Château Ford

Henry Ford’s ancestors were tenant farmers on this spectacular West Cork estate, writes Jim O’Brien

THE West Cork estate on which Henry Ford’s grandfather was a tenant farmer is for sale. Lisselan House near Clonakilty has to be one of the most spectacular properties on the Irish market at the moment, with its 315ac of grazing, tillage and leisure grounds.

The picturesque house with extensive gardens, a working farm and a nine-hole golf course is for sale as a 122ac holding for €1.9m and as an entire on 315ac for €3.6m. The sale is being handled by Savills.

Lisselan was built for William Bence Jones between 1851 and 1853. While all great hous- es at the time were Georgian in design, this one, designed by Lewis Vulliamy, took its inspiration from the French château.

Later additions included the smoke-room wing and the lodge at the front gate, while the double-height glass and ironwork conservatory was built for the Cork Exhibition of 1902.

Situated on an elevated site over the Argideen river valley, the house is surrounded by more than 30ac of terraced gardens with flagstone pathways, a rose-covered pergola and wooden bridges over the river.

There is also a fully operational walled garden producing an array of hard and soft fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The house is laid out over four levels, with the main reception rooms on the ground floor and the bedrooms on the first and second floor, while rooms on the lower ground floor include a snooker room and staff accommodation.

The original features are all there including ornate cornicing and ceiling roses, open fireplaces, original wooden flooring and sash windows.

The rooms are bright and airy with views onto the gardens, while the drawing and dining rooms both open to a large terrace overlooking the grounds and the surrounding countryside.

The courtyard behind the residence includes a number of useful outbuildings and also the lovely Pear Tree Cottage, a one-bedroom cottage set over two storeys and ideal for guest accommodation.

Other useful buildings include a range of large garages and a two-storey building that once housed the estate offices. The charming, two-storey gate lodge reflects the design of the main house and has accommodation that includes two living rooms, a kitchen and three bedrooms.