STRAFFAN LODGE, STRAFFAN, CO. KILDARE

Charming Georgian Residence on c. 33½ Acres (13.54 Ha)

of mature timber setting with total privacy situated in the quaint Village of Straffan

Paddy Jordan of Jordan Town & Country Estate Agents is offering a most magnificent property in the Village of Straffan.  Straffan Lodge is a beautiful 5,000 sq.ft. Georgian family home in a wonderful mature setting on the edge of the Village.  Originally dating from the 1700s, it is believed that the front section dates from 1820s. 

A family called Whitelaw lived there until 1909 when it was bought by Francis Bacon’s father.  Bacon spent much of his childhood there until he moved out after a row with his father in 1926 and went on to become one of the most internationally sought after 20^th century painters during his own lifetime.  The Bacon family sold it in 1932 to a well known surgeon Dr. Cahill.   Straffan Lodge was then sold to Robert Guinness in 1968 and the present vendors bought it in 1989.

Bacon’s father trained racehorses following his retirement from the army.  The painter’s relationship with his father appears to be have been strained by all accounts, though his allegation that his father, Edward was a failure as a horse trainers seems harsh.  In later life Bacon was to refer to his father as highly strung, intolerant, dictatorial and censorious.

The painter’s relationship with his father suffered further following the death of Francis’ brother Edward, not yet in his teens, the young boy was buried in the graveyard in Straffan adjacent to Straffan Lodge.  Francis’ father seemed to have blamed Francis in some way for Edward’s death, perhaps because he liked the young boy more than Francis.

The final break between Francis and his father came in 1925 or 1926 reportedly when his father discovered Francis wearing his mother’s clothes, including her underclothes.  In later life Francis was to make no secret of his sexuality but actions such as wearing his mother’s clothing were clearly unacceptable in the 1920s to his father.

Bacon left the house in 1926 travelling first to England before proceeding to Berlin at this time avant-garde City.  Moving on to Paris he later settled in England where he established himself as a painter in the 1940s.  He was born in 1909 in Baggot Street Nursing Home but his parents moved often between various houses in Ireland and Britain as well as Straffan Lodge he lived for a short time in Kennycourt House near Brannockstown.

Straffan Lodge is likely to have been part of the Straffan House Demesne (K Club) owned by the Barton Family of Barton and Guestier wine fame. 

Approached through recessed electric gates the avenue meanders through post and railed paddocks sheltered by mature timber, ensuring complete privacy, peace and tranquility.

The residence overlooks the gravel forecourt and lawn paddock which has a ha ha, ensuring the uninterrupted view.  The residence has granite steps leading to the front door.   The accommodation c. 5,000 sq.ft. includes main hall, magnificent bright Drawingroom with marble fireplace, Diningroom with antique marble fireplace, Study, Office, Kitchen/Breakfastroom with 2 oven Aga cooker fully fitted, utility.

The upstairs includes 5 principle bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, 2 ensuite.  There is a small basement which includes a gamesroom, tack room, gun room, store and wine cellar.

Outside the enclosed compact walled garden is mainly in lawn with various flower beds, herbaceous borders and climbers.  There is an astro turf tennis court.  The yard includes 2 loose boxes, 3 garages and wood storage and has a separate back avenue to the yard and stables.

The guest annexe comprises a detached 2 storey 1,340 sq.ft. house ideal for use as a granny flat, au pair or outside office and includes entrance hall, livingroom/kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

The land is all in permanent pasture with tremendous shelter and piped water to all paddocks.  Laid out in 5 divisions including 3 paddocks with separate avenue access to the yard and paddocks and extensive road frontage.

Planning:

The property is within the jurisdiction of Kildare County Council and the entire currently adjoins the development boundary.  The house is classified as a Protected Structure and part of the lands are sterilised.

The amenities in the area are plentiful including horseracing at nearby Naas, Punchestown, Leopardstown and the Curragh.  Fishing on the nearby River Liffey.  Hunting with the Kildares and South County.  Golf at the K Club (across the road), Naas and Rathsallagh, Carton House, whilst Portmarnock is 40 minutes drive.  Shopping is available in the City Centre only 30 minutes, while Kildare Retail Village Outlet is only 30 minutes at Ext 13 on the M7 with excellent shopping in Naas and Celbridge.  There is an excellent primary school in Straffan with secondary school in nearby Clongowes Wood, Kings Hospital and Clane.  Train stations are nearby in Maynooth (Sligo Line) Connolly Station 30 minutes and Hazelhatch (Heuston Station) 20 minutes, whilst the bus service is provided in Straffan on the hour.   Straffan is only 30 minutes drive to Dublin Airport.

The property is for sale by Tender on Monday 3^rd July and Jordans are issuing a guide of €2.75m, Paddy Jordan who is handling the sale reports good interest in it already even though it has only just gone on the market.  Viewing is strictly by prior appointment – Jordan 045-433550.

http://www.jordancs.ie/residential/brochure/straffan-lodge-straffan-kildare/3998438