Not in Bence-Jones
Demolished before end of 19th century
https://theirishaesthete.com/2016/11/21/a-grand-outpost/
‘From Artramont, I proceeded to the castle of Carrick, by Edmond, the seat of Mr. Bell, Mount Anna, that of Colonel Hudson, and Sanders’-court, the once respectable residence of the late Earl of Arran. When I arrived within view of the splendid arch and lodges, which, on an elevated position above the public road, form a grand outpost to this concern, and through which, though never carried into effect, an approach was meditated by the late Earl, my mind became unexpectedly introduced into a train of reflection on the ruinous consequences to this country, of that absentee system, which since our union with England has become so much the fashion. This splendid portal, with the degraded state of the mansion-house and offices, (now wholly deserted by the proprietor and his family,) and which form a striking contrast to each other, were well calculated to impress this subject upon the mind…I felt my heart impelled by a sentiment of sympathy; a feeling not likely to be obliterated, by the neglected and ruinous aspect of Sanders’-court, no longer the seat of nobility, nor of that munificence and national hospitality of which it was so eminently remarkable.’ From A. Atkinson’s The Irish Tourist (1815).
Saunderscourt, County Wexford derives its name from Colonel Robert Saunders who came to Ireland with Oliver Cromwell and was apppointed Governor of Kinsale, County Cork. However, he is said to have quarreled with Cromwell and having supported the restoration of Charles II was allowed to keep his grant of 3,700 acres in Wexford. In 1730 the Colonel’s great-granddaughter Jane Saunders, an only child, married Arthur Gore, later first Earl of Arran and thus Saunderscourt passed into the ownership of this family. It was the couple’s son, the second Earl of Arran whose decease (in 1809) was lamented by Atkinson since his heir abandoned the place which soon fell into ruin, as described above. Interest in the estate revived following the succession of the fourth earl in 1837, after which work was undertaken on the demesne by noted landscape gardener James Fraser. However, eventually Saunderscourt was sold c.1860 to an Arthur Giles who undertook restoration work on the main house. Believed to date from the second half of the 18th century, this was a two-storey, seven-bay property described following its refurbishment as being ‘a fine courtly building of considerable extent that displays its rich and handsome façade consisting of a centre and characteristic wings to the south-west.’ Saunderscourt changed hands again before the end of the 19th century and the main house was soon after demolished so that no trace of it remains today.
What survives at Saunderscourt is the ‘splendid arch’ and adjacent lodges that so moved Atkinson to eloquent reflection in 1815. Tucked down a quiet country road, this building appears to have been constructed during the time of the second Earl of Arran and, as is mentioned, was intended to be the start of a new approach to the house but this never happened. Thus it would seem always to have stood in glorious isolation, a monument to unrealised ambition. Attributed recently to Waterford architect John Roberts (who certainly worked in the area on a number of properties), the entrance, as can be seen, consists of a towering triumphal arch with the same treatment to both front and rear: engaged Tuscan columns support a triangular pediment, while a semicircular arch with moulded architrave is supported on Tuscan piers. This all executed in limestone although the greater part of the structure is of brick. The same material is also used for the single-storey quadrants and lodges. The former, which each have a pair of round-headed niches, are interesting because – like the arch itself – they are identical on either side. The effect is to create concave spaces which acted as yards for the lodges, with their Gibbsian door- and windowcases in limestone. The whole effect is tremendously grand, although somewhat incongruous in its present setting, shared with a series of cow sheds. The Saunderscourt arch has of late benefitted from attention paid to its welfare by the Irish Landmark Trust but that organisation’s limited resources have meant work has not progressed beyond stabilization and certain key repairs, particularly to roofs and drainage. Provided the necessary funds are forthcoming, no doubt further remediation will be undertaken and the property fully restored so that it can begin generating an income (and thereby better secure its future).
Remains of country house, vacant 1815; undergoing renovation 1844; occupied 1852; sold 1855; occupied 1863; sold 1889; demolished 1891, including: Detached three-bay two-storey wing on a rectangular plan with single-bay two-storey gabled flush end bay. Renovated, —-. Pitched (gabled) and hipped slate roof with ridge tiles, rendered chimney stacks having “Cavetto”-detailed capping supporting terracotta pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on rendered eaves retaining cast-iron downpipes. Rendered walls with rusticated quoins to corners. Segmental-headed central door opening with rendered “bas-relief” surround having splayed reveals framing timber panelled door having fanlight. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and rendered “bas-relief” surrounds framing replacement casement windows replacing six-over-six timber sash windows. Set in shared grounds.
Appraisal
A wing surviving as an interesting relic of a country house described as ‘[a] very extensive [and] fine courtly building so complex in its general character as to render it very difficult to be accurately described’ (Lacy 1852, 16; cf. 15703765).
Saunderscourt House, Crossabeg, Co. Wexford for sale April 2022 courtesy Keane Auctioneers €1,100,000 and June 2025, Belgravia Estate Agents
Y35AE04
2022 advertisement, courtesy Keane Auctioneers.
Saunderscourt House is a truly magnificent period residence extending to c. 203.sqm resting on c. 1.78 acre site in a prime location, approached via impressive gated entrance, driveway sweeping to beautifully mature, landscaped lawns with a charming courtyard and panoramic views over the River Slaney and surrounding countryside. Keane Auctioneers are proud to present this elite home, one of the most exclusive residential properties to hit the market in Wexford in recent times. This absolutely exquisite residence oozes elegance, style, classic features are simply breath taking from the moment you enter the original front door. Its lavish charm and retained olde worlde characteristics will impress from start to finish. The extensive and versatile accommodation is laid out over two floors, around a superior hallway with classic tiled floors & featuring a beautiful stove with fireplace. The spacious rooms boast large feature windows allowing lots of natural light through, with high ceilings, sophisticated interior complimenting each room and numerous bespoke finishings. The property has been lovingly retained and cared for over the years whilst carefully maintaining its original presence. Accommodation is bright, very well proportioned offering 4 double bedrooms, one en suite, formal living room, family bathroom, a most impressive master bedroom and enjoys a magnificent open plan kitchen /diner/lounge over looking the courtyard & grounds. The kitchen/diner/lounge is the focal point of the home which effortlessly flows into the main living providing a tranquil space to relax and unwind, it’s the heart of the home and it enjoys views over the grounds and courtyard. Offering access to the pretty exterior, the open plan lounge / dining area area provides functionality and comfort through tasteful and cutting edge interior design. The courtyard with stone buildings to the rear currently used as studio’s offer additional space to enjoy offering excellent potential. The gardens offers a very peaceful relaxing atmosphere and are full of olde worlde charm with mature shrubbery etc. the perfect place to spend many hours relaxing/gardening. The stunning setting capturing in breath taking views over the River Slaney is one of the key features and the house itself boasts a very homely and pleasant atmosphere throughout. It’s luxurious and glamorous decorative feel, together with large feature windows & shutters and high ceilings allow sunlight to pour into the property giving an overwhelming sense of space. Filled with character this home is steeped in history originally built in 1690, brief details of history on http://www.saunderscourthouse.com. Location It is situated in a premium and highly desired residential location, on the outskirts of Crossabeg village just a short distance from the N25, N11/M11. It is close to local facilities shops, schools, etc. at Crossabeg, Castlebridge and Wexford town centre is approx.. 10 minutes driving distance. All local facilities, i.e. shops, schools, Montessori, etc. are within immediate reach. Dublin City & airport is easily accessible via the new & ever improving N/M11 and the ferries at Rosslare Europort are less than 25 minutes. There are a variety of long sandy beaches nearby at the renowned Curracloe & Raven Forest, Rosslare, Blackwater, Kilmore Quay and many more. Wexford’s (wildfowl reserve etc.), Eden Vale and the Heritage Park to name a few are a short driving distance as are a wide range of golf courses. Grounds Well appointed on a mature c. 1.78 acres of mature grounds with spectacular views. Gated entrance with tree lined driveway, generous car parking . Situated to the rear of the house is the original stone courtyard of outbuildings which have been masterfully restored and converted by the current owners, providing extra accommodation ideal for home office studio / gym.
Accommodation
Entrance Hallway – (5.3m x 3.5m), Tiled flooring, coving, granite fireplace with Charmwood stove, chandelier, dual aspect. Drawing Room – (5.3m x 5.4m), Solid wood flooring, feature open fireplace, dual aspect, TV point, coving. Living Room – (5.3m x 3.5m), Solid wood flooring, coving, uplit alcoves, Cotswold stone fireplace with Nelson Martin stove, wooden beams, paneling on ceiling. Kitchen / Diner – (5.3m x 3.2m), Solid wood flooring, wooden beams, dual aspect with large bay window, tiled splash-back, decorative fireplace with AGA style stove, granite worktops, units at eye & waist level. Utility – (2.7m x 4.6m), Tiled flooring & splash-back, solid wood units at waist level, storage at eye level, sink, plumbed for washing machine. Guest WC – (1.4m x 1.1m), Tiled flooring, WC. Upstairs Landing – (1.7m x 1.8m), Large window, dado rail detail on staircase. Bathroom – (1.9m x 3.4m), Tiled flooring & part-tiled walls, WC, WHB, bath, shower, feature heated towel rail. Bedroom No. 1 – (3.4m x 4.4m), Large, bright room with bay window. Bedroom No. 2 – (4.1m x 4.3m), Spacious double room, hot-press off. Bedroom No. 3 – (4.1m x 3.6m), Bright, spacious room, bay window. Master Bedroom 4 – (5.2m x 3.4m), Large, dual aspect room, entrance to; Dressing Room – (2.7m x 2.8m) Built-in treble wardrobe. En Suite – (2.7m x 1.7m), Tiled floor & part-tiled walls, WC, WHB, shower.
Features
c. 203.sqm / 2228.14sqft Courtyards with stone outbuildings Gated entrance. Spectacular views 4 Bedrooms Premium location
BER Details
BER: Exempt
Directions
Outside: Courtyard to rear with separate room suitable for sun-room, studio, home office, large gardens to front and side, utility & recycling sheds, gated driveway, views over the River Slaney & Wexford Town. Services: ESB, private sewage, mains water, dual & oil fired central heating, solar panels. Apply: Keane Auctioneers (053) 9123072. BER: Exempt. Viewings: Strictly by appointment with the sole selling agent. Eircode: Y35 AE04
Belgravia advertisement:
€1,250,000
4 Bed3 Bath
Nestled towards the end of a private lane, this exclusive period property is a true gem, offering a rare combination of historic elegance and modern comfort in a highly sought-after private residential location. Set on circa 1.78 acres of mature, landscaped grounds, the home is approached via a gated sweeping gravel driveway, creating an immediate sense of grandeur and privacy. Steeped in character, the residence showcases beautiful classic features throughout, coupled with modern sympathetic energy upgrades such as oil central heating and solar panels. Upon entry you are greeted by an inviting foyer with open fireplace with the dual aspect formal living room to the left. With stripped wooden flooring and a stove. To the right of the hallway enter into another dual aspect cozy lounge with a further stove. This room leads through to the naturally illuminated open plan, spacious kitchen dining area. Located off the dining area is the fitted utility room and a further downstairs WC. Located on the first floor there are 4 spacious and light filled double bedrooms with the master bedroom benefiting from a walking in wardrobe/dressing room and an ensuite shower. The main bathroom is also located on the first floor with a separate bath and a separate shower. To the rear of this home there is an enclosed courtyard which adds to the charm of the property, featuring a brick and glazed outbuilding that offers endless possibilities ideal for a creative studio, home office. Positioned to take full advantage of its panoramic views of the majestic River Slaney and the picturesque landscape of Ferrybank in Wexford Town. This prestigious location offers a perfect balance of tranquillity and convenience, with all amenities within easy reach. A truly remarkable home, blending timeless period elegance with the potential for contemporary luxury this is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Wexford’s rich architectural heritage.
Irish Historic Houses 