Restored millhouse on six acres of fine gardens

Co Tipperary: €1.2mA period property with a walled garden has been restored by its architect owner, writes Barbara Egan

In 1997, Angela Jupe - a successful Dublin-based architect - decided she wanted a minimum of two acres to develop as a rather special garden, gardening being her abiding passion. She also wanted a two-storey period house with a river - she loves the sound of running water; and the house had to be within an hour and a half of Dublin for business commuting.

It sounds like a complete dream, but then sometimes dreams do come true. A photograph in a newspaper of an old millhouse fronted by running water immediately caught her attention; Fancroft Millhouse near Roscrea, Co Tipperary apparently stood on an island between a river and the millrace; curiosity piqued, she thought: "I must have a look at that!"

It was love at first sight. The house was built of stone, the major portion being completed about 1840, simple, with beautiful lines and proportions. "It was built by a Quaker family around a much older house, the walls of which are part of the kitchen," explains Angela. "The front hall which projects out from the house, and 'sewing room' above were Victorian additions, the front entrance was probably originally on the other side of the house."

The design, based on the Quaker principles of simplicity and utilitarianism, together with the quality of light through the large Georgian windows succeeds in creating an atmosphere of restrained beauty and elegance. "I just stepped into it and thought 'it's perfect!' says Angela." In fact, in 1997, it was very far from being perfect. Having lain empty for 12 years, it had recently been rewired and plumbed, but there was a great deal of work to be done.

There was no central heating for a start, and it says a great deal about the courage and determination of this architect that she took on the project at all. "I was never so cold in my life as I was that first winter in the house," says Angela. "The roof hadn't been insulated, and the original sash windows were incredibly draughty; I knew what my priorities were for the renovation process!"

Angela's restoration brings Fancroft Millhouse into the 21st century, but always remains sensitive to the modesty and simplicity that gives it heart and charm; all the original features and wonderful atmosphere have been preserved, but the house is warm, sunny, comfortable, and stylish enough to have featured in several Irish and UK coffee table magazines.

The garden, as you would expect from a gardener who studied under the famous John Brooks, is stunning, but is also full of unique little architectural follies.

A walled garden with a pond is overlooked by a timber tower, with an upper storey overlooking the landscape.

A Gothic greenhouse provides a focal point to a walk bordered with a profusion of catmint and an "open pergola" which supports old-fashioned honeysuckles and roses on its uprights, and pears and apples espaliered on the horizontals.

A lake has been made by diverting the river, with a deck out over it for sitting out, and a little Dutch barn for rainy days.

Why would anyone leave such a haven? Simple. A new project has caught the eye of the energetic architect and garden designer; nearby Belle View, a large country house with a two-acre walled garden - in dire need of restoration. Some very lucky person will benefit from the obvious talent and sheer hard work put into this house and garden.

It was one of my favourite houses of all those I have photographed through the years; I would love it myself if I hadn't just moved to a country house with a large garden.

Fancroft Millhouse is a two-storey stone period dwelling with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, three reception rooms, a kitchen with oil-fired Aga and various utility and storerooms.

The courtyard contains two self-catering cottages converted from the original farm buildings, where tourists have greatly enjoyed the surrounding six acres of gardens and the nearby Slieve Bloom mountains. The mill itself comprises a group of three stone buildings, varying between two and four storeys in height. The two-storey building has been converted to house a lecture hall and workshop area, and still contains the old iron wheel, millstones and hoist.

Fancroft Millhouse is on the market through HOK Country at €1.2 million