Billionaire entrepreneur plans new use for derelict mansion in the Midlands

Stripe founder and Limerick billionaire John Collison is planning a new use for the ruined Laois mansion he snapped up last year.

Mr Collison who owns Abbey Leix House and the 1,000 acre estate, bought up the atmospheric derelict mansion on the edge of the grounds for a bargain price in 2022 of €400,000.

It was the result of a Compulsory Purchase Order by Laois County Council on the ruin's owner, with the plan to flip on the house to a new owner with a proviso that they would do the urgent work needed to save it from further decay.

In stepped the Abbey Leix House owner who now has planning permission secured to carefully restore the house at an expected cost of €6 million.

An artist's impression of Millbrook as it will look following renovation.

A new planning application is being drawn up to turn it from a private residence, to a guesthouse with 16 bedrooms as well as a restaurant.

Applicant Comhlacht na Feirme Ltd seeks permission for:

"The development will consist of the change of use of Millbrook House, and coach house, from residential use to guest house accommodation, including:

"The restoration of the external elevations of Millbrook House (including extant original windows) and all of the coach house, including the upgrade of the historic timber sash windows with double glazing units;

"The reconstruction of the three principal reception rooms of Millbrook House along with other ancillary spaces and new windows.

"The construction of a new roof, including dormer windows, and a full height corner extension (2.5 storey) to Millbrook House, and standalone 1.5 storey structure (139 sq m) to the rear.

"The adaptation of the remaining internal spaces of Millbrook House and the coach house to provide guest accommodation; including upgrade of building services.

"The above works will result in a total of 16 no. guest bedrooms across Millbrook House (with extension) (899 sq m), coach house (145 sq m) and proposed 1.5 storey structure (139 sq m).

"The development will also consist of the construction of a restaurant building (688 sq m), comprising two single storey buildings and external terraces, at the western part of the site, arranged within gardens and courtyards.

"The development will also consist of car parking, bicycle parking, soft and hard landscaping, servicing yard, waste storage shed (15.5 sq m), alterations to boundary treatment, including the provision of a new service entrance and widening of the main entrance, site lighting, wastewater treatment plant and percolation and all associated works above and below ground."

The application is at pre-validation stage. 

John Collison bought Abbey Leix estate from its previous owner Sir David Davies in 2018 for some €11.5m. Before that it was the family seat of the De Vesci family in Abbeyleix.

He has kept the tradition of opening the gates of the estate for charity events.

The businessman is also renovating and changing other buildings on the estate.