Blueball, Tullamore, Offaly,

Features

• Underfloor heating on ground floor, oil fired central heating to 1st floor  
• A host of its original features retained throughout. 
• Superb landscaped gardens by professional garden designer, the property is aligned with mature trees and shrubs and boasts a potting shed and thatched garage, this could be converted to studio etc. 
• C.0.6 acre site attached to one side of property could be suitable for development (percolation passed). 
• Tranquil country road location only c. 8 miles from Tullamore. 
• This property is unique and steeped in History  
• Ample parking available 

Description

Superb 19th century church recently converted to stunning residence, restored and designed with country-house vigour and flair. Open plan, 1st floor gallery (double height ceilings) with library, kitchen, diningroom, bathroom, laundry room, three bedrooms (two ensuites) plus two magnificent mezzanine guest rooms. Professionally designed gardens, potting shed and thatched garage with possibility for office/studio use, subject to pp. Standing on c.1.acre site, this property comes with an unusually large amount of garden space s. Viewing of this unique and wonderful residence is by appointment only.

A HISTORY OF BLACKLION CHURCH

Built in 1818 by two local esteemed families the Biddulphs of Rathrobin and the O'Connor Morris's of Gortnamona House, otherwise known as Mountpleasant House. One of whom paid for the building materials, the other of whom paid for the labour, for the royal sum of £830! The Blacklion Church has stood as a distinct landmark for almost two hundred years. Visible for many miles around, this delightful country church, otherwise known as St Eoughy's, held its last service on Christmas day 1985.

The church has been visited by both the famous literary Bronte family and later by Percy fFrench, whom they say wrote the song "the woods of Gortnamona" about the woodlands that still exist opposite the church, on the lands owned by the O'Connor-Morris family, with whom fFrench used stay regularly. Charlotte Bronte's husband was a rector who hailed from Banagher where they honeymooned away from his parish of Haworth in Yorkshire. In more recent times, the rising start of both the West End and the movie world, Ms Kelly Reilly, who starred opposite Keira Knightley in Pride and Prejudice visited the Blacklion during its restoration and planted a tree in the grounds.

During the 1990's the outlook for such redundant buildings was bleak. Before the days of Duncan Stewart, Grand designs, Laurence lLewellan-Bowen or any public interest in such romantic, yet traumatic endeavours, one such person did exist. With enormous encouragement from the local parishioners, a restoration programme was conceived and permission sought from the relevant local authority. Like all restorations they cannot be undertaken without good cause and each building needs a sustainable and viable purpose. Permission was granted to convert the former church to a dwelling house. Such use would ensure the care and day to day use that breaths new life into an old building.

What has resulted from the passion and enthusiasm of one person, is the preservation of a long loved landmark, coupled with the creation of a stunning home. The interior has a chic Country-house feel. Full of antiques and walls of books, the first floor gallery is a through-back to the days when entertaining at home was paramount and elegance was a way of living. A hunting lodge feel is evoked by the use of wood and deep warm colours. The original beams still arch high above, enclosing two hundred years of history.

The Blacklion Church is a beautiful, if unusual home. Its sympathetic restoration and conversion coupled with its kind surroundings, would dismiss any question one may have with regard to the feeling of living within a former church. This respectful conversion has held the reverence associated with its past.
Accommodation Details

Entrance Hall c.4.03m x c. 2.59m
Inviting olde world entrance hall with superb high ceiling, radiator, stone paving slabs to floor, original church doors, alcoves either side with spot lighting, simply enchanting..


Gallery / Living Room c.9.47m x c.6.27m
Superbly appointed room, lead from the entrance hall by a magnificent staircase to this fabulous open plan living area, carpet to floor, white painted timber fireplace surround with stone inset and stone hearth, stairs lead from this room at either end to the beautiful guest rooms/mezzanines and overlook the living area. This room is adorned by the original timber ceiling beams, with recessed lighting incorporated and wall mounted shelving surround the room, packed with antiques and an array of books to create a charming library and study area to one corner of this room. The room is light-filled with an abundance of light beaming through the magnificent original church windows.

Dining Room c. 6.06m x c. 3.35m
A delightful room positioned to the rear off the kitchen, set off by a stunning French dining table (can seat ten people), the walls are aligned with stunning prints depicting famous Irish scenery. The timber wall panelling creates a warm inviting room. The floor is magnificent with stone paving slabs. There is recessed lighting to the ceiling.

Kitchen c. 3.6m x c. 3.12m
With its own entrance from the front of the residence, the fitted kitchen has been designed to blend in with the country flair throughout the house. Tiled worktops and splashback, gas/electric oven with hob, four panel extractor hood, plumbed for a dishwasher, spot lights to the ceiling, attractive glass panelled door through to the dining room. There is a beautiful terracotta tiled floor.


Utility Room c. 2.14m x c. 1.93m
Fitted shelving, stone floor.


Master Bedroom c. 5.23m x c. 3.42m
Located to one side of the building. This room boasts a stunning large window (an original) which fills the room with natural light throughout the morning and afternoon. There is a wonderful medieval feel about this room. The floor is solid wood.
Ensuite c. 2.07m x c. 0.9m
Wash hand basin, wc and shower (electric), tiled floor and walls in neutral colours.


Bedroom Two c. 4.41m x c.2.73m
Downstairs, to side aspect, good sized double room with
terracotta tiled floor.


Bedroom Three c. 4.38m x c. 3.14m
Downstairs, to side aspect, terracotta tiled floor,
double room, built in wardrobe.
Ensuite c. 1.94 x c. 0.95m
Wash hand basin, wc and shower, tiled floor and walls
in neutral colours.


Mezzanine One c. 4.16m x c.3.27m
Overlooking the gallery, stairs lead to this charming
room with timber floor, stone wash walls,
velux window and timber ceiling, this room could
have multiple uses whatever your requirements.


Mezzanine Two c. 4.16m x c. 3.27m
Again overlooking the gallery, stairs lead to this stunning room with fitted shelving adorned with more books!and spot lights to the timber ceiling, there is carpet laid to the floor.


Main Bathroom c.2.59m x c. 1.95m
Located to the side of the residence nestled at the foot of the stairs beautifully tiled comprising wc, wash hand basin and corner bath.

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