Fortwilliam Estate, Historic House With Nearly 400 Acres in Ireland
This property is on the market for €10,000,000, listed with Knight Frank.
The property is for sale as a whole, or in two lots:
Lot 1: Fortwilliam House with 117.00 Hectares (289.12 Acres) €10,000,000
Lot 2: Agricultural Lands comprising 41.01 Hectares (101.33 Acres) €2,000,000
Commanding a spectacular position overlooking the serene River Blackwater and framed by the majestic Knockmealdown mountains, this estate offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Irish heritage.
Fortwilliam House, the centerpiece of the estate, dates back to 1836. It was built by William Gumbleton, a member of the Gumbleton family who had owned the land since the early 18th century.
Designed by the renowned Pain brothers, also responsible for architectural marvels like Adare Manor and Dromoland Castle, Fortwilliam House is a stunning example of Tudor Revival architecture, featuring a veined sandstone exterior with sash windows and striking gables.
The estate's history is as rich as its architecture. After passing through several generations of the Gumbleton family, Fortwilliam was sold in 1946 to Hugh Grosvenor, the 2nd Duke of Westminster, one of the wealthiest men of his time.
The Duke made significant enhancements to the house, adding luxurious details such as Louis XV-style boiseries in the drawing room and dining room paneling reportedly sourced from his yacht.
The house has since been owned by various notable figures, including American socialite Mrs. Murray Mitchell, who famously ran a donkey sanctuary on the estate in the 1990s, and Adele Astaire, sister of the legendary Fred Astaire.
Spanning 10,215 square feet, Fortwilliam House is a grand yet inviting family home. The mansion is laid out over two floors, with additional space in the basement.
The interior boasts a series of exceptional reception rooms, including a double-height grand staircase hall that exudes a sense of opulence and history.
The first floor offers six bedrooms and four bathrooms, while the lower ground floor includes an estate office, billiard room, rod room, and a wine cellar.
For those seeking additional space, the Fisherman’s Cottage, located in the west wing, provides four more bedrooms and three bathrooms and can be incorporated into the main house if desired.
The estate also features a charming period stable yard with two cottages, a coaching yard with a recently converted coach house cottage, and multiple farm buildings. The surrounding lands, currently used as grassland, include mature woodlands and formal walled gardens. The estate's 5 kilometers of prime fishing access along the River Blackwater further enhance its appeal.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
