The Old Rectory, Clifden, Co. Galway

PRICE ON APPLICATION

The three-bay two-storey Old Rectory was built c. 1856 by John Darcy, who founded Clifden some decades earlier, for his son the Rev Hyacinth Darcy, the building remained largely as it was for over a century and a quarter, when it was sold by the Church Representative Body, and a new smaller Rectory was built, the current owners, purchased the property in 1975, and carried out extensive renovations in the intervening years too an exceptionally high standard taking particular care to preserve the history and heritage of this period property. The Coach House and Stables were converted in 2002. A spectacular setting in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland

The old Rectory is approached through electric gates via an avenue which gently meanders through mature woodland to the front of the property. The house is set in its own, spectacular grounds and gardens with views of the sea and is not visible from the main road, as it lies below the line of the famous Sky Road and beach road below and is bound by a cut stone wall.
To the rear of the house is a cobbled courtyard with 3 bedroom guest house, original cut stone barn, workshop sports room, games room and log store.

The Old Rectory offers well-proportioned light filled accommodation throughout. The main house has excellent formal reception rooms and beautiful entertaining rooms coupled with being a comfortable family home. The property retains many of the original period features including sash windows and shutters, plasterwork, joinery, ornate corniced ceiling rose, period fireplaces and original doors and floors. The light filled drawing room leads into the dining room and on into the garden room. There is a charming country kitchen with doors to the terrace of particular note off the kitchen is the garden room with extensive arched windows which take in the panoramic views of the gardens. Upstairs in all are 4 bedrooms. The master with numerous windows has a dressing room and bathroom, the guest bedroom is also ensuite and there is a large family bathroom.

The recently restored elegant coach House contains a large bright open plan Kitchen and sitting room, utility and shower room downstairs. Upstairs are three bedrooms to of which are ensuite. The peace and tranquillity of the Rectory’s surrounds combined with an accessible town and coastal location makes the house both the perfect family home and country retreat.

Grounds and Gardens
The grounds and gardens are steeped in glorious beauty and wonder. The magnificent woodland contains 22 different species of specimen trees and a Millenium orchard was planted in 2000. Magical walks throughout the grounds wind their way through wonderful extensive flowering plants and trees designed to flower continuously for 12 months to provide for the Apiary. A flowing stream winds its way down through the lands to the cast. Sunny terraces surround the house and gardens to sit and absorb the vista and surrounding beauty. There is also a mature Kitchen and vegetable garden. There is the added benefit of pony paddocks with access onto the beach road.

ACCOMMODATION

The Old Rectory: Ground Floor Portico * Hall * Study * Drawing Room * Dining Room* Garden/Sun Room * Kitchen* Laundry* Wc * Boot room
First Floor Master Bedroom, Dressing room & Ensuite* Guest Bedroom & Ensuite* 2 further Bedrooms* Family Bathroom* Wc

Coach House: Kitchen/Breakfast/Living room* Shower room* Utility Room* 2 Bedrooms 2 Ensuite.
Courtyard Cobblestones* 2 Entrances* Planted beds Cut stone barn, games room, wine room, gun store, log house

Grounds and Gardens: Specimen Trees* Orchard* Fruit Garden* Vegetable Garden* Kitchen Garden* Variety of flowering plants & Shrubs* Flowing Stream* Paddocks* Sunny Terraces* Sea Views*

This is the link to a short aerial video of the property https://vimeo.com/167942230

Connemara, County Galway “One does not often find a more beautifully situated town than Clifden. It seems to have been placed by a poet whose sole consideration was setting a picturesque village in a situation where it both adorns and is adorned by mountains and sea.” Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offers visitors a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities. Cilfden, a two minute walk from the Rectory is the capital of Connemara and is set between the Atlantic Ocean, the Twelve Ben Mountains and preserved bog lands. Clifden was one of the last towns to be built in Ireland with the vision of creating a thriving commercial centre in a resource rich, but poverty stricken region. Clifden to this day remains a very busy bustling town with numerous amenities and is also gaining the emerging reputation as the West’s gourmet capital. The area is well known for its sporting and country activities. There are numerous fishing lakes, rivers and streams. Brown trout may be caught, but the fisherman’s ultimate catch is the majestic Atlantic salmon and nearby are some of the best internationally renowned game fisheries. The Twelve Bens north of Clifden and the National Park at Letterfrack provide ideal terrain for walking, hiking, climbing and other outdoor pursuits. The renowned Connemara Golf Links is close by, overlooking the rugged Atlantic Coast. Across the road from The Rectory is Clifden harbour and a short walk brings you to the boat and sailing clubs. From the Rectory a short drive in any direction brings you to endless white sandy beaches and clear Atlantic water. An hour’s drive brings you to Galway city, Westport and Knock Airport.

Services: OFCH, Broadband, Mains water, Septic tank, Alarm

Directions: Continue through Clifden town out towards the sky road and Abbey Glen Castle Hotel. At the fork in the road signed Beach Road/Sky Road keep right on the sky Road. The property is the first on the left with wooden gates. Distances from: Clifden 0.2km, Ballyconneely 9km, Connemara National Park, Roundstone 18km, Galway 75km, Ireland West Airport Knock 100km, Dublin City and Airport 280km

Viewing Strictly by appointment

BER – Exempt

These particulars are intended to give a fair description of the property only and are in no way guaranteed, nor do they form part of any contract. They are issued on the express condition that all negotiations are conducted through Matt O’Sullivan Ltd. All properties are offered subject to contract and to being unsold.