Co Meath: €2.25m: A restored house with a number of refurbished outhouses has strong links with the equine industry. Robert O'Byrne reports
Why, a prospective buyer might ask, would the fortunate owner of Drakerath House choose to sell his property? Only because he is moving to another, even more splendid residence elsewhere in Co Meath.
Located in Carlanstown, at a point midway between Kells and Nobber, Drakerath dates from the early 1800s and takes its name from the Drake family, once large landowners in this part of the country. The house and adjoining 15 acres were bought by the vendor in 1997 and since then he has undertaken an extensive programme of restoration and refurbishment; the result is enough accommodation for not just one family but an entire community. The whole lot is now being offered for sale through local property consultant Charles Smyth for an estimated €2.25 million.
Naturally, pride of place at Drakerath belongs to the main residence, extending to around 464.5 sq m (5,000 sq ft) of immaculate comfort over two storeys.
On the ground floor, where ceilings rise more than 11 feet and all the wooden sash windows have been replaced, both the dining and drawingrooms have fine marble fireplaces; in the latter room a section of the mahogany bookcase leads to a private study. Elsewhere at this level, there's also a substantial and bright entrance porch, a laundry room and two kitchens, one of them specifically designed for party catering.
Both a principal and service staircase climb to the upper floor where across a pair of spacious landings are spread five bedrooms, two of which have their own bathrooms and dressingrooms.
Gas-fired fireplaces can be found in the majority of these spaces, as well as 10 feet high ceilings and an abundance of natural light thanks to the recent addition of Velux windows.
Spread over two courtyards, the majority of Drakerath's handsome stone outbuildings have also been restored. The nearest of these is now a two-storey home of some 278.7 sq m (3,000 sq ft); its interior features include a gym, a big open-plan office, a private first-floor terrace and a conservatory.
Due to the present owner's equestrian interests, a range of 10 loose boxes, tackroom and feedhouse run around the other three sides of this yard. In the second courtyard, another house of 232 sq m (2,500 sq ft) holds three apartments; nearby are five garages, a workshop and other storehouses. The grounds contain an automatic horse walker, two paddocks and a tennis court. All of which await Drakerath's next fortunate owner.
