PHOTOS: 'Magnificent' Kildare estate has price tag of €12m
A Palladian mansion dating from the 1760s
One of County Kildare’s most significant country estates, comprising more than 450 acres of prime farmland and a meticulously restored Georgian mansion, is set to go under the hammer next month with a guide price of €12m.
Newbury Demesne, Carbury, a remarkable estate extending to approximately 453 acres, will be offered for sale by public auction on July 9 at the Johnstown House Hotel in Enfield, Co Meath.
The property, which includes the historic Newbury Hall, extensive agricultural lands and a three-acre walled garden, is expected to attract strong interest from farmers, investors and heritage property enthusiasts due to its rarity and scale.
Described by selling agents as a “magnificent agricultural estate”, Newbury Demesne is unusual in that the original estate remains substantially intact, preserving a landscape and residence that have evolved little over more than two centuries.
At the heart of the estate stands Newbury Hall, a Palladian mansion dating from the 1760s. Built for Arthur Pomeroy, later Lord Harberton, the house is regarded as a building of significant architectural importance.
The residence is believed to have been designed by Nathaniel Clements, one of Ireland’s most influential Georgian architects, whose work includes a number of notable country houses throughout the country. Constructed from red brick with stone detailing, the house retains many original features that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of the Georgian era.
Following ownership by the Pomeroy family, the estate changed hands during the nineteenth century and was later acquired by Dublin publisher William Pilkington. In 1911 it was purchased by the Robinson family, who retained ownership for almost a century.
While the house underwent relatively minor alterations during the 1880s, it remained largely untouched until a major conservation-led restoration project was undertaken by the current owner in 2013.
That refurbishment involved extensive work under the supervision of a specialist conservation architect. The project included complete reroofing, restoration of original internal features, rewiring, replumbing and the installation of a modern heating system. Specialist craftsmen were employed throughout the process to ensure that historic details were preserved.
The result is a residence that combines eighteenth-century grandeur with modern comfort.
Visitors entering the house are greeted by an impressive entrance hall measuring 19 feet by 19 feet, featuring original pine doors, ornate architraves and a finely carved white marble fireplace. The principal reception rooms boast ceiling heights of almost 15 feet and retain a wealth of decorative features.
Among the highlights is a drawing room extending more than 32 feet in length, complete with an Adams-style fireplace and triple-aspect views across the surrounding grounds. The dining room contains important Rococo plasterwork depicting birds and flowers, while the library enjoys views over the gardens and parkland.
A sweeping mahogany staircase leads to the upper floors, where six bedrooms and a number of bathrooms are arranged across the first and second floors. The master suite occupies a commanding position overlooking the estate and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The estate’s agricultural lands are considered among the finest in the region. The substantial acreage is expected to be of particular interest to farming enterprises seeking to expand operations in an area renowned for productive land and strong agricultural traditions.
Adding to the appeal is a three-acre walled garden, a feature associated with many of Ireland’s great historic estates but increasingly rare in modern times.
The property also enjoys spectacular views towards Carbury Castle, one of north Kildare’s most recognisable landmarks. The medieval ruins dominate the skyline and provide a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding landscape.
The forthcoming auction is expected to attract national and international attention due to the scarcity of estates of this size and quality coming to market.
Country house specialists note that opportunities to acquire a fully restored Georgian mansion together with an intact landed estate extending to more than 450 acres are exceptionally rare.
With its combination of architectural significance, agricultural potential and historical importance, Newbury Demesne represents one of the most notable property offerings to come before the market in Kildare in recent years.
The public auction will take place at 3pm on Thursday, July 9, at the Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield, Co Meath.