Fethard, Tipperary, Ireland

THE PROPERTY
Rocklow House is a substantial late 18th century period residence with gate lodge, standing on approximately 40.5 ha (100 acres). The house is situated towards the middle of a fine equestrian estate with post and railed paddocks, extensive range of outbuildings, mature gardens and on the western boundary the River Clashawley which feeds the ornamental lake with surrounding woodland and private walks. Rocklow House is a detached three-bay, three storey over semi basement country house, build circa 1790, with central canted porch. A two bay, two storey extension
adjoining the western elevation of the main block was added circa 1850 with canted bay and oriel window over entrance door. A large conservatory to the rear was added, c1900. Adjoining the house is a range of traditional outbuildings, forming a courtyard. The yard is access through a cut stone pillared arched entrance with double wooden doors. The range of outbuildings includes stables, tack rooms, garages and general stores.

HISTORY
The first record of Rocklow is shown on an Irish Land Survey map, dated September 24th, 1778, where it was referred to as Rocklowe, and occupied by the Lowe Family. It subsequently became the home of Benjamin Frend (decedent of a Cromwellian officer) and his wife, Elisa Gough, sister of the first Vicount Gort. His family resided there in the first half of the 19th Century. Historical notes show that the property was owned by the Bartons (of the famous wine making family) and subsequently by the Massey family following the marriage of a Beatrice Louise Barton to a Hugh Eyre Francis Massey. The Masseys sold to the Carroll family in 1880's who in circa 1960 sold to the Leonard family.The property fell into disrepair
during their tenure. Thomas and Dorothy Ronan, whose family still reside at Rocklow, bought the estate in 1966 and set about the considerable restoration. He was a keen huntsman, joint master of the Tipperary fox hounds and produced a number of notable racehorses including Golden Horus - first stallion to stand at Coolmore Stud, then owned by Wing Commander Tim Vigors.

LOCATION
There is much on offer in the area, with the towns of Fethard, Clonmel, Cahir and Cashel close by, Cashel and Kilkenny Cities are the main centres of the south-eastern region of Ireland. The area is very well known in international circles being associated with the famous equine establishments of Ballydoyle and Coolmore. For the golf enthusiast, there are courses at Mount Juliet, Cashel, and Clonmel. Other outdoor activities include hunting, trekking, fishing and sailing. There is an abundance of local eateries and restaurants in Fethard, Cashel, Kilkenny and Clonmel. The local area is well serviced with shopping, leisure and educational facilities, from pre-school to 3rd level education.

THE WING
Accessed off the Victorian wing entrance and at first floor level over part of the courtyard is the entertainment wing with large ballroom/party room, two larger rooms including the timber lined former chapel and two smaller rooms.

GATE LODGE
The gate lodge, which was recently modernised is situated at the main entrance of the property and briefly contains two bedrooms, one main reception room, kitchen/breakfast room and a bathroom.

THE COURTYARD
Adjoining the house is a truly charming part-cobbled and lofted courtyard with three coach houses, seven Victorian stables radiating off two internal passages, feed house, tack room, emergency generator and two further stables.

OTHER OUTBUILDINGS
Access via the back avenue and close to the house is a double stable yard with sixteen stables including stallion box, four storerooms and a staff canteen. The outer or farmyard includes four stables, three bay open shed, covered six horse walker, seven span hay barn and entrance to
the walled garden.

GROUNDS AND GARDENS
The property is entered through recessed wrought iron gates with associated gate lodge. The gates lead to the treelined tarmac avenue, with occasional specimen trees, leading to the front gravelled fore court. The gardens to the east, north and south of the residence are in
lawns with shrubberies and bounded by mature woodland providing total privacy. The gardens extend down to the back avenue and into the main wooded area, which bounds the river and ornamental lake. The lake is formed by a substantial weir over which the water passes, re-forming in the lower reaches of the river. To the west is the house courtyard with separately a range of traditional outbuildings.