Ounavarra, Courtown Harbour, Co Wexford 

Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London. 

p. 229. “(Richards/LGI1912; Howard, sub Wicklow, E/PB) A pleasant early C19 house in a mild Tudor-Revival style romantically situated above the Ounavarra River. Of two storeys, entrance front with a gabled projection on either side. Low-pitched gables with wavy bargeboards; gabled porch not centrally placed, alongside a large rectangular mullioned and gabled window lighting the staircase, which has the appearance of the window of a great hall. Elegant bow-fronted conservatory. Garden front with gabled projectin and shallow curved bow. C19 interior plasterwork; foliage ornament in hall and staircase hall; decorated cornice in drawing room. Spacious staircase hall with staircase of polished wood. Drawing room running the whole depth of the house, extending into garden front bow and divided by an arch. Originally owned by the Richards family, of Ardamine; leased early in the present century to Mr and Mrs M.W. Shuldham. Subsequently the home of Mr and Mrs Kenneth O’Reilly-Hyland, who decorated the house most attractively, and laid out a fine woodland garden above the river.” 

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/15611002/ounavarra-house-ballydane-courtown-co-wexford

Detached five-bay two-storey house, extant 1852, on an asymmetrical plan with single-bay single-storey gabled projecting porch to ground floor; single-bay full-height gabled projecting end bay (west) with single-bay full-height gabled advanced end bay (east). Occupied, 1901; 1911. Sold, 1972. Resold, 1979. Hipped slate roof with pitched (gabled) slate roofs (end bays), part perforated crested terracotta ridge tiles, red brick Common bond chimney stacks on red brick Common bond bases having chevron- or saw tooth-detailed corbelled stepped capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta pots, decorative timber bargeboards to gables on timber purlins, and cast-iron rainwater goods on exposed timber rafters retaining cast-iron downpipes; pitched (gabled) slate roof (porch) with terracotta ridge tiles, decorative timber bargeboards on timber purlins, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on exposed timber rafters. Part creeper-covered roughcast walls bellcast over rendered plinth. Square-headed door opening (porch) with cut-granite step threshold, and moulded surround framing timber panelled double doors. Square-headed window openings (“cheeks”) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing wrought iron grillers over timber casement windows having lattice glazing bars. Square-headed window opening in tripartite arrangement (half-landing) with cut-granite sill, bull nose-detailed timber mullions, and concealed dressings framing wrought iron grille over timber casement windows having lattice glazing bars. Square-headed window openings in bipartite arrangement (end bays) with cut-granite sills, bull nose-detailed timber mullions, and concealed dressings framing wrought iron grilles over timber casement windows having lattice glazing bars. Set in landscaped grounds with granite ashlar piers to perimeter having ogee-detailed cornices below shallow pyramidal capping supporting spear head-detailed cast-iron double gates.

Appraisal

A house representing an important component of the domestic built heritage of north County Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, one repurposing the earlier ‘Owenavarra [sic] Cottage…the residence of Mrs. Richards Senior [Elizabeth Richards (née Groome) (1775-1846)]’ (Lewis 1837 I, 41), confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking wooded grounds and the meandering Owenavorragh River; the asymmetrical footprint; the diminishing in scale of the multipartite openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression with those openings showing pretty lattice glazing patterns; and the decorative timber work embellishing the roof. Having been well maintained, the form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior where contemporary joinery; chimneypieces; and ‘nineteenth-century plasterwork [including] foliage in [the] hall and staircase hall [and a] decorated cornice in the drawing room’ (Bence-Jones 1978, 229), all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (—-); and a walled garden (—-), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained estate having historic connections with the Richards family including Solomon Richards (1798-1862) and Catherine Richards (née Wynne) (1809-48); Molyneux William Shuldham (1870-1916) ‘late of Dunavarra [sic] Gorey County Wexford’ (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1917, 706); and Katharine Frances Theodosia Howard (1910-90) of Shelton Abbey in neighbouring County Wicklow (cf. 15701213).

For sale June 2025 courtesy Savills Y25 E9K4 Guide price €1,500,000

Ounavarra House is a substantial 19th Century home set in mature landscaped grounds. The house is entered from a minor public road through an impressive entrance with granite ashlar piers with cast-iron gates and beautiful overhanging mature trees. A gravel driveway divides upon entry, one branch leading to the yard while the other culminates at the front entrance, where there is ample parking.

The distinguished five-bay, two-storey period house features an elegant asymmetrical design with gabled bays and a charming projecting porch. The property has a hipped slate roof, red brick chimney stacks, decorative bargeboards and creeper-clad roughcast walls.

Over time, Ounavarra House has undergone substantial restoration efforts. A side extension was added, providing additional living quarters arranged around a charming courtyard.

The accommodation has been well designed to provide the comforts of contemporary family living whilst reserving generously proportioned reception rooms fit for lavish gatherings. Throughout the property the detail and finishes are notable with period features throughout including sash windows, shutters, picture rails, architraves, cornicing, and decorative marble fireplaces.

An impressive reception hall gives access to three elegant reception rooms including the drawing room, library and dining room. The kitchen is centrally located comprising a marble topped island, an Aga and beautifully crafted and extensive range of floor and wall mounted units. Flowing seamlessly from the kitchen, the extension offers a spacious living room, office, laundry room, sunroom and ample storage.

A beautifully crafted wooden staircase leads to the bedroom accommodation which is laid out on the first floor with four elegant bedroom suites, along with three additional bedrooms and a bathroom.

The accommodation is laid out, as shown on the accompanying plans.

Gardens & Grounds

• A prominent aspect of Ounavarra House is its stunning landscaped gardens which envelop the house. Nestled within the mature scenery, the immediate gardens surrounding the house are meticulously managed, creating a stunning backdrop. The diverse assortment of flora, fauna and outstanding specimen trees provide colour, shelter, amenity and privacy. To the east of the house is a walled garden which contains an apple and pear orchard as well as a green house.
  
  There are also well-defined walking trails that pass through mature woodland and run alongside the Owenavoragh River, providing a scenic and peaceful setting.
  
  To the south of the property are four good-sized grass paddocks enclosed by stud railing. Each field is equipped with drinking troughs connected to the mains water supply.
  
  Bungalow
  A charming bungalow, located in the main yard, was renovated and refurbished in 2022 to a high standard. The home features a modern, open-plan layout, seamlessly integrating the living area, kitchen, and dining space. It also offers three well-proportioned bedrooms, making it an ideal residence for staff, family members, or guests.
  
  Gate Lodge
  A single-storey gate lodge is positioned beside the yard entrance of Ounavarra House. Extending to approximately 106 sq m (1,140 sq ft), the property features a kitchen with double doors opening onto the garden, a living room, and a studio. The accommodation also includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a utility room. The lodge benefits from a private garden, offering a peaceful outdoor space.
  
  Outbuildings
  Adjacent to the house is a courtyard comprising a stable block with five stables, a garage and a number of traditional stores. The courtyard has a separate access point off the main road.
  
  Adjacent to the house is a well-organised courtyard, featuring a stable block with five stables, a garage, and several traditional stores. This space is both functional and versatile, offering expansive hardstanding. 
  
  The courtyard benefits from a separate access point off the main road. Its layout and access make it well-suited for a variety of purposes.
  
  Woods & Amenity
  Ounavarra House provides an exceptional combination of privacy and natural beauty, bordered by the serene Owenavoragh River. With ample opportunities for the next owner to further develop or diversify the land, the property is ideally suited for those looking to maximise its natural resources.
  
  The woods at Ounavarra are an attractive feature due to their age and variety of species. They are mainly laid out to the rear of the property and provide shelter, privacy and amenity.
  
  BER Details – BER Exempt

Local information

• Ounavarra House has a wonderful, private situation within the historic county of Wexford in the southeast of Ireland.
• The picturesque seaside village of Courtown is close by and offers a range of everyday amenities. The village was developed after Lord Courtown ordered the construction of a harbour during the Famine.
• Gorey (6 km) and Arklow (22 km) are two large towns with an abundance of amenities including quality restaurants and cafés, supermarkets and pubs, as well as a variety of retail stores. The historic town of Enniscorthy is anchored by its 13th Century castle which sits in the heart of the town and is a well-known tourist attraction. County Wexford is renowned for its excellent verdant countryside, favourable climate, picturesque mountain ranges, white sandy beaches and charming characterful villages.
• Wexford is the county town in this area of the southeast of Ireland and is located at the mouth of the River Slaney. A harbour town, it is widely regarded for its rich arts scene and culture. It is also known for its medieval lanes and the opera festival held in the modern National Opera House. The festival is recognised worldwide for introducing new artists and audiences to the forgotten masterpieces.
• West Gate Heritage Tower is a restored 13th Century tollgate. It is next to the old town walls and ruined 12th Century Selskar Abbey. Ounavarra House is surrounded by an excellent transportation system with the M11 motorway connecting Enniscorthy to Dublin only 4 kilometres from the house. There are also regular bus and train services from Gorey and Arklow connecting to Dublin City. Rosslare Europort (with a rail connection to Dublin Connolly), provides links from south-east