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.
