Description
LOCATION
County Westmeath is an area of rolling countryside interspersed with loughs and farm land about an hours drive west of the Dublin area. Mullingar is the principal town in the area and is linked to Dublin via the N4. Jamestown Court is south of Mullingar and can also be easily accessed vi the new N6 motorway at Killbeggan. The university town of Athlone is about 20km away.
The area is well known for its sporting and country activities. There are five golf courses locally at Glasson Golf and Country Club, Moate Golf Club, Mount Temple Golf Course, Mullingar & Delvin. For the riding enthusiast, the sporting activities of the the Ballymacads, Westmeath and Meath foxhounds and the Ward Union are also close by.
There is good access to local schools in Mullingar and Multifarnham at Wilsons Hospital.
The road links have greatly increased access to this part of Westmeath and very few properties of this provenance come for sale in the area.
DESCRIPTION
The present owners have found Jamestown Court to be one of the rare houses in Ireland which impresses by its grandeur but feels like a home, as it is a warm, conveniently laid out and well maintained house, which makes everyone feel welcome.
It has been used to host many large Drinks parties for up to 250 guests, as well as countless more intimate Dinners and House parties.
Jamestown Court is one of the finest houses in Co. Westmeath. The present owners have invested considerable time and effort refurbishing the property, creating a beautifully appointed family home with wonderful views across the adjoining lands.
The rooms are light, well proportioned and finished to an exceptionally high standard, with the majority benefiting from the lovely views over the garden and park. The house boasts state of the art communications and electronic controls for comfort and convenience. The gardens are beautifully presented and provide a haven which is accessible yet completely private..
The property is approached through a stone gateway, flanked by a small Gate Lodge. The drive is about 1 km long and leads pass the tower in the woods and opens out to the magnificent front of house on the gravel below the stone steps up to the house. Jamestown Court is constructed of stone under a slate roof with the accommodation over four floors. The measurements and arrangement of the accommodation are briefly described as follows, further details and measurements of the layout and rooms can be provided by the agents.
Jamestown Court, was built in about 1720 using the stones & timbers of Carne Castle, by Kedagh Geoghegan, and was extended and Gothicized by Sir Richard Nagle, who was created a baronet in 1813, was the Member of Parliament for the county, and had inherited from the Geoghegans a vast landholding.
The house, which has a fascinating history, is set in it own, well maintained grounds and is not visible from the main road, as it lies at the end of its own avenue, nearly one mile long.
The grounds are a mixture of parkland and woodland with many old trees. There is a large walled garden, now laid out in formal parterres, a rose garden, a private garden with fishpond and fountain, and a courtyard, enclosed by high walls with battlemented gate piers and iron gates. The walls have been recently restored to the highest standard.
ACCOMMODATION
Ground Floor
An impressive stone flagged double height hall with a magnificent period fireplace and flanking columns. This room is used as a principle reception room and is the focal point for visitors to the property. This leads off one side to the Ante-Room which in turn leads through to the dining room and south wing. The ante room has a fireplace and has original plasterwork.
The Dining room is a fine room with period fireplace, oak parquet floor and views over the front of the house towards the Tower. There is original plasterwork and is beautifully finished with elaborate decorationand ample room for entertaining. This leads next door into the into the Library which is a cosy sitting room with custom fitted gothic bookcases and fireplace, incorporating a hidden staircase to the main kitchen.
Through into the Gallery with ornate plaster work, window seats and ornate spiral stairs down to the Music room at the garden floor level.
Garden floor level
This in turn leads into the downstairs back hall and utility room with washing machines, dryer and storage space including boiler, pump and water softener. Here there is access from the rear yard via one of the two back doors adjacent to a WC and the passage leads on into the Main kitchen. This is one of the best rooms in the house which is beautifully furnished and has the feeling of a reception room in itself. It is fully fitted and is light and spacious with windows to front and rear. This adjoins the downstairs breakfast room which overlooks the front of the house and has a fireplace.
Back into the main part of the house at garden level, the passage leads past the main stairs. There is a vaulted wine cellar and adjacent to this the Vaulted bedroom suite with dressing room, bedroom and bathroom. This room looks over the rose garden at the center rear of the property.
The passage goes on passed a second back garden door and through into the North wing.
The North Wing
The north wing is currently used as a main bedroom suite. It can be accessed directly from the main hall on the first floor or from the garden level passage via the gym.
The main bedroom has the double height of the full wing of the house. It has access out to its own private garden through double French doors. It has its own bathroom and changing room, study area and forward kitchen. It is a magnificent space , beautifully finished with every detail and modern appliance catered for. It has ornate plaster friezes, 4 columns, exposed stone walls and windows on three sides. It is a masterpiece for modern living and can effectively provide either a private stand alone annex or a magnificent drawing room and entertaining space.
The Bedroom accommodation
The Chinese Bedroom is situated off the main hall on the first floor. It has its own bathroom and excellent views over the gardens .
The French bedroom is off the main hall and has a view over the cottage and the rear yard and garden. It has a spiral staircase down to a bathroom on the garden floor level.
The main stairs off the side of the hall lead up the beautiful main stairway with stained glass windows and painted friezes. Off the landing from the stairs to the right is the Roman bedroom with views over the front lawns towards the tower and woods.
Across the landing is the Italian bedroom and adjoining bathroom with magnificent bath tub. The passage door makes this a suite of its own, and the bedroom has a window with access out on to the roof of the north wing.
There is a further bedroom/dressing room with ensuite shower room across the landing. This amounts to the 5th bedroom on the upper floors of the main house.
From the landing are stairs to the attic which is spacious and has some potential. From the attic a ladder leads up to the roof terrace from where the property and surrounding lands can be fully admired.
Garden and grounds
The gardens enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding country side. There are three different formal gardens, the large walled garden at the rear of the house, the intimate rose garden and private knot garden off the north wing.
Surrounding the gardens are about 50 acres of parkland interspersed with mature stands of deciduous hardwoods. The most spectacular of these are the copper beeches between the house and the guest cottage, planted to reflect the age and importance of the house..
In the woods adjacent to the drive is a three storey watch tower, including a roof terrace. The trees have long since outgrown the tower but it is a great vantage point to view the house or to seek peaceful seclusion..
Guest Cottage
This is a four square guest cottage in stone, set away from the house. It has two bedrooms, kitchen and sitting room with fireplace. It is finished with a wood floor and has been renovated to the highest standard. Surrounding the cottage is its own garden bordered by hedges. This is ideal for guests or staff. Adjacent to this is the garage area and outside stores.
Gate Lodge
Positioned to guard the entrance of the drive is the Gate Lodge. This is a small one bedroom lodge built into the old walls of the property. It has its own central heating and water supply. It is perfect for a caretaker or visitors, has its own garage and stores and a delightful garden.
Across the drive is the Old Chapel in which hides the most beautiful cutting and sunken garden. The chapel remains and the tranquillity of the hidden garden make this a wonderful addition to the property. This was originally built for family worship for the main house.
Services
Private water, oil fired central heating via dual boilers, electricity, and private drainage..
Fixtures and Fittings
With all those items known as tenants fixtures and fittings together with the fitted carpets, curtains, light fittings and garden statutory are specifically excluded from the freehold sale but can be made available by separate negotiation.
Directions
From the N6 take the Mullingar road north of Horseleap about 3kms West of Kilbeggan. Travel through Streamstown and after 2.5 km James town Court is on the left at the bridge over the old railway.
P07245 - Large Georgian House on 64 acres, with Gate Lodge, guest Cottage. 6 Bedrooms 6 bathrooms
Quick link to this property www.propertynews.com/rk2r
