Mature trees bound the roadside on approach to Whitewell Horse Farm and Riding School in Ballingate, Carnew, Co Wicklow. Sitting on circa 8.5 acres, it is clear that this gated haven has an enchanting story to tell.

The residence stands in its original stone and is thought to have succeeded over 200 years. Having retained many of its original features, this establishment epitomises character and creative detail. The yard is a hive of equine activity with the current owner running a successful riding school, trekking and livery yard.

Cottage quarters

The intricate stone work across the face of the cottage brings a charming dynamic to the two-storey residence. The integrated kitchen creates a homely feel with a lounging area complete with a wood-burning stove close at hand.

The equine roots are brought through the house with small details, including the addition of stable latches to the doors, adding a creative yet original flare to the property.

Wooden-beamed ceilings run across the first floor of the cottage and lead to three bedrooms, all of which have a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

A bright and open conservatory serves as an additional optional bedroom. Currently used as livery quarters, it proves popular among customers where the opportunity is given to stay within close proximity to their animals. The conservatory has a view of the activities in the yard, which offers the assurance of a quick glance at the animals before bed.

A special feature of the first floor is that it functions independently of the ground floor in the house, creating an individual apartment-like quarters within the residence. The apartment has its own private balcony stairway entrance overlooking the garden and offers a retreat of pure indulgence.

The first floor is doused in natural sunlight through a collection of skylights. Complete with a lounging area, kitchen and bedroom, the first floor presents a quaint and inviting space.

A thought-out yard

The property is approached by a fully concrete yard, which boasts unrestricted access to open space for movement of horses. Within the immediate yard you will find five box stalls with a canopy and tack room. There is ample storage for hay and straw. Efficiency was taken into serious consideration when designing this yard, with a dung stead residing out of sight, yet close at hand. Paired with a workshop area for necessary storage, this yard has thought of every need.

The yard also includes four dog kennels, seven stall spaces for easy access to working animals, a pony box and a steel-framed office. The clubhouse offers a safe space for the storage of riding equipment and also boasts a kitchenette as well as an outdoor seating area.

In terms of working space for the horses, there is plenty. There is an indoor pony area which presents an opportunity for the continuation of work through challenging weather as well as a floodlit sand arena.

Space on the property is not a question as there are a number of exercise yards present. These aid in the ease of turning out animals. A free-standing lean-to presents six boxes, a feeding area, as well as another exercise yard. There is also a round-roof shed which has the capacity as a storage or housing facility.

Circa 8.5 acres surrounds the facilities and are divided into a number of paddocks of varying size. Paddocks on the property are enclosed by post-and-rail fencing, providing assurance of the safety of the animals.

One of the most impressive assets of the package is access to hundreds of acres of forest trails to engage the sense of any rider and move away from the traditional arena backdrop. The riding school has private access to the forest, which removes the need for being on local roads.

Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the working world, you will find relaxation in the garden area. Surrounded by trees and bushes bending with fruit, the sanctuary truly epitomises the essence of the garden county.

Whitewell Horse Farm and Riding School has a guide price of €350,000 and has been considered by many equine enthusiasts in recent weeks. The property is being offered by private treaty and is being handled by Quinn Property, Gorey.