Period Residence For Sale in Co. Wicklow

Special Features
– 6 bedroom period residence set on magnificent grounds
– Approx. 422.6 sq.m/ 4,549 sq.ft
– 10 fireplaces throughout the house all in good working order
– Fishing Rights on the river
– Shooting Rights on approx.458 acres on Ballyteige Mountain behind the house, free of rent forever
– New Water pump system
– Gardens planted in 1890
– Mature Orchard
– Newly built stables for two equines
– Large Barn with workshop area and storage
– All paddocks fenced for horses with water supply
– A Japanese water garden
– Two Swimming areas
– A spectacular waterfall and water features
– Mature deciduous woodland, providing a haven for local wildlife
– Designated rainforest with stunning biodiversity area

Ballyteige Lodge is a beautifully maintained period home with a rich history. Built in 1890 as a shooting lodge for John McArdle, it later became a retreat for political figures such as John Redmond and Charles Stewart Parnell.The house features spacious reception rooms with period details, a bespoke kitchen with an AGA, and six bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite. The stunning grounds include an old tennis lawn, water garden, and restored stables, offering versatile spaces for events or creative pursuits. Situated along the Wicklow Way, Ballyteige Lodge offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a serene lifestyle within reach of Dublin’s conveniences.

History
Originally built in 1890 as a shooting lodge for the prominent Dublin-based surgeon, John McArdle, Ballyteige Lodge has a rich social and political history. The lodge served as an esteemed weekend retreat where McArdle hosted notable figures from Irish political history, including John Redmond and Charles Stewart Parnell. Its elegant design and scenic surroundings made it an ideal setting for leisure and conversation during a pivotal period in Ireland’s history, cementing Ballyteige Lodge’s legacy as a place of both historical and architectural significance.

When originally built, the house was ahead of its time, featuring a full electricity supply powered by an on-site hydroelectric High Head system. This innovative setup also powered a working sawmill on the grounds until the 1960s. Several surveys conducted over the years confirm that a modern 10–15 kilowatt hydroelectric system would be viable today, particularly with the availability of renewable energy grants. As a continuous 24/7 system, there is also potential to sell excess electricity back to the grid, offering both a sustainable energy source and an additional income stream.

Ballyteige Lodge
This residence has been lovingly maintained to preserve its period charm while incorporating modern comforts. The accommodation is both spacious and versatile, with high ceilings, original timber floors, and large sash windows that flood the home with natural light, creating an inviting and airy atmosphere throughout.

At the heart of the home is the kitchen, an entertainer’s dream, thoughtfully designed with bespoke cabinetry, an oil-fired AGA, a chef’s oven, and a large island with a gas hob. Adjacent to the kitchen is a pantry offering generous storage, while a utility room and workshop to the rear provide practical spaces for daily needs. A downstairs W.C can also be found on this level.

The reception rooms are equally impressive and flow seamlessly from the main hallway, each offering its own unique character and purpose.

The drawing room is very elegant, with its intricate cornicing and a large cast-iron period fireplace serving as a focal point. The sitting room is a cosy retreat, perfect for relaxed evenings, with charming period details and large windows framing views of the surrounding gardens. The dining room is grand in scale, ideal for hosting formal dinners, with ample space for a large dining table.

The conservatory, a sunlit haven for relaxation and plant appreciation, is perfect for enjoying the sun throughout the day. It opens onto an ornate pergola draped in seasonal blooms, extending the living space outdoors and offering a picturesque spot for alfresco dining or evening relaxation.

The first floor is accessed via a wide staircase and comprises six generously proportioned bedrooms, thoughtfully arranged to provide both privacy and comfort.

There are four double bedrooms and one twin room which retain the home’s period elegance with high ceilings, original joinery, and large windows that invite in natural light. The main bedrooms feature original working fireplaces and superb period elegance. Two additional rooms offer flexibility for use as guest suites, children’s bedrooms, or home offices. Two of the bathrooms feature original Victorian free standing baths, one of which has a modern shower unit.

The upstairs landing is another highlight, leading to a charming balcony that offers sweeping views of the meticulously landscaped garden, a peaceful spot to take in the natural beauty of the estate. The property also benefits from a considerably large attic space, offering excellent potential for further development. Currently laid out in three rooms (Room 1: 5.62m x 3.7m, Room 2: 3.84m x 3.66m, and Room 3 containing the water tanks), the attic is easily accessed via a separate staircase and could be converted to provide two additional bedrooms, a home office, or further living accommodation, subject to planning permission.

Ballyteige Lodge’s layout is designed to accommodate both family living and entertaining, seamlessly blending functionality and elegance. This home offers a lifestyle of comfort and tranquility, with a location that balances calmness and convenient access to Dublin. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire a home that is as rich in history as it is in natural beauty.

In addition to its residential appeal, the property offers strong income potential due to its prime location in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, a well-known destination for both national and international tourists. It is situated just below an established stage of the Wicklow Way, attracting regular footfall from walkers and hikers, and offering an ideal opportunity for accommodation income.

Within the grounds, the Old Bothy, a former gardener’s house, offers further potential for renovation, subject to planning permission. The stables, which have already been renovated to a high standard, provide additional flexible space suitable for equestrian use or further development if desired. Together, the house, outbuildings, and location create an excellent opportunity for those seeking a private residence with scope for tourism or lifestyle business income.

Gardens and Grounds
The extensive grounds of Ballyteige Lodge are truly remarkable, offering a rich tapestry of historic landscapes and picturesque features that invite exploration and reflection. The estate boasts carefully designed areas that have been lovingly maintained and enhanced over the years, each with its own distinct character.

From the historic tennis lawn shaded by ancient trees to the enchanting water garden with its natural pond teeming with wildlife, the gardens are a celebration of both history and nature. The beautifully restored stables provide a versatile indoor space, perfect for hosting events such as weddings, workshops, and private gatherings. The flower garden, with over 140 years of horticultural design, is home to vibrant herbaceous borders, a rose garden framed by mature beech hedging, and sweeping lawns that surround the house. The is a stunning circular outdoor swimming pool in a peaceful forest setting along with a long established wild and safe swimming area in the river. Mature Deciduous woodland with specimen trees include Sequoias, Irish Oak, Beech and Cooper Beach, Monkey Puzzle, Scots Pine, and Irish Champion Lawson Cypress.

Beyond the river garden, a suspension bridge leads to a magical forest path that winds through lush greenery to a spectacular waterfall, a Japanese bridge, and a serene Himalayan-inspired garden filled with ancient ferns and moss-covered cliffs. Together, the gardens and grounds offer an unparalleled blend of tranquility, beauty, and history, creating an idyllic setting that complements the elegance of the lodge itself.

Location
Situated on an elevated site above the Ow River, Ballyteige Lodge enjoys an unrivaled position along the renowned Wicklow Way, offering a peaceful haven for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Located just over 1 kilometre beyond Iron Bridge and 300 metres from the main trail, the lodge provides a serene respite for walkers and adventurers amid the beauty of County Wicklow’s unspoiled landscapes.

This area of Wicklow is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, with pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains creating a spectacular backdrop for exploration. Outdoor activities abound, from scenic hiking and cycling trails to exceptional fishing spots and world-class golfing at nearby Woodenbridge and Macreddin courses.

Ballyteige Lodge is also ideally positioned for families, with access to excellent primary and secondary schools in the area. For dining and leisure, the surrounding towns and villages offer a range of amenities, including cozy pubs, fine dining restaurants, and luxurious spa hotels, all adding to the appeal of this tranquil rural retreat.Despite its peaceful setting, Ballyteige Lodge remains highly accessible, being less than an hour’s drive from Dublin City and just over an hour from Dublin Airport, making it an ideal balance between rural seclusion and urban convenience.

Services
– Mains electricity
– well water
– oil-fired central heating
– new water pump system
– Balmoral septic tank 2024 x 12 person capacity
– high speed fibre-optic broadband

Fixtures and Fittings
Curtains, window blinds and white goods to be included in the sale.

BER Details
BER: E1
BER Number: 118163930
Energy Performance Indicator: 303.62