Sopwell Hall and Killaleigh Castle, Co. Tipperary, E53YN99

An attractive 240-acre (97-hectare) parkland estate with Sopwell Hall, an attractive early Georgian country home built in 1745, and the striking Killaleigh Castle, which dates to circa 1590. The estate is situated equidistant of the historic towns of Birr, Roscrea and Nenagh. The nearest small town is Borrisokane, some 5 miles or 8 kilometres away and the nearby village of Ballingarry is 5-minutes driving. The nearest international airport is Shannon, just over an hour driving, and Dublin and Cork airports are around 2-hours driving. Whilst being wonderfully secluded the estate is nearby to town amenities and easily accessible, with the M7 motorway accessible some 12.4 miles or 20 kilometres away. The house is privately and centrally positioned deep within mature parkland that extends to a tree lined perimeter. The castle is unoccupied but largely intact. The accommodation is grand and beautifully executed, with the principal house comprising 14,235 square feet (1,322 square metres) and including 5 principal reception rooms and 10 bedrooms. A studio and 3 estate lodges combine to present an additional 3,424 square feet or 318 square metres. The castles 4,000 square feet or 369 square metres. The stone outbuildings comprise 9,158 square feet or 851 square metres. Built in 1745, to a design attributed to the renowned architect Francis Bindon, Sopwell Hall is imposing yet welcoming and conforms to the best traditions of early Georgian architecture. The house stands three storeys over basement with direct access from the ground and basement levels. The magnificent reception hall, lined with distinctive fluted Doric pilasters and divided by a screen of arches, is spacious and well-proportioned. A morning room, study, drawing room and dining room are each impressive. Displaying the very best features and proportions of fine Georgian architecture each is filled with natural light, has impressive large marble chimneypieces with open fires and ornate cornicing. A feature of the entire house is the abundance of natural light with ample tall and large glazed windows. The lower level includes a sitting room or den, a large kitchen, wine cellar, laundry and staff apartment. A broad carved staircase leads to a generously large landing on the main bedroom floor. Impressive architecturally, there are six matching scagliola sienna marble columns and a large, perfectly proportioned domed ceiling, with a glazed atrium. There are 5 principal bedrooms and 4 bathrooms on this floor. The Master Bedroom Suite occupies the south-eastern corner. The second floor provides 5 further bedrooms and a bathroom and has a games room and study. A Studio, positioned in the adjacent courtyard, comprises some 660 square feet or 61 square metres. The estate is a haven of tranquillity and privacy that is rare in the 21st-century. Positioned at the end of a half-mile drive Sopwell Hall occupies a central position within its own estate and enjoys a panoramic view over the park and woodland. The outer parts of the estate comprising a perimeter woodland belt and creating a great sense of privacy and seclusion. Among the many ancient and specimen trees throughout the estate are some particularly fine Spanish chestnut, a noted ancient beech wood and a rare Siberian crab-apple tree. The woodlands include indigenous oak, beech, ash, larch and spruce. All through the year there is a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the estate. There is, too, much wildlife to be found on the estate. Red squirrels, pine martens, foxes and hares are regularly sighted, and buzzards, owls and falcons can also be found. The Coillte forestry, circa 500 acres, which adjoins the estate provides great amenity with access to long walking trails in beautiful surroundings. Of the circa 240-acres or 97 hectares within the estate about 100-acres is in woodland. Additional circa 60-acres grassland available. Selling Agent: David Ashmore +353 87 251 2909 /+353 1 638 2710 or dashmore@lisneysir.com ..