A modern version of Rathra House, the former home of Ireland's first president, Dr Douglas Hyde, which was demolished many years ago, is under construction on the site of the original near Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.
The new house is intended to be a replica of Dr Hyde's home. However, it will have a conservatory and other concessions to the 21st century, including geo-thermal heating and solar panels.
The 6,445 sq ft house at Portahard is a timber-frame structure. The use of timber, supplied by the Carrick-on-Shannon firm of Woodframe, enabled the 10-bedroom house to be erected in three weeks. Currently seven weeks into construction, it is now being plastered and is expected to be completed next month.
The original house had fallen into ruin and was demolished in the early 1970s for safety reasons. The stone was used in the foundations of a local house and also in the Shannonside factory in Ballaghaderreen.
The construction is being undertaken by local builder Kevin Flynn (37), who intends to move into the house with his wife, Lucy, and their three children, Karen, Lisa and Lorna, probably before Christmas.
Mr Flynn said that the idea to rebuild was inspired by a painting of the old house which had been in his home at nearby Tibohine.
Three years ago he went to see planning officials at Roscommon County Council to discuss the project and they had been "very enthusiastic". They had undertaken to search for the plans of the original house, built in 1877 by local landlord John French (Lord de Freyne) and later bought by the Gaelic League, who presented it to Dr Hyde as a gift in 1903.
Dr Hyde founded the Gaelic League in 1893 and it became an influential organisation in the events leading up to the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence.
No trace of the original plans could be found, so the new house was designed on the basis of the painting and old photographs. Local people Jim Mahon (93), Mike Carty (88) and Kathleen Reilly (88), who worked at the original house, were of great assistance, according to Mr Flynn.
Jim Mahon, who died last month, was the gardener, while Mike Carty was Dr Hyde's driver and Kathleen Reilly was a maid.
All three had been particularly helpful with regard to the rebuilding of the interior, which includes drawing rooms, dining rooms, a wide staircase and a large first-floor landing.
Mr Flynn has recovered some of the original artefacts, including an intact egg-timer, which was found when digging the new foundations.
He is undecided about whether to open the house to the public, but he believes that at least one Government meeting should be held in it to mark the house's significance.
It is his intention to have the grounds landscaped when the house has been completed.
