GALLERY: €1.7m historical country estate with own church for sale near Kildare border

Set behind wrought iron gates and approached by a sweeping tree-lined avenue in the heart of the Laois countryside, Rath House is one of those increasingly rare Irish estates that manages to balance grandeur, history and genuine authenticity in equal measure.

Extending to approximately 9,000 square feet and standing on some 52 acres at Rathronshin, Ballybrittas, the distinguished country residence offers not simply a home, but a tangible connection to centuries of Irish history and architectural heritage.

Properties of this nature seldom come to the open market, particularly those within such convenient reach of Dublin. Positioned just off the M7 motorway, Rath House enjoys a level of accessibility that would appeal equally to Irish buyers, international purchasers and those seeking a substantial country retreat within easy commuting distance of the capital and Dublin Airport.

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The first impression is unmistakably one of permanence and scale. Emerging gradually beyond mature trees and expansive grounds, the house commands its elevated position with quiet confidence. Its elegant curved portico, symmetrical sash-style windows and restrained classical detailing reflect the refined proportions associated with Georgian and early Victorian architecture.

Among the property’s most remarkable architectural features is a domed conservatory attributed to the celebrated Irish designer Richard Turner, famed for his pioneering glasshouse structures, including the Palm House at the National Botanic Gardens. The association places Rath House among a select group of Irish residences connected to Turner’s work.

The estate itself is steeped in history. The townland of Rathronshin is understood to derive from the Irish “Ráth Rónshín”, referencing an ancient ringfort and suggesting settlement in the area stretching back centuries. Historical records link the lands to the O’Demsey territory and later to prominent families including the Adairs and Deases.

During the 19th century, Rath House became associated with Edmund Dease MP, a notable figure in the Home Rule movement, cementing its role as a centre of social and political life in the region.

Internally, the residence retains an extraordinary level of original character. A beautifully proportioned reception hall with sweeping staircase, intricate plasterwork and ornate cornicing immediately establishes the tone of the interiors. The principal reception rooms are notable not only for their scale, but for the quality of detailing throughout, with approximately four-metre ceilings, marble fireplaces, original joinery and large sash windows filling the rooms with natural light and views across the surrounding grounds.

Accommodation includes seven bedrooms, three bathrooms and a substantial range of formal and ancillary rooms. The basement level and attached derelict wing offer considerable restoration and future development potential. The house has also benefitted from significant structural works over recent decades, including rewiring, replumbing and re-roofing, ensuring that much of the essential fabric has already been addressed.

Outside, the estate possesses the kind of atmosphere often associated with far larger landed properties. Mature trees, a traditional ha-ha, stone courtyards, a pond and a walled garden all contribute to the sense of timelessness that defines the property. Particularly unusual is the inclusion of a private chapel — a charming and increasingly rare feature that further enhances the individuality of the estate.

The surrounding lands, extending to approximately 52 acres, are predominantly arable and considered to be of very good quality, while areas of grassland provide flexibility for equestrian, agricultural or lifestyle use.

At a time when authentic Irish country houses of manageable scale are becoming increasingly difficult to source, Rath House represents an exceptional opportunity. Combining architectural distinction, historical significance and strategic accessibility, it is the type of residence that rarely reappears once sold — a house that captures the romance, permanence and quiet grandeur of the Irish countryside.

Rath House is being brought to the market by Jordan Auctioneers with a guide price of €1,700,000. For further information or to arrange a private viewing, contact Clive Kavanagh on 045 433550.