Restored bijou hotel that is fit for a king
Co Sligo
Friday November 27 2009
Kingsfort Country House is a picturesque Georgian house, located in the scenic heartland of County Sligo, yet only 12 minutes drive from Sligo town.
Originally built as a courthouse, the 18th century building is currently run as a small hotel by French business partners Bernard Eucher-Lachon and Corine Ledanois who lovingly restored the main house and outbuildings.
While the house is ready to run as a bijou hotel, it has huge potential as a family home. Many of the original features, such as open fireplaces and flagstone floors, have been retained.
Located in the tiny village of Ballintogher (200 inhabitants), Lough Gill is on its doorstep while the beaches of Rosses Point and Strand Hill are a short drive away.
Owner Bernard Eucher-Lachon first came to Ireland 21 years ago and "fell in love" with the west.
He established a tour company offering French people hiking, fishing and golfing holidays, with "authentic" accommodation.
When he experienced trouble locating the right kind of hotels, he and Corine bought Kingsfort.
Corine gave Kingsfort a tangible French twist while preserving the authentic design. Now Bernard finds he is too busy to run the tour business and the hotel. "There simply aren't enough hours in the day", but he would be delighted to maintain a link with a new owner.
The main house comprises two large bedrooms, reception and lounge areas, a dining room that caters for 12 people, kitchen and storage room, large laundry and utility area. There is also a self-contained apartment in the main house, with a bedroom, living room and kitchen.
A further six guest bedrooms (some interconnected) are located in a beautifully restored barn. These en suite rooms all have individual access to the garden, while three have a small private balcony.
Other noteworthy features include sash windows and enamelled, claw-foot baths, with the modern luxuries of heated towel rails and power showers.
Kingsfort House has been mentioned in the Michelin Guide and received a Bridgestone Award in 2007 and 2008. It has also found its way into a host of guides from Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay, Best Loved Hotels, Epoque Hotels, Be Our Guest and the Bridgestone Guide.
The house is for sale through ERA O'Connor Auctioneers, Boyle, Co Roscommon. Tel : 0719664561 or Website : www.oconnorauctioneering.com
Irish Independent
