The House
Ireland’s most exquisite Regency mansion
Some first sights you never forget. Coming up the winding drive to Ballyfin is one of them – the ink-glossed waters of Ireland's largest man-made lake is no match for the splendour of the house. The sense of consummate privacy is palpable within the deep, rich greenery of the landscape that centres around a resplendent Regency mansion. Striking a perfect note between splendour and informality, Ballyfin is a home at its heart. Sink into a beautiful antique sofa and have a glass of Champagne, while we take up your bags. This may be one of the grandest houses in Ireland but you’re part of the family now.
Interiors
A restoration of this scale and ambition requires the highest level of expertise, with interiors carefully sourced to offset the historic rebuild. British interior designer, Colin Orchard, worked closely with the Krehbiels and the project’s managing director, Jim Reynolds, to revive the vision first created by the Morrisons – the 19th-century father and son architects who masterminded what are still some of the most extraordinary classical rooms in Ireland. From the gilt detailing and original family portraits in the Gold Drawing Room to the decadence of the Saloon, ready when you are for long nights of revelry, the house party spirit remains. All is underpinned by the truly sensational (no exaggeration) parquet floors, which lay in secret behind layers of varnish until brought back to life by conservator John Hart.
Each of Ballyfin’s 21 bedroom’s takes its name from a notable figure in the history of the house. Blending period furniture, lavish soft furnishings, sprawling marble bathrooms and exceptional views, every room is both utterly unique and outrageously comfortable.
