Lord of the Dance in legal row with architect
A LEGAL dispute has erupted between dancer Michael Flatley and the architect who oversaw the costly renovation and refurbishment of his Irish mansion.
The ‘Riverdance’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’ star initiated legal proceedings against architect and designer Peter Inston at the High Court in Dublin on Thursday.
Mr Inston, who has specialised in refurbishing castles and other grand homes, oversaw work on Flatley’s Castlehyde residence, near Fermoy, Co Cork.
Works
The work is estimated to have cost anywhere between €20m and €30m.
According to court records, Flatley is alleging “breach of contract” in the proceedings.
The full details of the case are not yet known and a statement of claim has yet to be served.
Efforts to contact Flatley and Mr Inston yesterday proved unsuccessful.
Two engineering businesses are also named as defendants in the proceedings.
Flatley announced his intention to sell the mansion, which is set on a 150-acre private estate, more than two years ago.
However, a buyer has yet to be found.
It is understood at least €20m is being sought for the property.
Castlehyde was designed by Abraham Hargrave and built around 1801.
It went on to become the ancestral home of Ireland’s first president, Douglas Hyde.
It subsequently fell into a derelict state and Flatley
bought the property for Ir£3m (€3.8m) in 1999.
The acclaimed dancer sunk much of his personal fortune into restoring it to its former glory. The property now boasts 12 bedrooms, a cinema, library, spa, pool and a tennis court.
Mr Inston, who previously did work for the Emir of Qatar, was central to the renovations and also worked on Flatley’s home in London.