Templecarrig is the kind of house that is hard to let go of. The current family have been living here for two generations. Further back, the 14th Earl of Meath only gave it up when he inherited the title, and moved down the road to Kilruddery House.
Kilruddery is now open to the public, and is a very scenic place to go for tea and walks, but if you ended up buying Templecarrig (€3.45 million with Sherry FitzGerald), you’d find it a wrench to tear yourself away – even for organic food and artisan teas.
Templecarrig is one of those classic period country houses, built to command views from its lofty bay windows.
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The current owners say that on a clear day you can see across the bay to make out the Welsh mountains beyond, but the bay itself is beguiling enough on its own.
The house sits on 10.25 acres, which are laid out in formal and kitchen gardens and paddocks.
There is also a tennis court, and a croquet lawn that need a little reclaiming, though the gardens themselves have been kept in wonderful order. There’s a lovely sheltered patio, with wisteria winding about the walls, and a stable yard to the side.
The main house, with 453sq m (4,760 sq ft) of accommodation, is reached up a winding avenue sheltered by mature trees. Add to that a one bedroom gate lodge, stabling, garages and a coach house.
The stables are gorgeously atmospheric, although they, like parts of the house, could do with a little upgrading before the thoroughbreds and hunters arrive.
Views
The proportions are, as you would expect, fantastic, and there is lovely detailing in fanlights and plasterwork, woodwork and large sash windows.
A previous owner replaced some of the sashes with single panes so that the incredible views are entirely uninterrupted.
Purists may gasp, but you’re more likely to gasp at the lovely vistas.
There’s a friendly kitchen that has been recently re-done complete with massive Aga, and extensive utility and scullery spaces beyond, with an apartment annexe adding two extra bedrooms.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are well-sized, again with bay windows and those sea and countryside views.
You're just down the road from Greystones and the M11/M50 is easily accessible. It's a charming setting, that is crying out to be filled with children, dogs and horses for more generations to come.
