PROPERTY

Historical Portarlington residence with authentic Georgian architecture

The Elms
Main Street, Portarlington
Co. Laois

5 bedroom Georgian residence
€250,000

THE Elms’ greatest attribute is its amazing history, says auctioneer Matt Dunne of this Georgian residence that is currently on the market in Co. Laois.

This detached three-bay, two-storey over basement late Georgian property was constructed in 1789 and is a perfect example of the architecture of the time in Portarlington.

Following the destruction of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 by Louis XIV many Huguenots fled France and took up arms with William of Orange in his campaign against James II.

The featured staircase

Those who arrived in Portarlington began to develop the town in striking ways and within a few years stunning buildings had sprung up. The architectural style was to have the most attractive features of the house overlooking a walled back garden. And the Elms offers just that.

Boasting 20 rooms in total, including five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this property is c.6,000 square foot. It has a feature staircase with Doric newels, drawing room with scagliola fireplace, dentillated plaster cornicing and many more original features.

Set back from the street with a gravel forecourt, it is ideal for parking. It also offers separate access to its courtyard and c.11⁄2 acres of gardens.

Newbridge is only 20 minutes by car from The Elms, while Portarlington train station has 26 trains daily to and from Dublin city.

Dining room

The Elms’ original owner was Captain David D’Arripe, a minister in the town’s French Church, but its first occupants were the Stannus family — Captain Thomas Stannus and his wife Catherine Hamilton — in the 1800s.

Both Captain Stannus and his father were members of the Parliament for Portarlington, while another descendent of the family held the office of Justice of the Peace for Queens County, living in The Elms until 1908.

The Odlum family purchased the house in 1912 before moving next door to India Villa, now known as Kilnacourt House. Current owners the Sweeneys — a family of builders — took over the house in the 1940’s but are now selling up.