Marelle, Thornback Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, R95KR70

Contemporary home with wonderful views set on about 1.25 acres Marelle is a remarkable property with a quiet situation and stunning gardens and grounds. Situated on an elevated site, it offers breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside and Kilkenny City. Upon entering through the gated entrance, you will find a spacious driveway that offers plenty of parking space in front of the house. Marelle underwent an extensive extension and meticulous renovation in 2003. The layout of the accommodation spans across two floors, facing south-east, and is perfectly suited for contemporary family living and entertaining. The entrance hall is both bright and welcoming, leading into a sitting room with a vaulted ceiling and a wood burning stove. Adjacent to this sitting room is a ground floor bedroom, complete with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. If necessary, this space could be effortlessly transformed into a self-contained unit. The interconnecting hallway seamlessly connects the entrance hall and the kitchen. The kitchen boasts an island and a Belfast sink, while the adjacent pantry and utility room provide additional convenience. Continuing from the kitchen, one will find a spacious combined sitting room/dining room that offers a delightful view of the gardens. A landing on the first floor gives access to the bedroom accommodation which includes an exquisite master bedroom suite which features a lounge area offering breathtaking vistas of the picturesque countryside and Kilkenny City. There are three further bedrooms (one is currently in use as an office) on this level in addition to a family bathroom. In all the accommodation extends to about 245 sq m / 2,640 sq ft, with a full layout shown on the accompanying floorplans. Outbuildings The driveway entrance extends along the avenue, passing by the gardens to an electric gated entrance leading to a yard that includes a spacious garage, ideal for use as a storage area, stables or workshop. There is also a shed adjacent to the garden. Gardens & Grounds A particular feature of Marelle is the gardens with lawned areas and a variety of tree species surrounding the house. The south-easterly facing gardens have been landscaped and beautifully planted by the current owners. A patio and BBQ area is situated to the side of the house. The gardens are enclosed by hedging providing privacy and superb views of the countryside. In all the grounds extend to about 0.5 hectare / 1.25 acres. Thornback Road is a popular residential location just on the outskirts of Kilkenny City (3.5 km) and a short drive from its hospitals and leading schools. Kilkenny City is famous for its medieval buildings and castle and being a craft hub with shops along its Medieval Mile. Kilkenny is home to many amenities such as fine dining restaurants (Campagne, Zuni and Ristorante Rinuccini amongst others), theatres, bars, shops, culture, and professional services. Kilkenny is spoiled for choice by a range of excellent primary and secondary schools many of which are undergoing huge investment in new buildings. Marelle is only 2 kilometres from the all-new CBS boys secondary campus presently under construction and scheduled to open in 2026. Adjacent to this is the recently built Loreto girls secondary school, both of which are renowned feeder schools to third level colleges. In between these two is St Canice' s National School which is getting a complete new building, under construction at present and due for completion in 2025 accommodating for increased places. Other notable schools in Kilkenny are Kilkenny College on 50 acres, St Kieran' s College on 27 acres with a new block due for 2027 and The Presentation Convent (a new school currently under construction). Marelle is also within 2 kilometres of UPMC Aut Even Hospital and St Lukes County Hospital, which are both major hospitals. County Kilkenny has a proud sporting history and offers a wide variety of quality sporting and recreational activities. Marelle is in the catchment of Dicksboro GAA club in addition to a thriving rugby club in the city. Racing enthusiasts are well catered for with Gowran Park (18.5 km) nearby, which is renowned as one of the most scenic racecourses in the country. There is also plenty of choice for golfers locally with Kilkenny Golf Club (5.5 km) Gowran, Castlecomer and Mount Juliet all convenient. Mount Juliet Estate & Golf Club (22 km) is a beautiful spot to enjoy afternoon tea, have a walk around its 1,500 acres of parkland or dine at one of their many restaurants including the Michelin star, Lady Helen restaurant. Mount Juliet' s Championship Golf Course is one of the finest in the country and was recently host to the 2022 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. There are numerous lovely walks and trails around Kilkenny including the Lacken walk, the Nore Valley walking route, Brandon Hill, the Barrow tow path, and Woodstock gardens forest walk. Marelle is located just off the R963 road which links Kilkenny City to the M8 Dublin cork motorway at Urlingford. Dublin Airport is 130 km distant, while Rosslare Harbour is 96 km from the property with regular sailings to the UK and mainland Europe. There are also regular bus and train services from Kilkenny to Dublin City and Dublin Airport.