Historic Country House For Sale in Co. Wicklow

Fortgranite House is an imposing and historic c.11,802.6sq.ft. (1096.5sq.m.) country house which was built in the 1720s, remodelled in the 1870s and upgraded in 1969. Presently it is in need of total renovation and upgrading and is an ideal project for someone who has foresight and vision to renew this historic house to it’s former
glory.

The estate is entered through a romantic and impressive toy castle Regency gate lodge, designed to replicate the original family crest, and the boundary is largely walled. The drive meanders through beautiful mature parkland up to the main house which sits majestically with fine views over the parkland and woodland. Few properties can boast such a private, beautiful and quiet setting.

It is square in plan with a recessed bay to the front and a projecting and imposing Doric portico. The walls of the exterior are finished in unpainted render and rise to a dressed granite parapet and cornice. The main house has exceptional proportions throughout the principal rooms.

The entrance hall gives a wonderful sense of arrival and has an attractive open fireplace which has an ornate timber surround and mantlepiece. The drawing room and morning room which interlink are fine entertaining rooms and have fabulous views through a large bay window over the formal gardens, lake and arboretum. The library is atmospheric and has a beautiful marble fireplace.

The first and second floors are reached by a magnificent sweeping staircase which is a wonderful feature of the inner hall in the centre of the house. On the first floor, there are six principal bedrooms and two bathrooms with fine views over the parkland and gardens, and there are a further four bedrooms and two bathrooms to the rear of the house.

On the second floor there is a school room and further bedroom. The lower ground floor which would originally have been the service floor for the house includes a series of rooms which have great potential for utility rooms, games rooms and
offices.

Fortgranite House is in need of modernisation and refurbishment to allow it to flourish once again as a wonderful family home.

History
The Estate which now comes to the market, has a fine history and is one of County Wicklow’s most important properties. The previous owners, the Dennis family, are directly descended from the Swifts of Lynn in Westmeath and thus from Jonathan Swift, the eminent 17th Century satirist and Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.

Meade started the dairy business at Fortgranite in the 1950s and his son, Piers moved to Fortgranite in the 1960s with his wife and young family to continue the family’s keen interests in farming, horses and gardening.

Gardens
Surrounding the main house and radiating through the parkland are mature gardens which include a lake with an island and a water feature, former lawn tennis court and an exceptional array of some of Ireland’s finest collection of Rhododendrons and living trees which have been collected over the years. These are recognised in the Tree Council’s Tree Register of Ireland. Particularly important examples include: Norway Spruce, Western Red Cedar, Scots Pine, Irish Yew, Dawn Redwoods, Swamp Cypress, Golden Japanese Cypress, Japanese Red Wood, Field Maple, Spanish Fir, Holm Oak, Incense Cedar, Cedars of Lebanon, At las Cedar, Deodoar Himalayan Cedar and Variegated Sycamore.

Sheds & Yard
The yards include excellent modern facilities for over 200 head and include: 220 cubicles including slatted units, open silage pits, slurry tanks, 2 silos, haybarns, milking parlour with scope for an 18-unit side-by-side with automatic feeders, 1 bulk milk tank with c.8800 litres capacity, excellent cattle handling facilities including cattle crush, holding yards, plant room, office and workshop.

Traditional Courtyards
There are two traditional ranges of beautiful granite buildings comprising 9 loose boxes and various stores.

Additional Properties
At the head of both the front and back drives, providing additional security, are two small gate lodges, both of which have one bedroom. There are two further properties known as Doyles Cottage (3 bedrooms) and Lennons Herd’s Cottage (2 bedrooms).

Land
The lands are all in permanent pasture and tillage laid out in approximately 20 divisions including 2 which are separate from the main Estate opposite the entrance. The majority of the lands are of excellent quality having been very well managed and are in good heart. The 341 acres are broken down as follows: 285 acres in the main block with residence and yard split into c. 200 acres in permanent pasture and c. 85 acres of parkland and meadows; 45 acres across the road from the front gate lodge, all in permanent pasture; 10 acres in tillage. The farm has been operated as a dairy enterprise by the previous owners and there is a good internal farm road system giving easy access to all fields/grasslands.

Services
Mains electricity, oil-fired heating and private drainage. The water supply is from an on site well.

Accommodation Summary
Main Estate house
Ground floor: 12 rooms
First floor: 10 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms.
Second floor: 2 rooms.
Basement: original kitchen and additional 10 rooms.
Gate Lodge 1: one bedroom, single storey residence.
Gate Lodge 2: one bedroom, single storey residence.
Doyle’s Cottage: three bedroom, two storey residence.
Lennon’s Lodge: two bedroom, two storey residence.

BER Details
BER: Exempt