Old Fort Stewart, Rathmelton, Co. Donegal

Sold

Beds	5 beds
Price	Sold
Property Type	Terraced House
Size	465 meters²
Energy Rating	BER-C3
Refreshed on
Eircode

Description

Old Fort Stewart is unique. Created in 1998 optimising the natural beauty of its grounds on Lough Swilly, a masterpiece of residential splendour awaits its new owner. Providing over 4, 000 sq. ft. of living accommodation between the main house and the two wings (which could easily be connected to the main house if required), this fine residence of classical proportions was designed by the renowned architect Jeremy Williams and has Tuscan and Moorish influences creating a stimulating ambience. The drawing room benefits from a 14' ceiling plus a Lough and country vista rarely encountered. An abundance of light floods the property via exceptionally large windows maximising the views from each room. An atmosphere of calm and tranquillity throughout the property is ameliorated with muted decor throughout. The surname Stewart has been associated with Ramelton for over 400 years. The founder of the dynasty, Sir William, came to Ireland during the C17 Ulster plantation, which followed the "Flight of the Earls" in 1607. In June 1608, Captain William Stewart was dispatched by the government to Ireland in command of 100 foot soldiers. Originally from Wigtownshire, Stewart was a soldier of fortune who had served under the kings of Sweden and Denmark before arriving in Ireland. In recognition of his military service to King James 1, he received 1, 000 acres of land at Ramelton in 1610. This was part of the forfeited estates of Aodh Dubh O'Donnell. Sir William immediately set about fulfilling the conditions laid down for the establishment of a self-sufficient colony. In 1611 he had built a bawn of lime and stone, called Fort Stewart., sited on the shores of Lough Swilly. By 1619 he had built a castle and bawn and erected a village and church at "Rathmelton". The castle was burned during the rebellion of 1641, and there are no extant ruins today. Such were Sir William's achievements, that he was granted considerable estates in Donegal and Tyrone. In 1623 he was made a baronet and given the title "Sir". The house is entered by large double panelled doors with Georgian style fanlight window leading into the split Level entrance hall which has a solid oak floor and double doors to under stairs storage cupboard. Double doors lead directly into the drawing which also is accessed by the kitchen/dining room and the living room. The drawing room is a stunning room with breath-taking views from the 3 magnificent floor to ceiling Georgian style windows which overlook the Lough Swilly and the countryside beyond. It has corniced ceiling, stone & wrought iron open fireplace, fitted book shelving and a solid oak floor. The sitting room has floor to ceiling windows, elegant stone fluted fire surround with rosette details and tiled hearth, 2 fitted book shelves with cupboards under, double doors to storage cupboards and solid oak floors. The kitchen cum dining room has sold oak floors, corniced ceiling, stone fireplace, windows with triple aspect. The kitchen area has built in kitchen units, Belfast sink, 'Rangemaster' cooker with 5 ring gas hob, island with timber worktop, plumbed for dishwasher. The cloakroom/WC has part painted tongue & groove timber panelled walls, WC, WHB. The utility room has solid oak floor, storage cupboards, sink unit, plumber for washer/dryer and doors to outside. Staircase to first floor; At first floor level there are four bedrooms. The main staircase leads to a mezzanine Landing off which there are further short staircases and landings and the hot press. The master bedroom boasts a dramatic almost semi-circular floor to ceiling window onto the terrace with uninterrupted views of Lough Swilly and the countryside beyond, sea grass floor covering and built in wardrobes. The ensuite bathroom has part tongue and groove timber panelled walls, WC, WHB, shower, heated towel rail, oak floor. Bedroom 2 has sea grass floor covering and fitted wardrobes. The dressing room also has a range of fitted wardrobes and cupboards. The ensuite bathroom has a roll top bath with claw feet, WHB and WC. Bathroom 1 has part panelled tongue and groove timber wall, panel enclosed bath and shower, WHB, WC. Bedroom 3 & 4 have sea grass floor covering. Bedroom 3 has a dressing room off. Detached Guest Wing The spacious guest apartment has a large bright living room with views over Lough Swilly. The living room has wide plank solid oak floor, reeded timber & slate fireplace, 2 fitted book shelves with cupboards under and double doors leading to the kitchen and bedroom. The compact kitchen has a range of painted base units and fitted welsh dresser, Belfast sink, electric oven with 4 ring hob and fridge. The ensuite bedroom has wide plank solid oak floor and ensuite bathroom has part panelled tongue and groove timber walls, WHB, WC, shower and solid oak floor. Studio Wing The fantastic bright room is currently used as a studio, but could easily be used as further guest cottage if required. It has wide plank solid oak floor, large windows overlooking gardens, patio and lough Swilly and 6 skylight windows. Patio area to side with limestone flags. Gardens and Grounds The property is approached via 2 stone entrance walls with a curved gravel driveway with central circular lawned area, extensive car parking areas, manicured lawns and a variety of mature trees. There are 2 formal enclosed garden areas surrounding the property with established hedgerow and a diversity of mature trees and bushes. The gravelled drive extends to a wide walkway surrounding the property and leads to the enclosed garden areas. Central stone steps to the rear of the property lead to a mown lawned path leading directly to the Lough with recently installed timber steps, directly to the Lough with access to the water (at high tide c.7 8 ft. depth). There is also a recently built decked area at the shore side & enjoying 180° Lough views. *Potential for a jetty exists as the property boundary is to the shore of Lough Swilly. The private lane leading to the house accesses the house for sale & local farmland only. Outbuildings; Timber storage shed plus further storage shed opposite for garden machinery, etc.

Accommodation

Features

On the shores of Lough Swilly
Bright accommodation with exceptional views
3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms
Guest Wing & Studio Wing
Manicured gardens with stunning outlook

BER Details

BER: C3 BER No: 105183651

Viewing Details

By Appointment Only

Description

Accommodation

Features

On the shores of Lough Swilly
Bright accommodation with exceptional views
3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms
Guest Wing & Studio Wing
Manicured gardens with stunning outlook

BER Details

BER: C3 BER No: 105183651

Viewing Details

By Appointment Only