In a former life, Bianconi House, in Castletown, Co Laois, was a resting place for people travelling by horse-drawn coach on the Dublin to Limerick road. In the 1800s, transport entrepreneur Charles Bianconi had a fleet of carriages operating across the country, as well as a network of inns. According to estate agent Caroline Bergin, this listed Georgian building, which dates back to the 18th century, was part of that network.
These days, Castletown is bypassed and is better known as a Tidy Towns contender than a stopover destination. Bianconi House, meanwhile, has been refurbished and updated in parts, but maintains much of its original charm.
Living space in the main part of the house is spread over five levels and includes seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, two drawing rooms, a kitchen and a cellar. An attic conversion was carried out by the current owner, who inherited the house in 2003 and has been restoring and upgrading it ever since.
The adjoining two-storey coach house was redeveloped in 2014 and is essentially an annexe, with a separate entrance, its own kitchen/dining area, two bedrooms, a bathroom and storage space.
At the back of the property, there’s a garage and a forecourt, and steps leading to half an acre of walled back garden.
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Agent: cbpm.ie
They say: Viewing will bring a vision of obtaining and owning such a piece of history.
We say: It’s obviously not for everyone, but a fabulous find for someone.
Price: €320,000