The Old Rectory Coolbanagher, Emo, Co. Laois
The Old Rectory, Coolbanagher, Emo, Co. Laois The Old Rectory, is a two storey Georgian residence on some 18ha (45 acres) of quality grazing land, a walled garden and magnificent gardens surrounding the house, in a mature parkland setting. The court yard comprises of two converted selfcatering coach houses, which are registered with The Irish Tourist Board (Failte Ireland) and Laois Tourism. The views are splendid overlooking the surrounding countryside, with views of Emo Court Demesne and the Gandon designed church nearby. Main house approx. 443 sq.m (4,768 sq.ft) Coach house 1 approx. 65 sq.m (700 sq.ft) Coach house 2 approx. 68 sq.m (731 sq.ft) For Sale by Private Treaty BER E1 F
Special Features Charming Georgian residence Set on some 18ha (45acres) of parkland setting Walled garden Magnificent gardens surrounding the house Views of Emo Court Demesne and the Gandon designed church close by Two converted coach houses in use for self-catering accommodation Numerous outbuildings office, games room, storage, stables, farm buildings Opportunities for additional income through the coach houses and outbuildings 2km from the M7 motorway 8km to Portlaoise 8km to Portarlington train station 24km to Kildare town and Kildare village 1 hour s drive to Dublin city, Dublin airport and Kilkenny NB: All distances and times are approximate history The Old Rectory was built in 1790 for the Hon. Rev. William Dawson, son of Lord Carlow and brother of the Earl of Portarlington, after the new church was built in 1785 by Gandon close by. There are documents in the library of the Representative Church Body of the Church of Ireland, recording the Hon. Rev. William Dawson applying to build the residence and details of how it should be built. The Old Rectory was originally known as Coolbanagher Glebe or The Glebe. In 1952 the current owner s family purchased The Old Rectory from the Representative Church Body and turned it into a wonderful family home. ACCOMMODATION DETAILS The avenue which leads to this very fine property is bounded by mature trees and swings towards the house and divides into two an avenue to the main house and an avenue to the court yard and farm buildings. A large forecourt is situated at the main house. The house can be used as one outstanding family home or alternatively can be separated in two units with separate access points from the avenue. The two stairs and separate access areas make this ideal for a granny/live in staff accommodation/future rental income. The main section of the house was rewired and replumbed ten years ago. Ground floor A bright entrance porch with a stained glass window leads to the entrance hallway. The two main reception rooms are gloriously proportioned and are located at either side of the hallway. The drawing room is dual aspect giving plentiful light, with a bay window allowing magnificent views over the gardens. High ceilings, coving, sash windows, shutters, centre piece, carpeted floor and an open fire, all give this impressive room a warm and bright feel. The dining room also benefits from a dual aspect, with views over the front and side lawns of the house. Some striking features of this room are the high ceilings, coving, sash windows, shutters, centre piece, wooden floors and open fire.
The house benefits from two staircases one main staircase leading to the principal bedrooms and one back staircase servicing the back wing of the house. A shower room on the ground floor, two bathrooms, a separate wc and a further shower room are on the first floor. The kitchen and breakfast room give access through patio doors to the striking lawns and garden. A fully fitted kitchen with views over the gardens. There are two sunrooms within the house one to the side of the house and one to the rear. The sun room to the side of the house is located off the entrance hallway. A peaceful area to sit, relax and unwind. This room gives access to the rear coach yard. A utility room is also located off the entrance hallway with plentiful storage. Stairs lead down to the wine cellar which is located below the level of the entrance hallway. The living room is a warm and comfortable room with a stove and a carpeted floor. This rooms also benefits from views over the garden. Leading to a secondary full fitted kitchen. The second sun room is located off the living room which overlooks a lovely pond and takes full advantage of the sun which fills this room. Doors lead to the patio and pond area which connect to the lean too area which can be used for an outdoor covered dining area. This section of the house can be used as a self-contained unit with separate access through the coach yard if required. First floor The principal bedrooms are bright and spacious, many benefitting from coving, high ceilings and dual aspect views and light. The main part of the house comprises of four bedrooms. The impressive and distinctive Wellingtonia trees which line the mile long avenue within Emo Court Demesne, can be seen from some of the principal bedrooms. The wing comprises of three bedrooms. Two bathrooms, shower room and a separate wc on the first floor. The living room, secondary kitchen, sun room, three bedrooms and a shower room can be easily used as a selfcontained unit. The court yard The court yard which can be accessed from the main house or the avenue, comprises of two converted coach houses, an office, a storage house, and a two storey building which has a range of uses which benefits from water, electricity and toilets. An ideal home office. The two converted coach houses, which were converted in 1999 2000 are registered with the Irish Tourist Board (Failte Ireland) and Laois Tourism. Coach house 1 has a kitchen, living room, conservatory, bedroom, ensuite and mezzanine. Coach house 2 comprises of kitchen, sitting room, breakfast room, two bedrooms and shower room. Farm buildings There are three stalls within the stable, a hay barn, a range of sheds and farm buildings with a concrete yard. Access to the surrounding fields from the yard. The land The 18ha (45acres) of land which surrounds the house is currently in grass and of good quality limestone land. The land is divided into four large fields and has a wonderful parkland setting. There is an Oak tree and a Walnut tree on the land that is shown in the 100 great trees of Ireland.
Walled Garden The walled garden is an extremely striking feature of this marvelous property. The walled garden is lawned and has numerous fine trees. A marvelous area to sit and relax - a real sun trap. The current owners have a glass house, hens and a pig, giving way to the good life within the charming walled garden. Main gardens The main gardens of the house are located to the front and side of the house. The gardens are well maintained and lovingly cared for. The lawns are bounded by shrubs and trees. A patio area beside the pond is an ideal area to sit and dine with easy access from the breakfast room. Location The entrance to The Old Rectory is off the R419 in the village of Emo and just 2 km from the M7 motorway linking Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Dublin city. Dublin airport and Kilkenny are all approximately, a one hour drive. The nearest train station is Portarlington which is just 8km from The Old Rectory. Portlaoise and Kildare Situated between Kildare to the north and Portlaoise to the south. Portlaoise is just 8km and 24km to Kildare town and shopping village. Portlaoise is a large town with an abundance of shops, shopping centres, cinema, restaurants, a large selection of schools and a regular train service to Dublin, linking other parts of the country. Kildare village has a large array of shops and restaurants and is a destination location. Emo Emo benefits from a playschool and a recently built national school. St. John s Church of Ireland is a short stroll to The Old Rectory and was designed by James Gandon. St Paul s church is located in the village of Emo. A public house, restaurant, shop and post office are all found within the village. Emo Court Demesne Emo Court Demesne built in the 18th century is adjacent to The Old Rectory and is a wonderful estate to explore. Emo Court House and grounds is open to the public and now owned by the Irish state and looked after by the OPW. A neo-classical mansion, designed by noted architect James Gandon, it features magnificent gardens, grounds parklands and walks. The mile long avenue which is lined by Wellingtonia trees were planted in 1853 in honour of the 1st Duke of Wellington. A café is located within the house. Slieve Bloom Mountains The nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains are a haven for the hill walking or cyclist with many paths and routes. The Rock of Dunamase The Rock of Dunamase is 9km from The Old Rectory and is 151ft above a flat plain and has the ruins of Dunamase castle which was a defensive stronghold dating from the early Hiberno-Norman period. Location Mains water Two septic tanks Natural gas heating from the mains throughout the house and all buildings Walled Garden
The Coach Houses
Ground Floor Main House First Floor Games Room Ground Floor First Floor Coach Houses
Selling Agent Roseanne De Vere Hunt Sherry FitzGerald 164 Shelbourne Road Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 T: +353 (0)1 237 6402 E: roseanne.hunt@sherryfitz.ie www.sherryfitz.ie A full copy of our general brochure conditions can be viewed on our website at http://www.sherryfitz.ie/terms, or can be requested from your local Sherry FitzGerald office. We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with these general conditions. Sherry FitzGerald PSRA Registration No: 002183