No strangers to hospitality around these parts, Jason Foody and Khris Veldman will be remembered most recently for the fine period B&B in Warrenpoint that they ran when Jason (now manager at Stitch & Weave in Derry) was the opening General Manager at Killeavy Castle - and, on visiting their wonderful new project in Ballykelly, it's exciting to find the same drive to create modern relevance in a sensitively restored old property.
Set in nearly nine acres of gardens and woodland near Limavady, the original building was a 16th century castle with four flanker towers, of which three still remain. The old castle was replaced by a manor house in Georgian style around 1730 and today it is as sweet-natured a residence as will be found anywhere in Ireland. A real 'goldilocks' property, Walworth House is neither too big to be comfortable nor too small to be quietly impressive, and the outbuildings - including a converted barn and a cottage - are also just right. It's connected through family to Derry city's inspiring Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, on the western bank of the the River Foyle, and shares something of its ambience of good things happening.
Very much a work in progress, the demesne was only purchased by Khris and Jason in 2024 but they have thrown themselves into its restoration with such energy and determination that its true personality is already emerging - and, not only are they able to offer some of the previously converted accommodation for self catering or B&B, but the ground floor reception rooms in the main house are fit for interested guests to view. It's a wonderful project and the gardens - which include a walled garden that was redesigned by the previous owners in the 1980s - have also been tackled very successfully by Khris and Jason, who do as much of the work as possible themselves.
The accommodation that's currently available is a comfortably stylish mix of old and new, with all mod cons, and will be added to gradually as work progresses. Breakfast is not currently offered but they're fortunate to have a branch of the famous Hunters bakery, of Limavady, in the village, which is just a pleasant walk away in fine weather. Hunters has a few tables and opens at 9am (Tue-Sat) and Khris and Jason also direct guests to a nearby pub for evening meals.
All round wonderful - Walworth Demesne is an exciting addition to hospitality in this fascinating area and one to watch as it gradually develops its full potential.
