Having lain unloved for many years, this beautiful property in the attractive mediaeval village of Castlebellingham was finally rescued by the Corscadden family (Cabra Castle, Kingscourt; Ballyseede Castle, Tralee), who re-opened it in 2013, following renovations and refurbishment.
It is now lovelier than ever and - thanks to the family's trademark Irish wolfhound and Patrick Corscadden's friendly hands-on management - it now has a warm and welcoming ambience as well as a considerable amount of grandeur.
Arrival at the 17 acre estate - past a handsome Victorian stone tower and gate lodge and then along a long tree lined avenue - is impressive. And so is the setting, with romantic gardens taking full advantage of their picturesque situation alongside the River Glyde.
Inside, a series of pleasingly proportioned and elegantly furnished reception rooms - spacious drawing rooms, an intimate library, bars and an exceptionally appealing banqueting suite opening onto formal gardens with well kept lawns lawns and pretty herbaceous borders - provide facilities that are equally suitable for weddings, family celebrations and get togethers, or corporate events.
The bedrooms are all individually decorated, and simply gorgeous. Some feature free-standing baths overlooking the river and gardens, and all have generous beds and spacious, luxuriously appointed bathrooms, along with flat screen TV and practical items including direct dial telephone, tea/coffee making and ironing facilities.
Although used mainly as a private venue at weekends, the hotel offers midweek accommodation on a B&B basis and it would make a lovely place to take a break when travelling between Dublin and Belfast ,or a base for exploring this fascinating area.
Overnight guests are welcomed with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits in The Napper Tandy Rooms or The Library, and there is a full bar service as well as breakfast in the dining room overlooking the lovely gardens; as other meals are not available, except to groups, individual guests are directed to local restaurants for lunch and dinner.
A real find, this is a place worth remembering.
