Wells House is open to the public for five very successful years
IT’S BEEN five years since the rebirth of Wells House and Gardens.
The house itself has over 300 years of history, but since it was opened to the public five years ago, it has grown to become one of the most popular family attractions in Ireland.
Uli and Sabine Rosler took the very brave step back in 2012 to bring Wells House back to life. An extensive investment, with the support of Wexford Local Development, was put in to enable the ongoing restoration of the house and gardens in order to reinstate the 1830’s designs by renowned architect Daniel Robertson.
They began by uncovering some of the original woodland walks, and it was not an easy task! They also began refurbishing the house and courtyard to a standard where the public could visit, and they introduced a new tea room and a playground.
They celebrated the grand opening in July 2012 with a Victorian garden party on the front lawn, with live music, and they were overwhelmed when so many people arrived that an additional field had to be opened up for parking.
They haven’t looked back since, and have built up a fantastic programme of events throughout the year.
Sabine and Uli and their dedicated team have made it their life’s mission to restore the house and gardens to their former glory, and every year, they have reinvested the income from the gate fees into making this dream a reality. Each year has seen a different project undertaken, with more recent developments including the Victorian parterre gardens at the back of the house. Future projects include the restoration of the lake, the basement of the house and the entrance and roundabout at the front of the house.
Wells House and Gardens is now the most popular tourism attraction in Wexford and in 2015 was voted ‘Best Family Day Out.’
Visitors can now explore the enchanted woodland walks with fairies and other discoveries to be made, relax in the stunning Daniel Robertson gardens and see his impressive drawings of the house on the Living House Tour with the Victorian tour guides.
With an adventure playground, animal farm, craft courtyard and delicious home cooked food from Mrs Stone’s this is the perfect day out for families and friends of all generations. Why not try your hand at archery on the 3D woodland course, clay pigeon shooting or book a falconry experience and discover your inner falconer?
As the centuries old house celebrates its fifth birthday as a top tourist attraction, all are invited to share in the ongoing story of the rebirth of Wells House and Gardens at a Victorian Garden Party, this Sunday, July 16.
Enjoy a tasty barbecue, music, family entertainments and birthday surprises. Entry is great value at €8 per car and there is an extra charge for those tempted by the barbecue.
Sabine Rosler said this marks a special time at Wells House and Gardens. ‘It’s five years since we opened our doors to the public and we have come so far since then,’ she said. ‘We would love to thank all of our customers and throw this party to show our appreciation. We cannot wait to see what the future holds.’