Mourne Park, Kilkeel, Co. Down, BT34 4LB

Features of this property

• 17 bedrooms
• 8 reception rooms
• 7 bathrooms
• Period
• Garden
• Land
• Secondary accommodation
• Waterside
• Private Parking
• 140.00 acres (56.7 hectares)
• Freehold
• To view Mourne Park on UTV click here

Property Description

Mourne Park is without doubt one of the most significant houses in Northern Ireland. The house is approached off the coast road through wrought iron gates up a beech and oak avenued drive with the River White Water adjacent to the boundary on the west side of the Estate. The drive leads up to the striking west façade. It has been extensively refurbished and renovated over the years with particular care taken to retain original characterful features including ornate fireplaces, decorative wood panelling with cornice and frieze, impressive double doors and sash windows. The house has both excellent formal reception rooms and entertaining facilities with almost all principal rooms opening out onto various terraces and formal gardens. Of particular note, is the morning room that has welcomed many a famous political and Royal visitors. Here, impressive double doors open through to a magnificently panelled room where French doors lead out to the formal gardens and lake creating the perfect entertaining space.
With 7 bedroom suites, 3 further bedrooms, nursery wing and extensive secondary accommodation the house provides ample accommodation for both family, guests and staff. In the Nursery wing there are three bedrooms, laundry room and bathroom. This could make a separate flat with access via the back stairs. Off the half landing is the Captains room with a marble fireplace currently used as a guest bedroom. This was the Butler's bedroom; well positioned to cope with the comings and goings of servants but well away from the principal bedrooms and guest suites. The back stairs lead up to a further 4 bedrooms on the 2nd floor with further stairs at either end to the attic rooms.
Gardens and Grounds
Mourne Park is remarkable not only for its presence and history but its lovely arboretum and specimen trees laid out around the formal lawns and parkland running down to the lake. The property is ring fenced by the coast road to the south and the Championship golf course to the east. The River White Water is adjacent to the boundary on the western side and the mountain and forest fringe the northern boundary. Specimen trees include a North American Indian Bean tree, reputedly the largest monkey puzzle tree in Ireland, Ilex trees, a handkerchief tree and Macrophylla Beech. The Kilmorey statutary in the eastern garden depicts a semi naked 'Black Jack' the second Earl. It is an enchanting peaceful place interspersed with ponds and quiet areas, laid out for both smell and colour. There is a swimming pool and a tennis court in the garden both in need of modernisation. The park benefits from two historic avenues. The Jubilee Avenue leads off the back drive and although now part of the parkland was once a magnificent entrance. In search of privacy last century, the family changed the drives around so visitors now arrive at the side of the house. The front and back drive are guarded by the two lodges. The front or White Water lodge needs modernisation. The back or Green Gate Lodge is in need of complete refurbishment and guards the drive to the back of the house and the access to Kilkeel Golf course. Mourne Park House is extremely private and is surrounded by its own land.
Secondary Accommodation and Cottages
The Mourne Park Estate has 2 additional cottages and 2 gate lodges. Although they are all in need of renovating and modernising, they will provide ideal accommodation for staff and guests.
Yards
There are four yards stretching away to the north of the house. The main yard is of stone cobble with a variety of out houses. The second main yard houses the stables, carriage barns, out houses and one of the cottages.
Historical Note
The current ownership of Mourne Park dates back to the founder of the Kilmorey Family's Irish Estates, Sir Nicholas Bagnall, who was granted extensive lands in Newry and Mourne in 1552 by Edward VI. Mourne Park House was extensively re-built in 1806 on the instructions of the 12th Viscount Kilmorey, later the 1st Earl of Kilmorey, 'The Little General'. Later extensions were made in 1820 and again in 1859. The main family seat was at Shavington in Shropshire, with Mourne Park used as the holiday home. It was designed and used for lavish entertainment and house parties for the visiting Earl and often a Royal retinue from England. Indeed over the centuries many famous people of the day have stayed in Mourne Park. On the death of The Little General, his son the 2nd Earl of Kilmorey, 'Black Jack' inherited the estates and the role of MP for Newry. He lived a notorious and colourful life, travelling extensively. Part of his legacy is the 'famine wall' which surrounds Mourne Park. He died in 1880 aged 92 and was succeeded by his grandson. The 3rd Earl was involved with the London stage and built the Globe theatre. His extravagance lead to the sale of Shavington and the family moved to Mourne Park which was extended further. A variety of specimen trees were planted at Mourne Park and today the gardens are a recognised arboretum. The 3rd Earl, also MP for Newry, married Ellen-Constance Baldock in 1881, a renowned beauty who caused a scandal by being bequeathed the 'Teck emeralds' among other jewels, from her lover, Francis of Teck, brother of Queen Mary. She also reputedly had a liaison with Edward VII, a frequent visitor to Mourne Park. During the Second World War the house was used as an officer's mess for British and US regiments who were on their way to France and the Normandy landings. The 4th Earl of Kilmorey, who died in 1961, was the last Earl to live in Mourne Park and the property passed through the female line to the current owners.
County Down
Mourne Park is a striking country house situated in the southern part of the Mourne Mountains between Kilkeel and Rostrevor, overlooking the northern shore of Carlingford Lough. Belfast is 45 miles away north on the M1 with the City airport 45 minutes and Dublin to the South 1½ hours with the airport 55 minutes. The Mourne Mountains themselves with 145 square miles of moorland and mountain is fringed by the most beautiful glades of deciduous trees, particularly beach and oak, offers not only outstanding natural beauty and wildlife, but also extensive walking and horse riding. Nearby the coastal towns of Kilkeel, Rostrevor and Warrenpoint offer all local amenities whilst the city of Newry is a 20 minute drive away, along the picturesque coastal route around Carlingford Lough.
Potential for Development
Mourne Park House and the adjoining Courtyards and one Gate Lodge are listed buildings. There have been extensive talks with Planning Consultants, Historic Houses and the Planners themselves formulating a number of possibilities; one in particular related to Tourism. A planning scheme, derived by Planning Consultants after extensive talks with the various governing bodies, is available on request.
Local Authorities
Newry & Mourne District Council, Monaghan Row, Newry BT3 5DJ.
Fixtures and Fittings
In the main house all fitted carpets, curtains and fitted white goods are included within the freehold sale. All light fittings, fire grates, garden furniture, statues and garden machinery as well as certain items of furniture, may be made separately available.
Services Electricity - Mains. Heating - Oil fired central heating. Drainage - Private. Water - Private well and Mains. Broadband - Available.