A haven in the heart of hunting, shooting, fishing country

FOR A period house that has been 95 per cent restored and renovated, it’s a pity that the grounds of Bessborough House in Meath are part of the five per cent that went untended. It means the property’s outward appearance is a bit dishevelled, but beyond the front portico, an extensive refurbishment in recent years has left a blank canvas for any potential buyer with €2 million to spend.

According to Pat O’Hagan of Savills, the selling agent for the property, Bessborough has already attracted interest from a number of quarters both inside and outside Ireland, so much so that it may yet come down to private auction.

Originally the home of horse trainer Peggy St John Nolan, the six-bed extends to 803sq m (8,640sq ft) and has been re-roofed, rewired and re-plumbed by the vendor.

It’s located about 25 miles from Dublin and comes with 104 acres of grassland, a manager’s lodge, three staff apartments and a range of stables in the classic courtyard. The setting is classic country hideaway; the estate is bounded by stands of mature beech and oak trees.

The interior requires finishing, but a lot of the heavy lifting has already been done, including the installation of new sash double-glazed windows and geothermal central heating with underfloor heating on both floors.

On the ground floor is an entrance hall, dining room, drawing room with a restored fireplace, and cornices intact, a family room and a newly-fitted kitchen with large sunroom-cum-breakfast area. In addition, this floor includes a bathroom, study and wine cellar/utility room.

Upstairs there are six bedrooms, three with en suite bathrooms, and two dressing rooms. There is a further bathroom and shower room on this floor. Decoration is required throughout the house and some of the bathrooms need fitting, but the core decorative elements, synonymous with period living, are in sound condition, from the high ceilings with decorative cornices and coving, to the hardwood floors, to the large sash windows.

The add-ons that are part of the sale, including a three-bed manager’s lodge with kitchen, living room, utility and office, and three staff units in the courtyard may be too much to take on for some prospective buyers.

However for others they may offer an opportunity, in particular for horse lovers or someone hoping to develop a business on the property.

Certainly the house is located in the heart of prime hunting, shooting, fishing country, and outdoor sports enthusiasts will have plenty to choose from in the nearby locales of Ashbourne, Slane, Navan and Drogheda.

Bessborough House, Meath

Refurbished six-bedroom house with additional staff units on 104 acres of grassland.

Agent:Savills