Some properties capture the imagination the second you drive through the gates. Entering the private and scenic estate of Fortgranite near Baltinglass in Wicklow, you get this sense. The long driveway is complemented by the surrounding fields, which look a picture in the summer sun. You are sheltered by mature trees dotted along the roadside. As you approach the house, the enormous 11,000sq ft mansion greets you. In front of this is an excellently maintained driveway and gardens.

Fortgranite, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow

The sense of wonder is exacerbated the second you walk through the doors of the residence. Portraits of ancestors hang on the wall, as do stuffed animals. Each room is spacious and large with plenty of light. It is like you are in 19th century Britain.

When you walk around the residence, you forget that this is a working farm. The 340 acres that surround the house are of the finest quality. The sheds and parlour are too. In fact, as a whole, the property is one of the finest that has hit the market so far this summer.

The history

History plays a vital role in understanding the importance of this holding. It is owned by the Dennis family and has been for generations. The family has connections with numerous well-known figures, from eminent 17th century satirist Jonathan Swift to the Shakespearean scholar Edgar Flower, the artist Kathleen Marescaux and the Indian tea magnate Maurice FitzGerald Sandes.

One of the most important and impressive contributions of those to have passed through the doors of Fortgranite was that of Colonel Meade Dennis. For lovers of world war history, it may be fascinating to note that he pioneered the concept of radio transmission and submarine detection at his office on the estate. These were used in World War II. His son and heir, General Meade Dennis, had a distinguished military career in both world wars, including as principal artillery commander in Montgomery’s successful campaign against Rommel’s army in north Africa. It was his son, Piers, who moved back to Fortgranite and started the dairy enterprise in the 1960s.

The residence

Centrally located on the holding, the house is 11,000 sq ft. It contains 11 bedrooms and four bathrooms. The ground floor features a large and impressive entrance hall, library, morning room, breakfast room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom and pantry. The first floor has the majority of the bedrooms, while the lower ground floor has a number of store rooms and a wine cellar.

While impressive in size and nature, work will be needed to modernise the holding. One would expect that the excellent location and surroundings will encourage an investor to see the huge potential in the residence to be a modern, exquisite home.

The lands

In total, there are 340 acres of land at Fortgranite. The vast majority is of the highest quality, with circa 20 acres of heavier ground. The lands are currently all in permanent pasture laid out in approximately 20 divisions, including two that are separate from the main estate, opposite the entrance. It is very well fenced, maintained excellently and there are numerous internal roadways throughout the farm, which means it is very practical.

Fortgranite, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow

Of the 341 acres, 285 acres are in the main block with the residence and yard. In total, there is circa 85 acres of parkland in the overall holding and 10 acres in tillage. The farm has been operated as a dairy enterprise by the present owners. The yards include excellent modern facilities for over 200 head and 220 cubicles, including slatted units.

Fortgranite, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow

There is a modern 18-unit side-by-side milking parlour with automatic feeders and a bulk milk tank with circa 8,800 litres capacity.

There are also open silage pits, slurry tanks, two silos and a selection of hay barns, as well as excellent cattle-handling facilities, including cattle crush, holding yards, plant room, office and workshop.

Fortgranite, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow

The holding is being offered by private treaty and is being jointly offered by Jordans and Knight Frank. The guide for this wonderful package is €3.5m.

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