Saudi royal family.

They put in the gates to the tree-lined avenue that runs to the house through lands that include forest (more than 150,000 - mainly oak - trees were planted here in 1742) and pasture.

The grounds have the trout and the salmon-stocked River Tay running through and there is also access to Stradbally cove and beach.

As would be expected, the house has grandly proportioned rooms, with original features such as Italian fireplaces and sash windows with wooden shutters; the latter were recently restored and other refurbishment work has included painting and roof repairs.

The accommodation comprises four reception rooms, a conservatory, kitchen, 10 bedrooms, and a bathroom (recalling days when people were prepared to walk more than a few steps to, and share, bathing spaces).

In the grounds there is a gate lodge, two cottages and a stable block.

The estate is for sale through joint agents Knight Frank and Colliers Jackson-Stops for €4 million, for the buildings and 126 acres (51 hectares) - although a total of 330 acres is on offer.

Woodhouse, Stradbally Co Waterford

A six-bay 10-bedroom house on 330 acres that dates back to the 17th century

Agent:Knight Frank and Colliers Jackson-Stops