Killiskey Lodge, Ashford, Co. Wicklow

* A TROPHY HOME IN THE Wicklow HILLS SET ON C. 1.62 HA / 4 ACRES GARDEN AND GRAZING *

A visually charming home of distinction and flair, where complimentary two-storey wings linked by a three-storey stone tower with gothic-style door and windows are further enhanced by a really stunning wrap-around conservatory designed to follow the day-long sun; Killiskey Lodge enjoys a backdrop of bracken-clad hills sheltering the lush gardens where a stream meanders to fill two ponds. Originating as a 19th Century lodge on the Dunran Castle Estate, the property marries period character with modern amenity; the 'new' wing providing a fine eat-in country style kitchen and drawing room on the ground floor, also a dual-height master bedroom on the first floor. An intimate dining room, hall with wine cellar, and essential "boot-room", are housed within the original ground floor section.

Accommodation extends to over 371.6sq.m. / 4,000sq.ft and includes five bedrooms, one of which provides a second-floor "eyrie" at the top of the tower. All in all, a captivating property in an enviable location north-west of Ashford and convenient to the N11 for commuters.

Ashford is a charming village through which the Vartry River flows on the way from Roundwood to Wicklow's Broadlough, and where the Mount Usher Gardens and visitor centre are a sought-after amenity. With a strong sense of community, the village has a choice of neighbourhood shops, two schools, friendly hostelries, and good leisure facilities including the Druids Glen Equestrian Centre in the grounds of nearby Glanmore Castle. The Roundwood Lakes, Glendalough and Laragh are all within easy driving distance; with world-class golf available at Druids Glen. Such a country setting is hard to imagine so convenient to DART services at Bray and Greystones; commuting to Dublin is facilitated by ready access to the N11 nearby.

Killiskey Lodge is full of appeal - the vendors took time and trouble sourcing architectural salvage to lend even the "new" build a period feel; the kitchen beams come from a Louisiana cotton mill, the aged timber floor from New York, the old doors from an architectural salvage company (Dublin); while the custom kitchen was sourced at County Kitchens (Ballymore Eustace). A Wexford craftsman joiner, (Danny Murphy), made the gothic windows and Bunclody's John Sheil made the feature stairs in the dramatic two-storey entrance hall leading upwards to the "tower" bedroom.

As for the gardens, we suggest a viewing appointment and let them speak for themselves!

GALLERY RECEPTION HALL: 8.0m x 5.69m (26'2" x 18'7")
With open fireplace, polished timber floor, and custom hardwood stairs.

GUEST WC: (Whb off)

BOOT-ROOM / UTILITY: 4.35m x 2.06m (14'3" x 6'8")
With door to garden. Tiled Floor. Archway to utility area plumbed for washing machine and tumble dryer; fitted extensive wall shelving. Stainless steel double drainer and sink.

PASSAGEWAY: (linking Gallery Hall to Diningroom)
With a wine cellar of arched old brick design.

DININGROOM: 5.07m x 3.6m (16'6" x 11'8")
Polished timber floor. Period fireplace surround. Recessed downlighters. Gothic-style stained glass window recesses in back wall.

EAT-IN KITCHEN: 6.06m x 5.04m (19'9" x16'5")
Custom fitted wall and floor level cupboards in cherrywood, island counter with integrated microwave and black marble top, extensive marble worktop surface area. Brick-faced down-lit wall elevation behind oil-fired 4 oven Aga cooker with auxiliary electric hob. Integrated fridge / freezer. Double sink. Beamed ceiling. Open granite-surround fireplace. Alcove fitted workstation, cupboards and shelving. Built-in ironing board. Recessed downlighters, Double doors open to conservatory and to:

DRAWING ROOM: 5.15m x 5.0m (16'9" x 16'4")
Period-style hardwood fireplace surround with marble inset. Fitted alcove bookshelves and entertainment centre. Recessed downlighting. Two sets of double doors intercommunicate with:

WRAP-AROUND CONSERVATORY: 3.76m x 8.27m and 11.79m x 3.10m (12'3" x 27'1" and 38'7" x 10'2")
In gothic-style with terracotta tiled floors and two sets of double doors providing direct access to a large Indian sand stone patio area with custom built BBQ and outdoor lighting.

FIRST FLOOR:

Gallery Landing, leading to:

PRINCIPAL BEDROOM SUITE, comprising:
DRESSING AREA: 4.8m x 1.7m (15'7" x 5'6")
With extensive wall to wall fitted wardrobes; recessed downlighting; arched to:
BEDROOM: 5.15m x 4.8m (16'9" x 15'7")
With attractive double-height ceiling, gothic window feature and complimentary wall-niches. Recessed downlighting.
EN-SUITE BATHROOM: 2.8m x 1.6m (av) (9'2" x 5'2")
With tiled floor; wc; whb set in tiled-surround locker. Wall heater. Electric towel-rail. Underfloor electric heating. Large glazed-screen shower compartment.

BEDROOM 2: 3.9m x 3.0m (av) (12'8" x 9'8")
Built-in wardrobes and dressing table. Recessed downlighting.

CORRIDOR: c. 7.0m x 1.0m (22'9" x 3'3"), accessing:

WALK-IN HOTPRESS

BEDROOM 3: 2.7m x 2.9m (8'9" x 9'5")

FAMILY BATHROOM: 2.7m x 2.9m (8'9" x 9'5")
Wc, whb set in tiled locker surround. Free-standing Victorian bath. Separate tiled shower compartment with glazed screen. Tiled floor. Electric towel rail. Electric wall heater. Underfloor electric heating.

BEDROOM 4: 3.4m x 4.3m and 1.25m x 1.4m (11'2" x 14'1" and 4'1" x 4'6")
Period cast-iron fireplace. Recessed downlighting.

SECOND FLOOR:
At the top of the "tower";

BEDROOM 5: 5.63m x 3.86m (18'5" x 12'7")
Built-in wardrobes and over roof storage.

OUTSIDE
Approached from the county road via a tarmacadam laneway, Killiskey Lodge is set behind stone wing walls flanked by Japanese flowering Cherry trees and electronically controlled metal gates accessing a gravel courtyard, parking and turning area.

The gardens feature many specimen plants and are laid out formally and informally in lawns traversed by a local stream which meanders through the grounds to feed the pond and can be crossed by an arched stone bridge. At the front of the house a rose strewn wooden bridge crosses another part of the stream, and a rose arch leads into a 17' x 17' raised vegetable garden. A haven for wildlife as well as for plants and fauna, the gardens are both "wild meadow" and tamed, against a mature timber backdrop. At the end of the garden a gate leads to a ¼ mile tree lined walk. There are also 2 wooden garden sheds.
A field behind the house has vehicular gateway access from the lane, and offers year-round grazing.

SERVICES
Mains water, electricity and telephone line. Underfloor and ceiling electric thermostatically controlled heating. Septic tank drainage. Burglar alarm. Satellite television dishes.

TENURE
Freehold

VIEWING
Strictly by prior appointment with the sole selling agents.

By appointment only

Gordon Lennox / Walter Sweetman

From Dublin, south on M50 / N11 / M11 bypassing Shankill and Bray south through Glen of the Downs bypassing Newtownmountkennedy. Take exit signposted "Newscastle" (after Glen Mill Golf Club), keeping left at Roundabout to turn left at "T" junction near Gregory's garage. Thus, proceed southwards along "old" N11, taking second turn right after “Abwood”. Proceed uphill between stone walls, then past Dunran Castle, across top of a "T" junction (Caution steep uphill section); and when the road begins to level out and downhill again, there is a “concealed entrance” sign on the left hand side. Take 1st right up a tarmac laneway (on a slight left bend in the road). Killiskey Lodge is the first property on the right.