Ballyfin House

Ballyfin House was designed and built in the early 1800’s. In its present form, the main block was constructed between 1821 and 1826. It is built on the same site as an earlier building and at the heart of an 18th- century demesne which remains largely as first planned. The estate had been owned by William Wellesley-Pole, a brother of the Duke of Wellington, and it was he and his fore bearers who laid out the estate, including the magnificent 36-acre man-made lake which lies in front of the main house.

In 1812, Wellesley-Pole sold Ballyfin to Sir Charles Coote, premier baronet of Ireland. In 1822 the house was extended under the design of one of Ireland's most successful architects during the first half of the 19th century, Richard Morrison. From 1927 up until recent years, Ballyfin House, one of Ireland's finest houses, been maintained and run by the Patrician Brothers as a secondary school. However, it has since been bought and is being restored into luxury hotel accommodation.

Cornerstone Construction was appointed as Main Contractor on this historic project in 2005. Along with a specialised project design team, this building has been bought back to its former glory.
Project Team:

Client: Ballyfin Demesne
Architect: Purcell Miller Triton
Quantity Surveyor: Desmond McGreevy & Partners
Structural Engineer: The Morton Partnership
Services Engineer: Mott McDonald
Conservation Consultant: John J O’Connell Architect
Main Contractor: Cornerstone Construction

Cornerstone Construction has undertaken the role of Main Contractor on the restoration of one of Ireland’s most important architectural gems. The entire building including the lower ground floor, ground floor, the Mezzanine and the first floor as well as the surrounding buildings are undergoing restoration following the highest standard of conservation practices. The house itself is a Protected Structure with stunning floor, wall and ceiling finishes, thus particular rooms are subject to a covenant.

The scope of the work included rebuilding a number of features in the surrounding gardens such as the Rock Garden, consisting of a moat and fountain, the fernery consisting of a large rock garden, and substantial works to the Tower which dates back to the 1800’s. The three Gate Lodges which are on the perimeters of the estate are also being restored to their original form.

A new service yard building has been built, containing all the mechanical and electrical services; such is the scale of the project.