A most impressive Georgian residence set in a private and tranquil setting, surrounded by spectacular parkland, bound by a mile of the River Slaney
Main House
Rathmore Park originally dates back to c.1735 the property was later extended in c1830 and further renovated in 1860. The current owners meticulously restored and extended the property in 1999 taking great love and care to keep the integrity of the original house.
Rathmore Park comprises a most impressive, but charming early Georgian House surrounded by c 50 acres of parkland, paddocks, mature woodland and newly planted woodland. Nestled amidst the unspoilt countryside of rural Carlow, and bound by the magnificent River Slaney. Carlow is renowned for its rich heritage and excellent lands.
The house is approached from the road through a splayed entrance with wrought iron electric gates up an avenue parallel to the river which sweep through the landscape to the broad gravel forecourt. The classic house is impressive by its grandeur and scale; however it exudes character and style, which has made it a most fantastic family home. In all, Rathmore Park encompasses all the attributes one seeks when acquiring a fine country estate, from the sizable, well maintained house, extraordinary coach house, stable yard, gardens, auxiliary buildings, walled gardens, mature parkland and of course extensive frontage on the River Slaney.
The main house stands on two floors and is seven bays with pedimented Doric doorcase and a good layout and an easy flow, due to most of the rooms leading off the central hall. There are exceptionally large sash windows throughout all the graceful principal rooms which flood the house with light and panoramic views. All the rooms have immense charm and character, are well proportioned with a myriad of original period features. One enters the house into a very large entrance hall with cantilever staircase. To the right is a large drawing room which leads to the dining room off which are the orangery with double doors to the terrace. To the right off the hall is a very family friendly light filled open plan space with contains a country kitchen, living room and garden room. To the rear of the house is a breakfast room, play room utility and a fun billiard room. Downstairs is wonderful wine cellar and store. Upstairs there are 8 generous bedroom and 4 bathrooms all with fine views either overlooking the gardens or with panoramic vistas over the surrounding countryside and the river.
Rathmore Park is a superb home for daily family living or for entertaining on a grand scale.
Courtyard Coach House
The coach house was the original cut stone coach house and stable yard of Rathmore Park and sits in a secluded private spot away from the main house. The conversion into a family home is truly exceptional and has been done to a very high and tasteful standard. There are large bright airy rooms which lead to the courtyard and or gardens. One enters the house into a large hall off which is a useful sitting room. There is a large drawing and dining room, modern kitchen, utility, study and wet room downstairs. Upstairs are 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There is the added benefit of a fine studio apartment.
Grounds, Gardens & lands
Varied and plentiful wildlife can be found in the environs of the River Slaney which meanders for a mile along the boundary of the lands. Swans, dippers, wild ducks, herons and kingfishers are a common occurrence. At dusk, bats, owls and otters may be seen. Rathmore Park enjoys single bank fishing rights on the River Slaney which is one of Ireland’s premier rivers for fishing salmon, trout and pike when in season.
For the equestrian specialist there is an excellent American barn with loose boxes tack and feed room. There is a useful isolated home office and various out buildings nearer the house. Off the courtyard are twin walled gardens and various flowering shrubs, plants, lawns and an orchard surrounds the house. Well placed sunny terraces are the perfect spot to view the ever changing landscape, the river and the visiting wildlife. The lands are in one block bound by the Slaney. c. 25 acres at Rathmore Park are currently in old pasture in large open fields dotted with spectacular specimen trees. The remainder of the land is planted in hardwood trees which are around 15 years old.