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.^*

Ballyfin – before it was repainted

I was asked to produce a commentary on a paint analytical report produced by another paint researcher and to look at the house. The aim was to make an assessment of the existing decorative schemes and to suggest how the principal rooms might be redecorated in line with their earlier appearance.

Ballyfin – before it was repainted

The house had operated as a school – Patrician College – from 1930 to 2009.

The house contains a number of magnificent interiorsBallyfin – before it was repainted

In May 2011 a luxury hotel opened in Ballyfin. You can see some splendid aerial photographs of the house here.

^* I am grateful to Cornerstone Construction for the brief history of the house.




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