Period Residence For Sale in Co. Louth

Key Features
– Period home in a central location
– Gated, secure entrance
– Close to Dublin Airport and M1
– Large site with a defined boundary
– Tennis court, glasshouse and garage

The Blue School is a most impressive period home standing on about 0.865 acres in a discrete yet central position just off Drogheda Town Centre. Dating from c.1870, the house was originally built as a school with headmaster’s residence and today combines fine Victorian proportions with modern family living.

Approached through stone piers with cast-iron gates, the property is set within mature gardens and specimen trees, offering exceptional privacy. The accommodation extends to approx. 4,711 sq ft (437 sq m) over two storeys and retains a wealth of period features including sash windows with working shutters, ornate coving, ceiling roses, panelled doors, marble and timber fireplaces and high ceilings.

The house has been meticulously maintained and upgraded over the years. Highlights include a cathedral-style kitchen (2003), sunroom, multiple reception rooms, and four principal bedrooms on the first floor including a master suite with dressing room and bathroom. In addition, there is generous attic space, a family sunroom with west-facing orientation, and excellent ancillary rooms such as study, utility and pantry.

Externally, the grounds are a key feature, laid out in sweeping lawns and mature trees. There is a glasshouse, tennis court, garage, patio with stone fountain, and useful outbuildings.

History
Constructed in the mid-Victorian period (c.1870), The Blue School was established to educate and apprentice young male children in Drogheda. It was named for the distinctive blue uniforms worn by its pupils. The building was long regarded as one of the finest residences in Drogheda. Terry Trench, in his memoir Nearly Ninety, recalls that he and his wife Bea Orpen often referred to The Blue School as “the nicest house in Drogheda”. Listed as a Protected Structure (LCC ref DB-022) and recorded on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (Ref. 13619090), the property remains an important part of Drogheda’s architectural and social history.

Grounds and Garden
Extending to c.0.35 hectares (0.865 acres) and held in Folio LH17653F, the gardens are mature, private and laid out with lawns and specimen trees. The house is positioned in the northern corner of the site, leaving a large expanse of open ground with scope for additional use.

On site, there is also a hard tennis court with floodlights (currently disconnected), a Hartley Botanic glasshouse (2001), a garage, a yard with boiler house and sheds and a stone fountain patio.

Zoning
The entire site is zoned A1 Existing Residential offering potential for additional development, subject to the relevant planning permission.

Fixtures and Fittings
Includes carpets, curtains, and certain light fittings.

Services
– Mains electricity
– Mains water
– Mains sewerage
– Heating via mains gas with gas/electric AGA
– Fibre broadband

Local Information
The Blue School is set in the heart of Drogheda, just minutes’ walk from the St Laurence Shopping Centre and town centre. Drogheda is a vibrant provincial town with a wide array of shops, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, churches, and schools.

For recreation, the nearby beaches of Laytown, Bettystown, and Clogherhead are a short drive, while golf enthusiasts are served by County Louth Golf Club (Baltray), Seapoint, and Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club.

Dublin Airport (40 km) and Dublin City Centre (60 km) are easily accessible by road and frequent rail services.

BER Details
Exempt