Tankardstown House, a Georgian house about four miles north of Slane village in Co Meath, has been the home of an Irish family for over two decades. The children have now grown up and moved out and hence the sale of their elegant eight-bedroom home on over 31 acres of gardens and parkland. John Hamilton of JacksonStops is quoting in excess of £1.2 million (#1.52m) for the property which goes to auction on June 14th.
Tankardstown is 33 miles from Dublin, a journey that can easily be completed in under an hour in off-peak times. The current building of the Drogheda bypass - due to be completed within two years - will greatly reduce commuting time to Dublin airport.
The present owners have greatly enjoyed the pleasures of a small country estate, more particularly the stylish house that is a legacy to gracious living and the excellent equestrian facilities that have provided so much pleasure.
It is a beautifully sited house, hidden behind banks of mature beech, oak and lime trees along a quiet country road. On one side it look up towards the fox covert on Tankardstown Hill, one of the few hills of any note in the county. The house is approached up a long tree-lined avenue and stands in a classic parkland and timber setting with views over one of the nicest parts of Meath. Unlike some large country piles, Tankardstown is of manageable proportions. Like many other period houses, it has grown and adapted itself to the needs and desires of successive owners. The most significant change over the years was the addition of a Victorian wing which adds variety and interest.
Inside there are a number of outstanding rooms among the six principal reception rooms and eight main bedrooms. The Victorian wing has a handsome reception hall and a carved wooden stairs leading to the bedrooms.
The original hall at the front of the house with carved wooden chimney-piece and still-intact 18th-century green wallpaper is now used as a morning room.
One of the great glories is the huge, bright and atmospheric drawingroom with four full-length windows overlooking the grounds. Originally two rooms, this area now provides enough space to entertain on a truly grand scale. The main diningroom is on the opposite side of the inner hall and again has lots of space, character and period details that have been painstakingly preserved.
For convenience there is also a small family diningroom on the main floor and, for even more informal occasions, another one at semi-basement level in a former wine cellar alongside the kitchen. There is a whole range of other rooms at semi-basement level including a self-contained flat.
Two of the bedrooms, both of them en suite, are located in the Victorian wing and one of them with three large windows has superb views of the countryside. All the other bedrooms open off a most spacious landing.
The grounds are bounded on one side by tall, highly ornate gates leading into the gardens of the original estate, still owned by the previous occupants. Close by there is a stud yard with 14 loose boxes and a sand arena for exercising horses.
