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From the moment you drive through the automatic cast-iron gates, you know instantly that Rathbran House, Rathbran Mor, Collon, Co Meath, is a special property. Nothing is out of place, not even a leaf. It oozes perfection and gives you a longing to see more.
The present owner bought Rathbran House about 10 years ago when it was in poor repair. The first three years were spent restoring the outbuildings. Stone walls were sandblasted and repainted, roofs were taken off and reinstated with natural slate, solid teak windows and doors were installed and the original cast-iron gates were repaired and painted.
Today, the outbuildings are presented in pristine condition. These include five stables, a beautiful stone coach house that is fully fitted with lighting and an electricity supply, along with sky lights which allow for the construction of a second floor, a lock-up machinery shed, a four-bay hayshed that has a concrete floor and a new slate roof, and a tack room.
Starting from the ground up
Work began on the house which was completely gutted – the only walls that remained were the two gables and the front wall. Tremendous consideration was put into the restoration works – while the house is not a listed property, the owner endeavoured to reinstate the materials that were used all those years ago. Cast-iron guttering was obtained, new timber sash windows were made and the chimneys were reconstructed to the original style.
I have viewed many houses over the years and must commend the finish at Rathbran – it’s exceptional. Once you step inside the front door, a beautiful double-sided custom-made staircase stands right in front of you. This is tastefully dressed with a bespoke fitted carpet that extends all the way up the landing. Under your feet are fabulous marble tiles and to your left lies an open fireplace that is surrounded by reclaimed brick from the original house. For more, see this week’s property pages of Irish Country Living.
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