Location

Ounavarra House has a wonderful, private situation within the historic county of Wexford in the southeast of Ireland.

The picturesque seaside village of Courtown is close by and offers a range of everyday amenities. The village was developed after Lord Courtown ordered the construction of a harbour during the Famine.

Gorey (6 km) and Arklow (22 km) are two large towns with an abundance of amenities including quality restaurants and cafés, supermarkets and pubs, as well as a variety of retail stores. The historic town of Enniscorthy is anchored by its 13th Century castle which sits in the heart of the town and is a well-known tourist attraction. County Wexford is renowned for its excellent verdant countryside, favourable climate, picturesque mountain ranges, white sandy beaches and charming characterful villages.

Wexford is the county town in this area of the southeast of Ireland and is located at the mouth of the River Slaney. A harbour town, it is widely regarded for its rich arts scene and culture. It is also known for its medieval lanes and the opera festival held in the modern National Opera House. The festival is recognised worldwide for introducing new artists and audiences to the forgotten masterpieces.

West Gate Heritage Tower is a restored 13th Century tollgate. It is next to the old town walls and ruined 12th Century Selskar Abbey. Ounavarra House is surrounded by an excellent transportation system with the M11 motorway connecting Enniscorthy to Dublin only 4 kilometres from the house. There are also regular bus and train services from Gorey and Arklow connecting to Dublin City. Rosslare Europort (with a rail connection to Dublin Connolly), provides links from south-east
Ireland to both the UK and France.

Sporting and recreational facilities are extensive with golf at Courtown Golf Club (3 km) and Ballymoney Golf Club (5 km). Courtown Woods, which is 1.4 kilometres distant, offers delightful nature walks for those who appreciate peace and tranquillity. There is an abundance of local primary and secondary schools both in Gorey and Arklow.

Description

Ounavarra House is a substantial 19th Century home set in mature landscaped grounds. The house is entered from a minor public road through an impressive entrance with granite ashlar piers with cast-iron gates and beautiful overhanging mature trees. A gravel driveway divides upon entry, one branch leading to the yard while the other culminates at the front entrance, where there is ample parking.

The distinguished five-bay, two-storey period house features an elegant asymmetrical design with gabled bays and a charming projecting porch. The property has a hipped slate roof, red brick chimney stacks, decorative bargeboards and creeper-clad roughcast walls.

Over time, Ounavarra House has undergone substantial restoration efforts. A side extension was added, providing additional living quarters arranged around a charming courtyard.

The accommodation has been well designed to provide the comforts of contemporary family living whilst reserving generously proportioned reception rooms fit for lavish gatherings. Throughout the property the detail and finishes are notable with period features throughout including sash windows, shutters, picture rails, architraves, cornicing, and decorative marble fireplaces.

An impressive reception hall gives access to three elegant reception rooms including the drawing room, library and dining room. The kitchen is centrally located comprising a marble topped island, an Aga and beautifully crafted and extensive range of floor and wall mounted units. Flowing seamlessly from the kitchen, the extension offers a spacious living room, office, laundry room, sunroom and ample storage.

A beautifully crafted wooden staircase leads to the bedroom accommodation which is laid out on the first floor with four elegant bedroom suites, along with three additional bedrooms and a bathroom.

The accommodation is laid out, as shown on the accompanying plans.

Gardens & Grounds
A prominent aspect of Ounavarra House is its stunning landscaped gardens which envelop the house. Nestled within the mature scenery, the immediate gardens surrounding the house are meticulously managed, creating a stunning backdrop. The diverse assortment of flora, fauna and outstanding specimen trees provide colour, shelter, amenity and privacy. To the east of the house is a walled garden which contains an apple and pear orchard as well as a green house.

There are also well-defined walking trails that pass through mature woodland and run alongside the Owenavoragh River, providing a scenic and peaceful setting.

To the south of the property are four good-sized grass paddocks enclosed by stud railing. Each field is equipped with drinking troughs connected to the mains water supply.

Bungalow
A charming bungalow, located in the main yard, was renovated and refurbished in 2022 to a high standard. The home features a modern, open-plan layout, seamlessly integrating the living area, kitchen, and dining space. It also offers three well-proportioned bedrooms, making it an ideal residence for staff, family members, or guests.

Gate Lodge
A single-storey gate lodge is positioned beside the yard entrance of Ounavarra House. Extending to approximately 106 sq m (1,140 sq ft), the property features a kitchen with double doors opening onto the garden, a living room, and a studio. The accommodation also includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a utility room. The lodge benefits from a private garden, offering a peaceful outdoor space.

Outbuildings
Adjacent to the house is a courtyard comprising a stable block with five stables, a garage and a number of traditional stores. The courtyard has a separate access point off the main road.

Adjacent to the house is a well-organised courtyard, featuring a stable block with five stables, a garage, and several traditional stores. This space is both functional and versatile, offering expansive hardstanding.

The courtyard benefits from a separate access point off the main road. Its layout and access make it well-suited for a variety of purposes.

Woods & Amenity
Ounavarra House provides an exceptional combination of privacy and natural beauty, bordered by the serene Owenavoragh River. With ample opportunities for the next owner to further develop or diversify the land, the property is ideally suited for those looking to maximise its natural resources.

The woods at Ounavarra are an attractive feature due to their age and variety of species. They are mainly laid out to the rear of the property and provide shelter, privacy and amenity.