Mount Temple, Russborough, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

Mount Temple, Russborough, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

FEATURES

LOCATION

Mount Temple, Russborough, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

DESCRIPTION

Mount Temple is an Architecturally renowned home, situated on a stunning 21.5-acre site which overlooks Russborough House and with panoramic views of the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Mountains. Mount Temple fulfils the wish that Lord Milltown made in about 1750 that a temple should be built on this hill, to be an eye – catcher for Russborough.

The house extends to about 3,400 sq.ft and was built in the 1980’s, designed by Architect John Redmill for the current owner. It was built to look like a classical folly of the 18th century which had been adapted for domestic use. Inspirations for the house were taken from the designs of Sir William Chambers who built the Casino at Marino and Charlemount House in Dublin’s Parnell Square. It was also based on Chamber’s design for Lord Charlemont’s Hunting Lodge and details were inspired by the colonnades and pavilions of Russborough House.

Mount Temple takes the form of a string of pavilions in a line, neatly echoing in miniature form the layout of Russborough House. The limestone portico is placed on the garden front of the house, to provide the temple feature which, as Lord Milltown wished, can be seen from Russborough.

The central block of the house is two stories high with eleven-foot ceilings in keeping with the correct proportions for a Doric temple. The Entrance Hall is striking in its configuration, it is a rectangle containing an oval ring of eight free- standing Doric columns. The frieze supported by the columns is used in Roman fashion to house a latin inscription recording the date the house was built and the names of the owners and the architect.

Off the entrance hall is a rectangular drawing room which was inspired by the Casino at Marino and which enjoys, through the columns of the limestone portico, dramatic views to the south-east over Russborough House, Blessington Lakes and towards the Wicklow Mountains. On one side of this room is the dining room which also has south – west views and a warm kitchen and living room. On the other side there is a study/library and a bedroom. All the main rooms are square or rectangular, generous in height and full of light, facing south they capture the majestic surrounding countryside magnificently. The plaster cornices and columns were all specifically designed for the house with bespoke joinery to include panelled doors.

The first floor over the main reception rooms is accessed via a Chinese Chippendale staircase based on the one at Marino Casino. There are two bedrooms on this floor with deliberately low sills so that the superb views across the countryside can be appreciated whilst lying in bed. There is a separate bathroom which is also connected to the main bedroom.

Additional accommodation was added to the house over the subsequent years to include a utility, shower/w.c and pantry on one side and a guest wing on the other side comprising a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and living area, all of which can be accessed from the main house.

Mount Temple is simply a magical home in a superb location. Its unique design and character along with its practicality as a home in a great location makes it one of the most attractive properties to come on the market in many years.

LOCATION:

Mount Temple, on the border of Counties Wicklow and Kildare is situated on an elevated site overlooking Russbourough House and is less than 5 mins from N81 which provides a quick and efficient link into Dublin in less than one hour making the city and its environs easily accessible.

The thriving town of Blessington is approx. 5km from Mount Temple and offers an array of restaurants, cafes and shopping. The county town of Naas is only 15 mins drive away with Dundrum Shopping Centre accessible in less than 45 minutes.

Mount Temple is surrounded by breath-taking scenery, including the Wicklow Mountains, Glen Ding Forest and the Blessington Greenway, which offer fantastic hiking and walking trails. The area boasts many parks and green spaces, such as the adjacent Russborough House and Parklands, which are home to one of Ireland's finest stately homes, set amongst 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens. Fishing and water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the nearby Blessington Lakes, while golf lovers will appreciate the wide range of golf courses available nearby such as Craddockstown, Palmerstown, Naas, Rathsallagh and Tulfarris.

There are a wide number of primary and secondary schools in Blessington with the wider options of the boarding schools of Clongowes Wood College, Alexandra College, Wesley College, St. Columba’s and Kings’ Hospital also within easy reach.

THE GROUNDS & GARDENS:

The property is accessed via a recessed entrance with electric gates leading to a winding tree lined avenue. An Italianate garden is laid out on an upper level in a geometrical pattern of clipped box hedges, featuring Italian stone seats and statues.

There are numerous raised borders and flower beds interspersed with natural ponds and mature shrubs and trees. A formal lawn to the front is separated from the parkland by a ha-ha.

There is a well-hidden garage with ESB, fully secure with concrete base. There are also two stables which are currently used as a gardening store, but which could be repurposed if required.

The land is in one division fronting the local road and in pasture with specimen oak, chestnut and beech trees. The entire is completely private protecting the house on all sides. An ancient stone wall surrounds most of the property as evident in the Rocque map of 1760.

ACCOMMODATION