Latest news with #countryhome
Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
The lowest-priced big home on the island? Storied Georgian pile for €415,888
Address : Prehen House, Prehen Park, Derry, Co Derry Price : €415,888 Agent : Savills If you've ever dreamed of being a lord or lady of the manor, purchasing Prehen House, a grade-one listed property overlooking the river Foyle less than 4km outside the walled city of Derry , could make that wish come true. The landmark property has plenty of room to host friends for the weekend and offers acres of space and riveting stories to regale guests with. Facing west across the water, the detached two-storey over-basement Georgian property is set on an elevated site of almost 10 acres and comes to market with a consecrated Russian Orthodox Chapel, a consecrated Church of Ireland church, a separate three-bedroom, one-bathroom guest cottage, stables and various outbuildings. It extends to 675sq m (7,265sq ft) and was described in 1835 as 'commodious' by George Downes in the Ordnance Survey Memoirs. READ MORE Prehen House is on the market for €415,888 (£350,000) through agents Savills , less than the €450,000 median price of a house in Dublin , according to the first-quarter MyHome property report. It amounts to €613 per square metre. It's a lot of space at a value rarely seen in the country homes market. The rubble-stone-fronted, seven-bedroom, three-bathroom main house has sandstone window dressings and gorgeous period features. These include a Portland stone entrance hall, with four main reception rooms leading off it. Prehen House Diningroom Library Library Reception room Kitchen The house features handsome chimneypieces, six-panel doors and six-over-six sash windows with working shutters throughout. The kitchen would benefit from updating but has an Aga in situ. It has a flagstone floor, while the library has gilded floor-to-ceiling bookcases and tall bay windows. The basement features fine brick-vaulted space. The diningroom is painted a vivid burnt orange and has painted murals on the walls and a bullseye effect on the ceiling; it is characterful and another talking point should your party tire of hearing about the property's previous residents. Bedroom with painted murals Prehen House, Prehen Park, Derry, County Derry Main stairs Landing Entrance The manor house dates from about 1740 and is thought to have been designed by architect Michael Priestley – the initials MP have been found on its rafters. It was built for Andrew Knox, MP for Donegal , after he married Prehen heiress Honoria Tomkins. It also boasts a story of star-crossed lovers involving the daughter of the house and a John MacNaghten, the son of a Derry merchant who inherited the Benvardon Estate in Co Antrim as a child. He attended Trinity College Dublin but didn't complete his degree there. A widower and notorious gambler, MacNaghten racked up debts that his friends stood surety on. Lord Massereene, brother-in-law to his late wife, got him a job as tax collector for the county of Coleraine (now Co Derry). He embezzled four times his annual salary, which his trusting friends then had to repay. Despite this conduct unbecoming of a gentleman, Knox took pity on him and put him up in Prehen, where he is said to have taken a shine to Knox's daughter, Anne Knox, reportedly then aged 15. The brick-vaulted basement The cottage Romantic versions of the tale portray her as his lover and wife – they are said to have eloped. In other versions the so-called marriage – for some say it was a sham – was forbidden by her father. One can imagine that Knox may well have noted MacNaghten's debt-accruing abilities to be concerning and decided to get his daughter out of the house and down to Dublin. MacNaghten got word of her departure and thought it a good idea to round up a band of men to try to kidnap Anne, holding up her carriage at gunpoint. Her father was travelling with her and he and his men returned fire, and she was fatally wounded and died – apparently killed by a bullet from MacNaghten's gun. MacNaghten was arrested and tried for murder at Lifford Courthouse in December 1761. Found guilty, he was taken to be hanged and is said to have jumped from the rope with such gusto that it snapped, propelling him into crowd. Instead of fleeing the scene, he apparently instead shouted out that he didn't want to be forever known as 'half-hanged MacNaughten' and voluntarily climbed back on to the gallows – incidentally, built by the Knox family – to be hanged a second time. Adjacent to the house is a pasture known as Post Office Tree Field, so called because it is believed that is was under a tree here that MacNaghten and Anne Knox secretly exchanged love letters. Imagine if these walls could talk.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Chic, timeless interiors and an equestrian's dream near Tara, Co Meath for €1.65m
Address : Macetown, Tara, Co Meath Price : €1,650,000 Agent : Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes View this property on Deep in the rolling Meath countryside close to Skryne and Tara, Macetown is a country residence that will tick a lot of boxes for equestrian lovers: a beautiful home made for entertaining, well-designed gardens and superior equestrian facilities all set on 35 acres in lush farmland. The five-bedroom house was built as an extension to an old Land Commission cottage that was there from the 1930s. The aspect is perfect: the front of the house faces south and the back of the house looks over paddocks filled with grazing horses. The owners bought the dairy farm in 2015 and built the 285sq m (3,067sq ft) 1½-storey home with the help of Carey Associates, architects in Ashbourne. The milking parlour was transformed into an American-style barn with seven stables. It has a tack room and an all-weather sand arena outside. All of the paddocks surrounding the house are securely fenced and a stream runs through the property. A cream iron gate slides back to a drive separating the barn from the house, and three dogs bark a tremendous welcome, while the horses in the adjoining paddock lift their heads briefly and coolly, then resume grazing. READ MORE A gate set in an iron fence leads through to the gardens, designed by award-winning gardener Jane McCorkell. The path to the front door passes by an outdoor seating area, roofed, glazed and facing west. The interior is immediately welcoming and warm, with a cream painted stairs leading to the upper storey. To its left is the kitchen, living and dining area, which runs the length of the house on an east-west aspect. Aerial shot of property Entrance hallway Living and dining area Kitchen Sittingroom Utility and boot room It's a stunning space with high vaulted ceilings, French doors opening out into the gardens, expansive views of the surrounding land through the windows and a relaxed French countryside vibe. The kitchen, on the eastern side of the house, features handbuilt cabinetry with a large double gas stove and ovens. It is painted in a soft green and cream. The owner designed all the interiors herself with an incredible eye for detail that underpins a chic, classy, timeless interior. An island has seating and a built-in wine rack. A huge pine table divides the kitchen and living area, the focal point of which is a large stove surrounded by a brick hearth and topped with a wooden mantel. This is where the family spend most of their time. A combined utility and bootroom lies beside the kitchen with a cute half-door, which the resident greyhound easily vaults, disgruntled at being kept outside. Guest WC Downstairs bedroom Jack and Jill bathroom Back in the hall is a pretty guest WC and past the stairs is a small sittingroom with a fireplace and built-in cabinets and a fine bedroom that the owners use as a home office. At the end of the hall, in what was the original Land Commission cottage, are two lovely bedrooms, connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom. The Ber is a high A2; the house runs on an air-to-water system. The radiators throughout, in keeping with the decor, are cream cast-iron. Main bedroom Main bedroom walk-in wardrobe and en suite Bedroom Bedroom Family bathroom Upstairs is another bedroom with its own en suite and a host of storage, a walk-in attic and the main suite, which comprises a large bedroom with beautiful views through the windows, a comprehensive walk-in wardrobe and dressing area and a stylish en suite. It may be in the heart of the country but it's located in a triangle of towns: Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin are all about a 15-minute drive from the property. The pretty village of Skryne is five minutes away with its famous church overlooking multiple counties and pubs, including O'Connell's and Foxes. It is also the location of the nearest primary school. Nearby golf clubs include Killeen Castle and the Royal Tara. Connectivity is excellent, with the N2 and M3 close to the property. Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes is handling the sale, seeking €1.65 million.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The best wedding guest dresses and outfits: 30 favourites for every dress code and budget
You've sent off the RSVP, booked the hairdresser – and panic has set in. Despite a wardrobe bulging with dresses, you obviously don't have anything to wear. If there's a rigid dress code, you risk not feeling yourself; but if there is a dress code that reads 'Big Lebowski meets Brat meets Blue Planet', then there's a very real possibility that you're going to strike a bum note. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Of course, a big part of what you decide to wear will depend on where the nuptials will take place – church or country home, beach or barn – and the weather. Either way, the crucial thing is to choose a dress that guarantees comfort as well as style, one that will see you through from ceremony to best man's speech and propping up the dancefloor for many hours after. So if you fear that your otherwise well-dressed self might pick out a dud this wedding season – one that will be worn once and then relegated to the depths of your cupboard – worry not. We've searched online and off to find you the best wedding guest dresses, with options that will not only work for a variety of settings but also can be worn many times over. Painted Kozo dress £185 at Emiko Studios This oversized linen dress might not be one that you'd normally have down as 'wedding guest' attire, but it's sure to be comfortable and forgiving long into a day of festivities. Plus, did I mention it has pockets? Statement jewellery and shoes are all that's needed to take it from everyday to wedding-worthy. Bias-cut maxidress £44 at John Lewis Another perfect example of a dress that's what you make of it. It's simple, but structurally it's sound – elegantly cut on the bias in a chocolate brown that will look smart with this season's butter-yellow trend. It's also a bargain, although cheap comes at a price: it's made of polyester. Slip dress £155 at Folk Clothing This is the perfect example of a very lovely dress that would happen to work brilliantly as a wedding guest dress. The viscose cotton mix ensures it hangs beautifully, while the tulip print looks like it came straight from a Paul Gauguin artwork. Cinch in the waist with a belt and add some jewels for weddings; or wear with a T-shirt or shirt and flats for daytime chic. Silk dress £179 at Arket Made from silk with washing instructions that will be music to your ears – 'do not dry clean' – this dress looks subtle, but the delicate reverse ombre adds just enough interest to make it a real winner. Paired with a blazer or a denim jacket, it can happily be adapted for work and play. Yardeen brick striped cowl neck dress £65 at the Mercantile It might be the bold print that first grabs the attention – although I'd argue that if leopard print is a neutral, then why not zebra print, too? – but it's the subtle, pretty cowl neck that keeps it. Ichi is a Danish company that's available through a few UK stockists, and this dress has Scandi design DNA written all over it. Robin dress £249 at Sika Designs A proper showstopper. Designed in London and handmade in Ghana from breathable batik cotton, the ruffles bring drama, and the asymmetric hem will inject some energy into any shapes you plan to throw to any Whitney Houston classic. Granted, it might not be the easiest dress to wear to the office afterwards, but the cotton lends itself to being dressed down with trainers on a summer day. A-line linen-blend maxidress £115 at Cos£115 at H&M Sometimes the best option is the simplest. This elegant dress, made from lyocell and linen with a cotton lining, might not look the most interesting, but its clean lines and fluid movement will certainly give you an air of confidence – which can be half the battle when dressing for an occasion. Add bold bangles or sculptural earrings for a bit of zeal. Seamed dress in stretch linen £165 at Everlane Another simple style, this time from ethically and sustainably minded company Everlane, which is sure to look spectacular with the right accoutrements. Made with stretch linen, the construction is smart and will be flattering on various body shapes. Paired with a bag in a contrasting colour – bright pink, say – it will certainly pack a punch. Pineapple stripe dress £185 at Pink City Prints If you're feeling wedding cocktails, then this piña colada-evoking number will certainly get you in the mood. Made from organic cotton block-printed by hand in India, the smock design will offer some forgiveness as that fourth course arrives. The fluted sleeves will spell relief for anyone who isn't joyous about their upper arms, too. Again, I will never not laud a frock with pockets – for when the tiny bag you arrived with starts to feel like a burden, but you still want your lip balm to hand. Delphina watercolour floral dress £245 at Kitri If finding matching items is a headache you can do without, then this floral print dress is statement enough. Its asymmetric styling, frilled neckline and a just-above-the-knee side split mean you needn't worry about having to style it up – let the dress do all the talking. It will be your wedding guest go-to for years to come. Milan midi £98 at Free People Sex and the City fans might see a striking resemblance to the DKNY SS/99 dress that Carrie wore to Miranda's interior designer's wedding in series 2, episode 7. For everyone else, this vintage-inspired midi with full skirt will flatter countless shapes and keep you comfy through that second piece of wedding cake. Wear with sunglasses in a contrasting colour for a daytime do – I like the idea of grass-green with the pink. Green bow back midi dress £150 at Nobody's Child£150 at Asos Fair warning: this dress from the London-based womenswear brand Nobody's Child could, in a certain light, look a little bridesmaidy. But with its unusual sage colour, flattering bodice and sweetheart neckline, we think it's interesting enough to take the risk. While repeat wear would be easy, it's also available to rent via the Nobody's Child link above. Sandrine midi dress £195 at Rixo A great bet for a wedding that you know will run into the wee hours, the leopard print also means you'll be able to wear this dress to multiple dos. Beware, however, that Rixo is a classic wedding guest outfit go-to, so you run the risk of literally meeting your match – this does also mean that the rental market is rich with pickings, though. Commot gold smocked dress £105 at Kemi Telford Stretchy, soft and shiny, this dress ticks a lot of boxes. The work of a London-based fashion brand that draws inspiration from its founder's Nigerian heritage, it's a dress that demands a good time. A few words to the wise – go easy with the accessories; it sparkles plenty on its own. Alicia smock midi dress £169 at Baukjen£169 at John Lewis Made from organic cotton poplin, you wouldn't go far wrong turning up to anything but the smartest of nuptials in this. Polka dots might be enjoying particular plaudits right now, but this dress won't feel past it even after the fashion pundits have moved on to something else. Mini dress £153 at Farfetch£195 at Ganni Traditionally seen as more funereal than fun, black is a controversial choice for a celebration of love. But hear me out. The short length of this cotton poplin dress, from sustainably minded Scandi brand Ganni, helps to make it less wake and more wedding, as does the ruffle hem and tie closure around the back. Team it with a few pops of bright colour – fuchsia or vibrant orange, perhaps – and I think you'll be well on your way to a great wedding-guest look. Silk organza layered dress £350 at Rise & Fall The most expensive dress on the list, this number from Rise & Fall deserves a spot here, not least because it will work hard in your wardrobe for years to come. Made entirely from silk – including the organza silk overlay and sand-washed silk satin slip – in this red colour, it's a special dress for special occasions. Zelma crinkle sleeveless dress £195 at Vivere£195 at John Lewis If an interesting silhouette is what you're after, with its sternum-adjacent cut-out and asymmetric hem, this dress delivers. We especially like the pre-crinkled finish, which means that any creases that come after a few hours of sitting won't totally derail the look. It's a style the likes of Greta Gerwig know well. V-neck frill detail midaxi dress £45 at Marks & Spencer Offering the kind of drop-waist that's popping up (or down) a lot at the moment, this is floral brought right up to date. Its relaxed feel and flattering frill neckline will serve you well, from wedding dancefloors to casual dinners and summer lounging. Suki linen dress £145 at Beyond Nine Not all weddings require you to dress super-smart. If you're heading to a more relaxed event this wedding season, then this dress from the maternity-and-beyond brand Beyond Nine could be a good pick. It will make a statement with its bold stripes in coral pink and mustard, but in a more laid-back manner. Made in the UK from Oeko-Tex linen, the shirred back is a nice aesthetic and practical touch. The Fruit Picker sleeveless dress £208 at Les Animaux This dress won't work for all weddings. For more formal ones, it's out – but for a more casual summer wedding, it will be just the thing, and something you can then wear on repeat for many summers to come. Made from organic cotton drill in the UK, it's hand-finished at the brand's Margate studio. At first sight, it's definitely more workwear than wedding, but a splash of silver jewellery will help up its ante. Maze print dress £155 at Toast With a print that will befuddle bleary eyes late at night, this dress from slow-fashion champion Toast is a winner. I'm sounding another klaxon for the inclusion of pockets and also nodding to the pleasing corozo buttons – the kind of finishing touch for which Toast is well known. (It's worth noting that Vinted is a bonanza of secondhand Toast, for a fraction of the price and fit for a big day. See here and here.) Draped tie detail dress £255 at Jigsaw£255 at Next When it comes to sophistication, this dress wins hands down. For the cut, the drape, and most of all, the combination of oxblood and Jigsaw's own Hockney Blue. It feels like the kind of hue play that would make French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul, a 19th-century colour theorist and inventor of a complementary colour wheel, gleeful. Bea cami and Charlotte midi skirt Cami £65 at Damson Madder£65 at Urban OutfittersSkirt £75 at Damson Madder£80 at Anthropologie With repeat wear in mind, separates are a great shout. Made largely of organic cotton, this cami and skirt from London-based brand Damson Madder are a particularly good option for weddings and beyond. Keep accessories to a minimum and let the colour and bows do the talking. Alexa top and Elise midi skirt Top £150 at Harvey Nichols£169 at RevolveSkirt £250 at Harvey Nichols£262 at Revolve The price of this skirt and top combination might set you back a pretty penny, but one or the other could work multiple ways alongside existing items in many wardrobes. Together is perhaps where the magic lies for a wedding outfit, though. Made of flax linen, this set is floral, but it feels fresh rather than bogged down in any weeds. Multicolour print dress £127.50 at Junior Edition This dress, crafted from organic cotton, is the work of a Spanish brand that's finding fans outside Spain, as well as outside its initial customer base in this case (Bobo Choses started out as childrenswear). Made from organic cotton, the print feels 80s. Although more subtle Memphis style than boom boom. Fluid short dress £240 at Selfridges£247 at Farfetch The genius of this dress is that you can wear it with anything and it will feel special. I have worn a similar one, also from Scandi-brand Stine Goya, for weddings over slip-skirts as well as over jeans for bar nights out and birthday dos. Made of polyester, albeit some of it recycled, it's one to buy with thought and treasure for life. Birds of Paradise maxidress and belt £225 at Me+Em Busy and graphic but still somehow simple, this dress is the work of the brand favoured by Victoria Starmer and Angela Rayner. Make of that what you will. The ruching will be a friend on a long day, and the necktie could double as a fun prop for dancing. Ivy mini dress £145 at Aligne Just the right side of something Tinkerbell would wear, this dress is made from a jacquard material that will magically hold its shape. The structured silhouette is the draw here, but then so too is the Mountain Dew green. Puff sleeves and pockets make it a party staple. Priam draped dress £45 at Ninety Percent This maxidress is made from MicroModal – a viscose fabric made from renewable wood sources – by a brand that puts thought into sustainability. While the brown might not feel super summery, the ruched detailing and draping effect of the lightweight fabric certainly is. Use it as a simple backdrop for bold accessories. Ellie Violet Bramley is a writer who has been delving into style and what it means for nearly a decade – mostly for the Guardian's fashion desk
