Description
Description
Headfort Court is a unique country property as it forms part of the renowned Headfort Demesne in the heart of Co Meath close to the historic town of Kells, which is known worldwide through the Book of Kells. Approached through the impressive estate gates and archway, the perfectly manicured tree lined and estate fenced avenue meanders past the two courtyard developments and leads to the private gated entrance to Headfort Court.
It is set amidst approximately 6 acres of exquisite gardens and grounds. The gardens adjoining Headfort Court contain a renowned collection of Rhododendron and Azaleas planted under the supervision of the 4th Marquees of Headfort, Geoffrey Taylour, from 1890 to 1922. The setting is outstanding with the gardens and grounds overlooking the 18-hole championship Headfort Golf Course.
Headfort Court
The house is accessed via stone steps on the northern elevation which lead up to a magnificent reception hall. The hall spans the full width of the house and has an attractive southerly aspect onto the garden through a large Georgian light. Accessed off the hall are the principal reception rooms including a drawing room, dining room and sitting room. The kitchen is also accessed off the hall.
On the east wing is a corridor leading to a hallway of which is the main bedroom suite, with a spacious bedroom overlooking the magnificent gardens. Off the bedroom is a dressing room and en suite bathroom. There are two further double bedrooms and a bathroom. Off the west wing corridor are three bedrooms (one en suite) and a bathroom. Overall, three of the bedrooms overlook the gardens and the remaining three overlook the courtyard. All of the bedrooms are of generous proportions and the bathrooms are well fitted.
On the lower ground floor, is a long, arched passage with a flagstone floor and leading to extensive and flexible accommodation, including a spacious billiards room and a large laundry with drying room. Also on the ground floor are two offices, a bathroom, a strong room, several store rooms and a boot room where there is external access. Part of the lower ground floor was reportedly used by a former owner as a self-contained flat for staff.
The house has been carefully restored and refurbished over the past 20 years by the present owners under the supervision of John O’Connell (the renowned conservation architect associated with Ballyfin House in Co Laois). A key feature of the property are the many period features throughout.
High ceilings have been insulated, with architraves and wainscoting restored and repaired. The majority of the windows have been either restored or replaced and there are some very fine examples of extensive and intricate plasterwork on cornices and centre roses. The principal rooms have most attractive period fireplaces, some with carved Adam marble mantelpieces and all rooms are bright and spacious. The sitting room has a stove. There is a fine country kitchen with Aga cooker (fuelled by LPG) and a dining area. The guest cloakroom is accessed off the kitchen.
The Apartment
A self-contained apartment is attached to the east of the house and the accommodation comprises a bedroom, bathroom and open plan kitchen/sitting room. There is a wash room/store room below it. It is accessed via the main entrance to the property. The apartment provides useful accommodation for a nanny or family member. Alternatively, it could be let to produce rental income. It has under floor heating with an independent boiler.
Gardens and Grounds
The gardens and grounds at Headfort Court are a key feature of the property. Laid out around the turn of the 20th Century by the 4th Marquess of Headfort, he brought a wide array of exotic species of plants, shrubs and flowers to the estate from many parts of the world. A keen botanist and former President of the Royal Horticultural Society, Geoffrey Taylour used the services of the renowned plantsman George Forrest to source rare seeds from China, Burma and Tibet, creating the diversified collection that exists in the garden to the present day. In addition, there are also many specimen trees within the garden to include Monterey Pine, Podocarpus, Eucryphia, Sciadopitys (Japanese umbrella tree), Tulip Tree and Limes which stand majestically throughout the grounds. There is a network of paths through the grounds at Headfort which, combined with the beauty of the colourful gardens, create a haven of peace and tranquillity. There is an abundance of natural wildlife throughout the grounds at Headfort and two summer houses.
