Roses by the river LISSELAN ESTATE, CLONAKILTY, CO CORK €3.6m
THERE are gardens, and there are Gardens, and the Lisselan Estate near Clonakilty in Co Cork most definitely has Gardens with a capital G. The sporting and agricultural estate comprises a total of 315 acres, although Lisselan House is available with a mere 122 acres for €1.9m.
Lisselan dates from 1851/53, and was originally built for William Bence-Jones in the style of a French chateau, which was very different to the prevailing Irish Georgian style of the time. The house sits in a dramatic position perched on a height with breathtaking views down the Argideen River valley, and comes with desirable double-bank fishing rights.
Bence-Jones created the riverside gardens stretching for over 30 acres on both sides of the river. These drop down from the lawns in front of the house and lead to flagstone pathways and tree-lined walkways that weave through gardens of mature shrubs, tall trees, ferns, a rose-covered pergola, over wooden bridges traversing the river, and, eventually, to the walled garden. The architect of Lisselan House was Lewis Vulliamy and, in the late 1800s, the smoke room wing was added, to the design of Sir Thomas Newenham Deane who also designed the lodge at the front gate. The conservatory was also added during the Bence-Jones times. It was built for the Cork Exhibition of 1902 and, although the double-height glass and ironwork conservatory was refurbished in 1992, has since fallen into some disrepair. The accommodation is laid out over four levels, with the principal reception rooms on the ground floor, and the main bedrooms on the first and second floors. At lower ground floor there is the snooker room (former kitchen) and staff accommodation. The high-ceilinged reception rooms and the tower have retained their period features, including ornate cornicing, open fireplaces and sash windows. The drawing and dining rooms open out onto a large terrace overlooking the gardens and the surrounding countryside. Agent: Savills (01) 663 4350