Large family home for equine enthusiasts
PROVIDING top-of-the-line living for its equine inhabitants — and plenty of creature comforts for their owners indoors too — Dean Hill in Hayes, Co Meath, offers country living close to the city. A 325sqm contemporary family home on 21 acres of pasture lands, it has been brought to market reluctantly by a downsizing couple who plan to stay in the area. Their children, who have all moved on, made good use of the impressive equestrian facilities, with one pre-training a horse for Cheltenham 2013 there.
Located just 10km from Navan, on the Dublin side, and 47km from the city centre, the architect-designed dwelling was built in 2000. The present owners are only the second occupants of the property, which has 250m of road frontage. The house, which has a BER rating of C3, revels in a sense of light and space.
Set back from the main road, the downstairs accommodation incorporates a reception hall with sweeping mahogany staircase and granite pillar; lounge with marble-surround fireplace; dining room; kitchen with solid oak cabinetry, granite worktops, island unit and dining zone; south-west facing sunroom with doors leading to patio area at the rear; TV room with stove; and utility room with WC. Radiator covers are among the details that add to the sense of comfort and style.
There are four bedrooms upstairs, and the master bedroom has a fully tiled en suite with shower. The main bathroom also has a bath and shower, and flooring throughout is a mix of tiling and hardwood. The house incorporates a garage, which offers potential for conversion to an additional living space.
The extensive gardens are laid out to provide colour and privacy, and there’s a vegetable section and polytunnel. The equestrian facilities are a real high point, and include an American barn with 12 loose boxes, secure tack room and super-sized sand arena.
The well-sheltered and drained lands around the house provide easy access for animals. The vendors currently keep a small number of horses and cattle. The lands are stud-railed and have agricultural entrances from the main road.
“When the gates are closed, you have a great sense of privacy, with no houses around you here. There are lovely views of Dean Hill from the conservatory,” says the vendor. The new owners have the potential to expand the accommodation, with a floored attic with windows among the options, he says.
There is also the possibility to install tennis courts, something the current owners had in mind. The area has a strong sense of heritage. “Newgrange and the Hill of Tara are just 10 minutes up the road,” the vendor says. The property also has its own well.
Access to all major road networks is provided through the N2 and M3 motorway, which connects Navan with Dublin and the M50. For those who prefer to let someone else do the driving, a private bus service can be availed of nearby.
A haven for equestrian enthusiasts, the property offers easy access to racing in nearby Navan and Fairyhouse. Local facilities include Bachelors Lodge Equestrian Centre and Brookfield Stables. Hunting is catered for by The Ward Union; Tara, Meath; and Fingal hunting packs, and there is also a pony club. Navan, already a thriving commercial centre, is undergoing a lot of development. It has good shops and restaurants, with Blanchardstown close by for the shopping centre experience.
Selling agent Philip Guckian of Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes sees the location as ideal for those looking for an easy commute into the city centre, and interest is strong from Dubliners who see great value for money there, as well as from the local market hoping to trade up. The property has also attracted a number of international enquiries.