Ard Na Magh, Old Long Hill, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98HW95

Embraced by the communities of Kilmacanogue and Enniskerry, Old Long Hill rises impressively through scenic countryside to plateau gently by Ard na Magh and the road to Powerscourt Waterfall. Set on nearly two acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, this unique five-bedroom residence of character and flair combines period ambience with modern amenity, with the most spectacular panoramic views enjoyed from the house, gardens, patios and extensive roof terraces. Historically understood to have been an estate house on the Powerscourt Demesne and possibly a gamekeepers residence / shooting lodge dating from the eighteenth century, by the early 20th century ownership had transferred to a family who re-ordered it in the colonial era before the three decades from 1936 to 1966 witnessed the addition of two wings in complementary Art Deco style. Having purchased the Fee Simple from the Wingfield family/ Viscounts Powerscourt in 1966, the next family curated the property for more than two decades before the subsequent owners added the four first floor bedrooms in 1996. Now, having themselves enjoyed c.25 years stewardship evolving this atmospheric home to its current presentation, the owners have favoured us with instructions to offer another family the opportunity to reside here. The upper level, accessed from an inner ground floor hall by means of an atrium glazed gallery landing, uniquely features extensive suntrap front and rear roof terraces, onto which all four double bedrooms (all with ensuite facilities open directly via patio screen doors. Amazing as the views from the grounds and principal reception rooms are, from up here they are simply spectacular, taking in over 180 degrees across to the Great Sugar Loaf and out over the Irish Sea to Killiney Hill and Dalkey Island. The principal bedroom suite with fitted wardrobes and a contemporary ensuite is located on the southern elevation of the well-proportioned ground floor, where an adjacent guest shower room lends options to re-allocate the current family room as a sixth/guest bedroom if desired. A Playroom/ Fitness room is usefully accessed from the inner hall, from the boot-room/laundry, and from the adjoining bespoke Enigma integrated kitchen, where a period polished timber surround fireplace hints at winter warmth around an open fire. A suite of three principal reception rooms off the reception hallway, whose polished timber floor and Inglenook fireplace imbue a certain welcome, complete the living space. A dual-aspect combined drawing room/dining room with a period fireplace offers superb views from its deep picture bay-window, and intercommunicates with a triple-aspect garden room, ideal as a home work-space, where the renowned artist Paul Henry created several sketches while visiting Ard na Magh. A charming highlight is The Old Long Hill Bar on the opposite side of the hall; with a deep bay window-seat, this custom fitted bar was formally opened by the late Ronnie Drew who regularly rode out from the house, and has witnessed many happy evenings entertainment, with performances by Ronnie Drew himself, Chris de Burgh, Hazel O Connor and many others, on the anniversary of the opening. Outside, there is a useful range of outbuildings which include a double garage and a sound-insulated music den, with immense potential for further development (subject to consents). All in all, a very special family home in a wonderful setting. Ard na Magh is but a short drive from Powerscourt Gardens and Enniskerry village amenities, while Kilmacanogue and Avoca Handweavers temptations lie just a few minutes drive to the south-east. With excellent interconnectivity, the N11/M11/M50 corridor nearby, and Bray DART station so convenient, it is easy to overlook how accessible this very special home is, and with excellent primary schools located at Curtlestown and in Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue villages, secondary educational amenities such as St. Gerard s and to sporting athletic clubs, golf, sailing, fishing and equine pursuits; all within c.29 km/ 18 miles of Dublin south city and 45 minutes drive from the airport. OUTSIDE:An integral boiler-house with oil-fired central heating. Garden W.C. A useful range of outbuildings with overall footprint of c.10.4m x av.5.2m 34x17ft incorporates two garages and a music den insulated for sound and used for band practice. There is also a wired compound equally useful as a chicken-coop or dog pen. External floodlights The Grounds: Extending to over 1.75 acres including a fenced paddock, the grounds offer a blend of formal landscaped pleasure gardens, alive with seasonal colour, with woodland and optional grazing, creating a paradise for children and pets. Approached from the Old Long Hill via electric gates lending access to a gravel avenue skirting landscaped banks and neat lawns, the driveway divides around a wooded circular bank allowing generous circulation and parking for family and guests. The residence is centrally situated along the grounds axis which allows a beautifully sheltered lower lawn to the left of the avenue create an alternative area from the upper garden around the house with its terrace and elevated patio, where a water- feature stream babbles its way through the shrubs and flowers. A natural woodland plantation interspersed with shaded pathways from which to enjoy the panoramic views over the racehorses at Ballinteskin Stud, the rolling countryside and across Dublin Bay. Accomodation: The living accommodation, which comprises approximately 435sq.m/4,682sq.ft., is laid out over two floors thus: An open veranda leads from a terrace with panoramic views, to: Entrance Porch with black-and-white tiled floor, and glazed screen panel with double doors to: Reception Hall a welcoming timber-floored space featuring a deep Inglenook fireplace complete with seating. Drawing room/ Dining room this generous open-plan reception room enjoys a dual aspect and its deep bay picture-window frames a marvellous view across the valley towards the Great Sugarloaf and Dalkey Island. Period-surround fireplace with tiled inset. Timber floor. Intercommunicating with: Garden Room / Study, a versatile triple-aspect room with lovely views, ideal as a home office/ library with timber-panelled ceiling and glazed double doors to the front garden. The Old Long Hill Bar an atmospheric retreat, or ideal for entertaining and featuring a bespoke bar, timber floor, and a deep bay with window-seating. Doors also link the inner hall and a family room. Inner hallway Spacious Inner hallway with light-filled atrium gallery stairwell. Family room with dual south/westerly aspect, bay window and patio doors to a terrace and raised al fresco seating area. Shower room with black-and-while tiled floor, W.C. and period-style wash basin, and contemporary metro-tiled shower. Wall cabinet. Airing cupboard Principal Bedroom 1 with built-in wardrobes and a westerly aspect bay window. Ensuite with black-and-white tiled floor, tiled walls with mirrored feature, period-style wash basin, W.C., bath with shower fitting, Playroom / Fitness suite also opening to boot-room / laundry off the kitchen. Family kitchen to bespoke design by Enigma incorporating custom cabinetry at wall and floor level, quarry-tiled floor, polished stonework surfaces with 1.5 sink and drainer, ample power points, central island with beechwood work surface; integrated appliances include electric oven, 4-plate induction hob beneath extractor canopy, fridge / freezer and dishwasher. This attractive dual-aspect room also features a polished timber surround period fireplace. Boot-room/laundry linking kitchen, playroom / fitness suite and rear garden, with two external doors and wall-level cupboards, is plumbed for washing machine with space for clothes-dryer and a second fridge. Access to attic-type storage room. First Floor From the inner ground floor hall a gallery stairwell downlit by atrium glazing opens to a timber-floored first floor landing accessing four bedrooms all of which enjoy direct access to extensive roof terraces from which to appreciate the spectacular scenery. Each room is further provided with timber flooring and ensuite facilities. Bedroom 2 a split-level room with access via glazed screen doors to the roof terrace and easterly views; Velux rooflight; lovely circular feature gable window. Ensuite with tiled floor, W.C, wash basin and corner tiled electric shower. Bedroom 3 westerly aspect and glazed screen doors to roof-terrace; Velux rooflight. Ensuite with tiled floor, W.C, wash basin, bath with shower fitting and tiled surround. Bedroom 4 with views to the east and a southerly aspect, access through glazed screen doors to the roof-terrace. Jack n Jill ensuite ensuite with tiled floor, shared with bedroom 5, comprising bath with tiled surround and shower mixer tap, wash basin and W.C; separate tiled electric shower, and eyebrow window feature. Bedroom 5 with south-westerly aspect.