THIS MONTH sees the launch of Irish Landmark Trust’s newest property, the Beit Residence in the west wing of Russborough House in Blessington, Co Wicklow.
Damaged by fire two years ago, the wing has been restored to its former glory and the Trust is taking bookings for its four-bedroomed apartment, accessed through Anne’s Garden.
Star in your own period drama or, if you’re lucky, see one being made – the house has just been voted location of the month by the Irish film industry.
The massive apartment consists of sitting room, dining room and four bedrooms, and has a cavernous kitchen with large pillars and vaulted ceilings. Some of the furniture has come from the original house.
By day, the house is a hive of craft activity, including resident blacksmith, weaver, jeweller and potter. There’s a maze to explore, and that pristine view out over Blessington lake is still, mercifully, intact.
The real pleasure, of course, will be to have the estate to yourself once the day trippers go home. There are some security restrictions in place after dark, including Bond-style laser beam alarm trips, but that only adds to the atmosphere in a property that has, after all, a history of art heists.
The apartment sleeps up to eight, but if you’re a couple, you get to choose your bedroom, and the Landmark Trust just closes off the other three. And if you don’t feel like cooking, on-site catering can be provided by the Garden Café, over in the east wing.
Prices start at €630 a weekend for two people, rising to €1,150 for eight.