Castles in Carlow - Kilgraney House, County Carlow
Kilgraney House is an elegant country house delivering a unique blend of hospitality designed to indulge your senses. The perfect weekend retreat for a most memorable country house experience.
Croquet on the lawn or a walk through the herb filled gardens; dining à deux in the cherub adorned dining room or socialising with fellow guests in the communal dining room; an invigorating and massage or a pampering facial, a convivial evening by the open fire or a special moment of quiet contemplation under a starry night sky,.…who knows what may unfold.
The house is a charming late Georgian house, overlooking the Barrow valley, and is conveniently situated halfway between Kilkenny city and Carlow town. The house takes its name from the Irish ‘cill greine’ which means ‘sunny hill’ or ‘sunny wood’.
Kilgraney has seen many changes over the centuries. The house, spelt Kylgrany, appears on Mercator’s Map of Carlow in 1595 and parts of the lower courtyard, reached through the kitchen garden, date to around this time. The main house was built around 1820 although the north wing is part of older dwelling and thought to be mid-18th century. A fire in the 1920’s destroyed the original interiors and the rebuilding left Kilgraney House with a Georgian exterior and a plain early 20th century interior. Now carefully restored, the house has immense character and a simple elegance that is full of irony and amusement. The lush interiors are an eclectic mix of traditional furniture with carefully chosen pieces of fabric, furniture and art from around the world.
The interiors of this Georgian house have a well-travelled and individual feel and have been decorated with some surprising touches. Instead of an abundance of chintz and swag curtains you will find an eclectic and chic marriage of Georgian country house and oriental style in the pastoral surroundings of County Carlow. The house feels more like a home, which is, essentially, what it is but with some of the comforts and facilities you expect from a small intimate hotel.
Five acres of velvety green gardens embrace this country house on the eastern slopes of the Barrow valley. The double pediment façade, with cut granite detailing and mellow lime rendering, stands proudly on the crisp gravel driveway.
From the moment you walk through the weathered oak front door the womb-like hall, with honeyed woods, deep reds and ochre yellows, seems to radiate welcoming and familiar tones.
The drawing room is bright and spacious, a confident and uncluttered combination of traditional Irish furniture pieces, contemporary leather sofas and accents pieces gathered during extensive travels. An antique tribal table takes centre stage in front of the large open fireplace and is surrounded by comfortable sofas and chased stainless steel tables. Large stainless steel framed mirrors, contemporary art and wood block prints, zebra amphorae and serpentine stone sculptures compete the setting.
Contact Details
info@kilgraneyhouse.com
Int. + (0)59-9775283
info@kilgraneyhouse.com
+353 (0)59-9775283
- Castles in Carlow
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