Remain detached at Headfort Demesne, Kells

ONE of seven unique detached houses on the Headfort Demesne estate in Kells is on the market with Remax Royal County, Navan.

Number 4 Blackarchwood is a four- or five-bedroom residence to the rear of the development on the old Taylor family estate, and has a guide price in the region of s1.5 million.

Headfort is widely acknowledged as one of the finest estates in Ireland. The estate mansion, Headfort House, was built over 200 years ago for the Earl of Bective, Thomas Taylor, who built the main courtyard and the original gardens in 1770.

Headfort School currently is based there and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The school is a traditional boarding and day school, offering a comprehensive programme of academic, sporting and cultural activities for children aged seven to 13 years.

Langville Properties originally developed Headfort Demesne, an exclusive and exceptionally high-quality residential development, which forms part of the Headfort House Estate. It is entered through ornate gates and the main driveway passes through mature plantations of trees and shrubs originally planted by Lord Headfort at the beginning of the century.

Headfort Demesne comprises two cobblestone courtyards, called the Main Courtyard and Lower Courtyard, each one with a unique garden feature. Blackarch Wood, where this property lies, and The Upper Courtyard, are individual houses, which form part of the estate.

Blackarch Wood is surrounded by the mature woodlands from which it takes its name, and consists of seven detached homes. Number 4 is an impressive detached property, built with individuality in mind and on a generous site for maximum privacy.

The spacious accommodation extends to 2,554 square feet (237.2 square metres) and is entered through a grand entrance hall with Portuguese limestone flooring and a fine staircase with mahogany detailing. A guest wc and cloakroom also feature here.

The kitchen is bright and spacious with fitted units and a host of integrated appliances, and also incorporates a comfortable dining area. There is an adjoining utility room with access to the dining room. The large drawing room, with its high ceilings and fine cornices, has French oak floors, a white marble fireplace with reeded detail and Georgian cast-iron register grate with a slate hearth.

It also has double doors leading to the dining room and French doors to the rear garden. The library could also be used as an additional reception room or converted into a fifth bedroom as it benefits from an en-suite.

The stairway leads to the first floor with a gallery and landing with atrium overhead providing an abundance of natural light. There are four bedrooms, all of which are en-suite. All en-suites feature bath, whb and wc. One of these bedrooms is currently being used as a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room.

Amenities in the area include Headfort Golf Club, which was established in 1928 and now boasts two fine 18-hole golf courses, the newer of which was designed by Christy O'Connor jnr and officially opened in 2000. Parts of the golf course link onto the estate, adjacent to the main courtyard.

Other activities provided for in the area are coarse fishing on the River Blackwater, which runs through the estate, equestrian enthusiasts are catered for from beginner rider through to international level with many equestrian centres in the vicinity. Perhaps the best option of all is a quiet walk around the estate, taking in breathtaking views of these magnificent surrounds and environment.

The heritage town of Kells, origins of which predate the ninth century, and where the world-famous book of Kells originated, is just one mile from the Headfort Demesne and is a town that boasts many charming pubs and restaurants.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Anne Bannon of Remax Royal County, Navan, on (046) 907 3737. Ms Bannon is also handling the sale of two other properties on the demesne - a two-bedroom unit in the Main Courtyard, priced at s440,000, and a three-bed in the Lower Courtyard, available at s525,000.De