COLLIERS International have brought three stunning country estates to the market recently in the shape of Mullaboden Lodge in Co Kildare, Ardglass House in Co Westmeath and Borleagh Manor Estate in Co Wexford.

Stepped in history, the magnificent Mullaboden Lodge and cottage stands on seven acres in the heart of horsey heaven in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare. The beautiful family home was once the residence of Lt General Sir Bryan Mahon, who was in charge of the British Army in Ireland. Mullaboden was set on fire in 1923, and what was once the original Victorian stable yard now serves as the house.

The property, which extends to 3,445 sq ft, comprises a beautiful country kitchen with a feature central island, double oven electric and gas rangemaster, walk-in larder and double doors to a sunroom and out onto a paved patio. The living room boasts a solid fuel stove and duel alcoves, while the dining room has a fireplace fitted with a stove.

Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms, three of which are ensuite and two with dressing rooms, as well as an additional family bathroom.

Immediately to the rear of the house is the courtyard, which was restored in 2002, and it is a real treat for equine enthusiasts. One side forms part of the main residence, while another has three open car ports with impressive studio lofts. The final side of the courtyard has seven loose stables and a tack room. To the rear, there are two further single storey stone buildings.

Also standing on the property is the three bedroom cottage, extending to 1,720 sq ft. with its own private entrance and large kitchen and living area, the tasteful building lends itself to a rental property.

Located a four minute drive from the town of Ballymore Eustace and just 8.5km from Naas, the property is ideal for an outdoor lover who craves the close proximity of city life in nearby Dublin. Brought to the market by Colliers, and for sale by private treaty, the asking price for Mullaboden Lodge is €1.45 million.

ARDGLASS HOUSE

Ardglass House is a beautifully refurbished five bedroom period country home standing on 74 acres in Rathown, Co Westmeath. The Georgian property has undergone extensive and comprehensive refurbishment, including replacing the entire plumbing and heating system, adding a new high capacity fuel boiler, new water tanks and traditional cast iron radiators in all rooms.

The reception hall at Ardglass House is truly special, the Corinthian columns in the hall form an arch to the grand mahogany staircase which splits on the return and two separate staircases continue to the first floor gallery landing. The space under the staircase is home to a secret wine cellar.

There is a fine drawing room with fireplace, intricate cornicing and large windows, and across the hall is the family room with feature fireplace. Accessed from here is the Rhatigan & Hicks-designed family kitchen with four oven Aga, quartz countertops and French doors to the sheltered breakfast terrace.

Upstairs are five bedrooms all with coved ceilings and feature fireplaces. The master bedroom has an ensuite with a roll top bath with separate shower and fireplace.

Outside, approached through an archway, is the refurbished courtyard with coach house, five lofted stables, a store room and the restored two-bed cottage. The cottage has been renovated in keeping with the style of the main house. To the rear of the courtyard and coach house is the extensive farm yard with its own separate access from the rear avenue. There is a double four-bay barn with lean to, a second three-bay barn with lean to and a cattle crush.

To the rear of the house is the old Victorian walled garden, originally designed to grow vegetables, fruit and flowers for the main dwelling and with very little work could be returned to its former glory.

The large holding is ideal for a medium farming enterprise be it sheep, cattle or equestrian related. The land includes approx 540m of road frontage and there is a land reservation on part of the lands to facilitate the improvement of the N4.

For sale for private treaty, the asking price on Ardglass House is €850,000.

EQUESTRIAN HEAVEN

Borleagh Manor Estate in Inch, Co Wexford, stands on 154 acres and has the whole package – a beautiful two storey Georgian manor house, an extravagant courtyard incorporating a three tier fountain, a total of 40 stables spread out over two barns and immaculate gardens.

Built in circa 1970, the house is in exceptional condition having been updated and maintained throughout the years. There are three guest bedrooms, two of which are ensuite and one with a jacuzzi, as well as a master bedroom complete with a marble fireplace and a magnificent mahogany walk in wardrobe.

The original courtyard and first block of 15 stables is directly behind the main house and has a beautifully manicured central feature with box hedging and a three tier water fountain resting on four winged horses. There is an office, staff canteen, feed room and tack room in the paved courtyard.

There is a second courtyard with a further 15 stables and an adjoining American style barn with another 10 boxes, giving the property huge potential for housing 40 horses and running a substantial breeding or training operation.

The estate is circled by 4km of mature woodland. The avenue, woodlands and gardens surrounding the house make up about eight acres. A further 66 acres is split into eight post and rail paddocks with the remaining 80 acres in woodland. There is potential for the surrounding ringed path to be converted to a gallop for racehorse training.

The asking price on Borleagh Manor Estate is €3.4 million.