Ballindoon is a house that merits an avenue, and has one. A meandering 1.5km through the estate’s ancient woodlands and specimen trees, it gives tantalising views of Lough Arrow as it winds along the 1km of lake frontage that is part of the estate, tantalising splashes of colour passing the Ladies’ Rhododendron Walk before opening at last to Ballindoon House’s new-classical three-bay frontage, to its pedimented Doric portico and side wing.
Architect James Nash designed Ballindoon House in the 1820s; it's possible the side wing may have originally been an even earlier farmhouse. Ballindoon sits on an elevated 80 acres, has a farmyard with stone-cut buildings such as stables and a chapel, a gate lodge, garden lodge, stone-cut boathouse with slipway – even an old belfry once used to call workers and others to supper from the fields.
The house itself is in need of someone to love it, appreciate its original design, and refurbish, notably the kitchen and bathrooms – but it has a great deal going for it. Agent Wilson Auctions, with a reserve of €825,000, will put house, lands and outbuildings to auction on October 17th.
Nash’s design is cleverly angled so as to give views of the lake and its islands from everywhere in the house. Views give a peaceful feel to all seven bedrooms (four en suite) and views especially dominate in the dome over the main bedroom from where there is a 360-degree view of the skies above and world below.
The extraordinary central hall has decorated doors leading to the dining and other rooms. Original plasterwork fills ceilings and is there too in decorative cornicing. There are original bow windows, canted oriel windows, fireplaces, floorboards and a cantilevered staircase.
The kitchen and sitting room are separate but will probably be opened into one by a new owner. The library (which has a large bay window), drawing and dining rooms are moderately sized. On the ground floor there is also a guest WC, laundry room and staircase hall.
A lower ground/garden floor has been completely gutted and dry-lined and could be used for games rooms, wine cellar or playrooms.
Ballindoon House is 3km from the N4 and a 20-minute drive from Sligo town.
