The Disraeli School House, Bough, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, R93YC86

The Disraeli School House, Bough, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, R93YC86. Overview: Following a generous bequest by a gentleman called Benjamin Disraeli (1766 - 1814), The Disraeli School was opened in 1826 and continued to serve as a school until 1977. The original schoolhouse building which is an example of the early work of the architect Joseph Welland and is in the style of a small Palladian Villa, features a centre block, formerly the pupils’ and the master’s accommodation, flanked by two classroom wings on opposing sides, creating a building of perfect symmetry. The central feature is the clock tower with a louvered bellcote sitting atop the natural slate of the hipped roofs of this substantial and historic building. This historical building has been cleverly reimagined into a substantial country home of distinction as it commences its third century. The centre block of the house includes accommodation which is laid out over three storeys; ground floor, basement and first floor, and features beautiful round – headed recessed windows, two entrance doors and a distinctive clocktower and bellcote. The entire building was constructed of cut granite, as are the impressive walls enclosing the side and rear gardens of the house. The sweeping entrance, with a newly added pedestrian access, boasts grand pillars which are also constructed of cut granite. To complete the aesthetic, the boundary wall along the roadside is equally distinctive in its construction, a testament to the workmanship of the stonemasons of 200 years ago. Accommodation This home is very interesting in its internal layout as there are two entrances, each of which provides access to one of the former classrooms, both of which have been re-purposed in the interior architect’s plans to serve as an exceptionally large kitchen/dining/ living area and a drawing room / library. Ground Floor: Both entrance halls provide a welcoming atmosphere as they are finished with bespoke wooden panelling and feature the original mahogany internal doors, and the floorboards have been sanded and varnished. Each hall leads into an internal hall where a stairwell is located, providing access to both the basement level and the first floor. There are two ample storage rooms located off the entrance halls and these storerooms feature a stained-glass fanlight overhead to provide light, which mirrors the round headed windows to the front elevation of the house. The inner hall is also finished with extensive wooden wall panelling, and the wooden staircase which leads to the first floor is finished with square-edged spindles and newel. There are granite steps leading to the basement and the controls for the clock tower are housed here too. This is fully functioning and harks back to a bygone era. In the east wing, from the entrance hall there is access to one of the original classrooms which is designed to become a substantial drawing room/library. This is an expansive space with an abundance of natural light and features an open fire with an original ornate fire surround. The floors have been sanded and varnished. The sense of space is further enhanced with the exceptional ceiling height and the exposed rafters and stonework, creating a truly unique and inspiring space. As this room also has two separate doors leading to the exterior of the property, it may also suit an alternative use such as studio, workshop or wellness space, depending on the resident’s future requirements. In the west wing, the former classroom has been reimagined as the heart of the home; an expansive space which is ready to become an open plan kitchen/dining/living area. This stunning room is flooded in natural light courtesy of the large windows. There is also a side door providing access to the enclosed rear garden at the exterior of the house. There are also two large shower rooms located off the inner hallway. Both shower rooms are newly fitted with modern bathroom fittings including a large shower, polished chrome bathroom fittings, a wash hand basin with vanity unit underneath, extensive subway wall tiling and black and white floor tiles. Both shower rooms feature a large window with window shutters. In addition to the shower rooms, there are also two ample sized bedrooms of similar size and aspect, overlooking the front of the house and the rolling countryside beyond. Bedroom 1 This bright and spacious room is complete with an open fire featuring a wooden surround with tiled insert. This room also features ornate coving and window shutters. Complete with newly fitted carpets, this room is an ideal bedroom space. Bedroom 2 This bedroom is a mirror of Bedroom No. 1 and also features an open fire with mid-century wooden fire surround and tiled insert. It also includes ornate coving and window shutters and is finished in newly laid neutral-coloured carpets. First Floor: At first floor level there are a further two bedrooms, one of which is laid out as an impressive dual aspect master bedroom. Master bedroom suite This space would have originally been the master’s living quarters and as a result, there is an open fire with impressive fireplace featuring an ornate tiled insert. The interior architect’s plans have reimagined this space into a substantial master suite, complete with dressing room. Bedroom 4 is a double bedroom finished with neutral coloured, newly laid carpets and complete with window shutters. Basement level: When you follow the well-worn granite steps to the basement level, you are struck by how bright the rooms at this level are, courtesy of the cleverly placed windows providing ample natural light to many of the rooms at this level. These rooms provide the functional space in the home as the interior architect’s plans locate the home office, home gym, laundry and multiple storerooms and plant rooms at this level. The laundry room has already been fitted out with floor level kitchen units providing a large laundry room, ideal for a home of this scale. Outside: The grounds of the D’Israeli School House comprise c. 0.91 acres/ 0.37 Ha in total. The front and side of the building are gravel topped, thus providing ample parking, whilst the enclosed rear garden is laid out in recently seeded lawns and also features a raised patio area located to the rear of the building, ideal for creating a private outdoor dining space. The substantial granite walls which enclose this rear garden create a secure outdoor space. In addition, there is a large lawned area or paddock, depending on the resident’s requirements, located to the rear of the walled garden. Original stone walls mark the boundary with the road, and a mixture of fencing and recently planted laurel hedging form the balance of the boundaries with the neighbouring lands. Location: Located just off the R726 near where three counties meet, Carlow, Wicklow and Kildare, this home is located within walking distance of Rathvilly, which is a charming country village located on the N81 with many local amenities serving the residents. For those who wish to travel further afield, access to the M9 at Junction 4 is c. 12km from the property, or approximately 10 minutes’ drive. Other relevant travel distances are as follows: Rathvilly – 2km Baltinglass – 7km Tullow – 11km Castledermot – 12km Carlow Town – 18km Dublin – 78km. Special Features: • Built in 1826 and recently renovated and updated. • Listed as a Protected Structure. • Ample accommodation c. 4065 sq ft / 377 sq m. • c. 0.91 acres/ 0.37 hectares of grounds. • Cut Granite construction. • Cemented and lined exterior wall finish. • Granite walls and entrance pillars. • Mains water supply. • Septic tank. • Electric storage heating. • PVC windows. • Mahogany internal doors. • Period fire surrounds. • Granite steps. • BER Exempt. Viewing strictly by appointment only with joint agents. Call DNG McCormack 0599133800 to make an appoinment to view. Joint Agent: Gemma Lanigan, BA MIPAV. DNG Country Homes & Estates,