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 20th 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 3rd 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.
