A Private Paradise: Ballynatray Estate

Dating back to the Bronze Age, the beautiful Ballynatray Estate not only possesses a rich and colourful history, but is one of the most unique and private estates in Ireland. Granted exclusive access, Dream Escape discovers what is at the heart of this magical place...

Walking across the sweeping lawns of the Ballynatray Estate, guests are instantly struck by the place’s quiet, natural beauty.

Ballynatray Estate

Sitting on the lush River Blackwater, the house’s impressive castellated turrets are flanked by tall trees, reed beds and evergreen vegetation, while the rest of the expansive parkland extends into the landscape beyond, encompassing ancient ruins and the beautiful Glendine River. The sheltered, balmy microclimate of the Blackwater valley, with its riverbank woodland, make it a natural attraction for guests and wildlife year-round.

Timeless in its beauty, Ballynatray is an undisturbed paradise, with an unparalleled connection to nature. As it's home to pheasants, deer, foxes, birds of prey, otters, grey seals and many woodland animals, being granted access to this incredible place is a true privilege, not afforded to many. Ballynatray recently became the home of a pair of nesting sea eagles, which are known for their largest wingspan in the world.

Ballynatray House Redroom

Now a private home, Ballynatray's access is only granted to guests staying in some of the exclusive rental accommodations dotted around the landscape. Driving in to the gated estate, you are immediately struck by a sense of privacy and protectiveness.

“You go over a bridge and through two gates, so you feel like you’re entering this private realm,” explains David Brodersen, one of the managers who lives and works on the estate. “At the second gate, you can see your first view of house, just up the river. And that’s very special.”

The house itself was built in the early half of the seventeenth century by Sir Richard Smyth and continually renovated by successive generations until it was reborn as a striking Georgian mansion during 1795 to 1797; and then finally meticulously and sensitively restored again in the late 1990s. Today it remains one of the finest architectural examples of a country castle house in Ireland.

With a warm, umber hue, the impressive mansion is situated beneath a natural amphitheatre of steeply rising ground, and looks out across the river, with a walled garden to the east and its former parkland stretching down to the water.

From here, you can see over to the ruins of the 6th century Molana Abbey, one of the most stunning historical artefacts in Ireland, which offers private access to guests of the estate. Further down the river you’ll find the location of a Desmond Castle at Temple Michael, owned at one time by Walter Raleigh and home to his advisor Thomas Hariot. Ballynatray is honoured to be the recent recipient of an historical grant to ensure that Molana Abbey will remain standing for generations to come.

Molana Abbey ruins

Ballynatray House Hallway

Ballynatray House Redroom

The best place to enjoy both of these incredible historical sites, is from the Boathouse accommodation, a unique spot situated right on the water, with views down the river to Temple Michael and Molana Abbey. A serene and tranquil space, it is the perfect spot for couples to soak up the surrounding landscape or use the estate’s kayaks for both beautiful views and exercise.

Just behind the Boathouse, with views from its private terrace, River Cottage is a charming and romantic space, complete with an open fire and a triple-aspect bedroom. The cottage is painted in warm, traditional colours with a hint of modernity, and furnished with exquisite antiques. Both the River Cottage and the Boathouse are situated adjacent to the estate’s private tennis court and on the River Walk, which David Broderson tells us is one of his absolute favourite walks.

Taking you past forests of rhododendrons and ancient river oak trees, the walk travels up the River Blackwater, encompassing all the main sights of the stunning estate and allowing for visitors to explore a virtually undisturbed part of Ireland. “It’s a meditative walk,” reflects David. “Just so peaceful.” If you want to explore further afield while remaining on the private estate, then David recommends the beauty of the Glendine River Walk, which takes you all the way to the quaint Glendine Church next to the natural 200-foot waterfall of the Glendine River: a stunning sight. “Glendine is incredible. It’s otherworldly,” says David. “The river cascades down, and it's just a beautiful, beautiful walk. Totally undisturbed.”

Off the estate, and less than a half hour by car are more quaint towns to enjoy: Ardmore with the world famous Cliff House restaurant, upriver to Lismore with the historic castle home of the Duke of Devonshire and the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, or across Youghal Bay to Shanagarry and the renowned gourmet food purveyor Ballymaloe House.

Ballynatray House Bedroom views

With over 850 acres of parkland to explore, as well as a host of country pursuits and the beauty of the ancient ruins and riverside location, it’s clear this exclusive estate is a rare find. From the intimacy and seclusion of the River Cottage and Boathouse, to the family feel of the Coach House and the cosy pleasures of Garden House, Ballynatray offers a truly unique place to discover the unspoiled Irish countryside. For anyone looking for the kind of privacy, exclusivity and quiet you can rarely find while travelling, Ballynatray seems to take you into another world of simple, luxurious beauty in an unparalleled setting. Being here is to truly understand a connection to another time and another world.

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Lesley Scott, Head of Travel Design "We pride ourselves on the unique quality and character that our hand-picked accommodation collection offers, and Ballynatray is no exception. We just love everything about this estate and know that our clients will love it too."

⬥ lesley@dreamescape.co.uk

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WORDS | EMMA JOHNSON