Ballyarr House, Ramelton, Co Donegal for sale courtesy Franklins

F92H4X8

€1,100,000

11.8 ac

A Georgian Gem in the Heart of Donegal… Ballyarr House is a hidden treasure an elegant Georgian country house nestled on an elevated site with sweeping views of its mature grounds and the rolling Donegal countryside. Though discreetly secluded, it lies just six miles from Letterkenny, the county’s commercial and cultural hub. Painstakingly restored to reflect its 18th-century origins, Ballyarr House combines historic charm with an enviable location.

A Storied Past

Built around 1780, Ballyarr House holds a significant place in Ireland’s historical and cultural landscape. In its listing by the Ireland’s National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, it states that the house ‘is distinguished by the triple gable-fronted façade’, which makes it unique among Georgian buildings. Its history is also very special. In 1842, the house was acquired and remodelled by Lord George Hill, the fifth son of the second Marquis of Downshire. As owner of vast tracts of land in Gweedore, his legacy as an “improving” landlord remains a matter of debate. Although responsible for developing the area, including the building of Bunbeg harbour and the Gweedore hotel that is now An Chuirt, his ‘reforms’ led to clashes with his tenants. His portrait can be seen in the mural that graces Ballyarr’s main hall. During Hill’s tenure, the house hosted notable visitors, including two viceroys and the Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle, who famously described it as ‘a farm-like place’ enhanced by a fashionable Italian-style piazza.Hill’s personal life adds a further layer to Ballyarr’s rich narrative. In 1834, he married Cassandra Knight, a niece of the celebrated novelist Jane Austen. After Cassandra’s death, he married her sister Louisa. Following Hill’s own death in 1879, a third sister, Marianne, joined the household. Both Louisa and Marianne are buried in nearby Tully graveyard.

The story of the Austen nieces in Ireland is detailed in May, Lou and Cass: Jane Austen’s Nieces in Ireland by Sophia Hillan (Blackstaff Press, 2011) while Lord George’s life is recorded in The Peer, the Priests and the Press by Roy Greenslade (Beyond the Pale, 2023).

A Legacy of Stewardship

Hill’s son, Arthur, inherited Ballyarr in 1879 and retained ownership until 1900, when the property was sold to William Russell, along with the adjacent flour mill. The Russell family held the estate until 1974, when it was acquired by Ian Smith, a former hotelier and British war hero, and his artist wife, Peggy. Their stewardship marked the beginning of the house’s modern restoration. Although it was necessary to demolish one wing, its magnificent curved window was preserved and now features in The House on the Brae’ in the town of Ramelton. In 1981, Ballyarr House was bought by bank manager Andy O’Loghlin and his wife Breda. They sold it in 1989 to Roy and Noreen Greenslade, who carried out an extensive restoration in order to revive the home’s Georgian character. The drawing room and library were returned to their original proportions, new period fireplaces were installed, and ornate ceiling cornices were meticulously restored. Outside, the front façade was stripped of stucco to expose the original stonework.

A Rare Find

With its fascinating history, architectural elegance, and tranquil setting, Ballyarr House is not just a residence it is a living legacy. Lovingly preserved, it is one of County Donegal’s foremost properties.

Overview Set within 11.8 acres of stunning parkland, this magnificent and fully restored country house offers a rare combination of absolute privacy, refined architecture, and unspoilt natural beauty. A 300-yard tree-lined driveway leads to the property, ensuring total seclusion from the road.

Grounds & Gardens

The landscaped estate boasts extensive lawned areas perfect for summer recreation, framed by mature trees. A walled garden enclosed by an 8-foot-high local stone wall is accessible via timber double doors. A water meadow surrounds a circle of ancient trees known as the ‘Fairy Fort’, which features in the book Native Woodlands of County Donegal by Glenveagh National Park’s head gardener, Seán Ó Gaoithín. Three acres are planted with 5,000 native deciduous trees under the Forestry Commission, enriching the estate’s ecological value. The grounds are bordered by woodland and the River Lennon, which provides a serene and private setting.

Outbuildings

A workshop, adjacent to a boiler room, provides storage for garden tools and machinery. There is a separate building for the storage of logs. They are complemented by a spacious modern garage on the laneway, large enough to accommodate two cars, tractor, and sit-on mower.

Cellar

Beneath the house is a first-class cellar in excellent condition which occupies the entire footprint of the residence. Accessible both internally and externally, it is divided into five well-proportioned rooms. Currently used, in part, for wine storage, it features original flooring and refurbished ceilings. It offers a range of potential uses, whether for additional storage, or as a wine cellar, gym, cinema, or hobby space.

The Interior accommodation is arranged as follows;

Entrance Stone steps lead to half-glazed double front doors, framed internally with wood panelling

Entrance Hall (3.03m x 8.18m) Original pine flooring, decorative ceiling cornice, and bespoke murals depicting local scenery

Drawing Room (4.69m x 8.36m) Double-aspect room with expansive rural views, sash windows with shutters, seagrass flooring, ornate radiator cover, and marble fireplace

Study / Library (5.52m x 8.36m) Panoramic front-facing views, sash windows with shutters, custom-built bookshelves with cupboards below, seagrass flooring, and slate period fireplace

Dining Room (4.78m x 3.16m) Seagrass flooring, original marble fireplace, picture rail, and ornate radiator cover

Rear Hallway Leads to rear lobby and:

Conservatory (12.26m x 1.98m) Tiled flooring, fitted shelving, and glazed door to garden

Cloakroom / Classic white two-piece suit

Kitchen / Breakfast Room (9.58m x 4.58m) Country-style decor with white Welsh dressers, Belfast sink, pine flooring, recessed lighting, and glazed doors to rear garden.

First Floor

Mezzanine Landing – Fitted bookshelves, walk-in hot press, ironing area, and cloakroom/WC with loft access.

Main Bathroom (4.80m x 3.05m) Dual-aspect, roll-top claw-foot bath, brass fittings, sash windows with shutters, and vintage medicine cabinet.

Second Bathroom – Original fireplace, traditional wood panelling, power shower.

Main First Floor Landing (3.01m x 4.97m) Commanding views across estate grounds, original sash window with shutters, seagrass flooring, and ornate detailing.

Bedroom 1 (4.78m x 5.13m) Double aspect, sash windows, original fireplace with hearth and brass fender.

Bedroom 2 (4.78m x 3.07m) Far-reaching views, original fireplace, and built-in cupboard.

Bedroom 3 (4.78m x 3.64m) Overlooks gardens, extensive fitted wardrobes and bookshelves, ornate fireplace, and loft access.

Bedroom 4 (4.78m x 4.56m) Garden views, original fireplace, and fitted wardrobes.

This rare estate offers a unique opportunity to acquire a fully restored historic country house with elegant interiors, extensive and secluded grounds, and the potential for both leisure and lifestyle pursuits.

Natural Boundaries The estate is bordered by woodland and the scenic River Lennon, reinforcing its sense of peace and seclusion.

Accommodation Note: Please note we have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services. Interested parties must undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements are approximate and photographs provided for guidance only. Property Reference :FRN21987

DIRECTIONS: Interested parties can be directed to the property by placing the Eircode into their smartphone map app. Viewings are strictly by appoitment only.

Ballyarr is one of the most sought after areas of Ramelton featuring unspoilt Irish countryside with a rich variety of wonderful indigenous trees and wildlife.

Ramelton is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after destinations in County Donegal. The town`s reputation as an artisan food destination is on the rise. Here you will find gourmet coffee and foodstuffs, traditional fish and chips, pizza, tapas and fine dining all within a short walk of the property. Ramelton is also home to some of Donegal`s most famed bars with live music ranging from traditional to rock, gypsy jazz and ukulele sessions. Situated on the banks of the River Lennon where the river converges with Lough Swilly, relics of the town`s colourful history are everywhere. At the top end of Castle Street is Crammond House, birthplace of Dave Gallaher, the first Captain of the All Blacks Rugby team to tour Britain and Ireland in 1905. At the lower end of the street is the Town Hall where Cassandra Jane Hill, grand-niece of Jane Austen performed an Irish song at its official opening in 1879.

Despite its small population (currently approximately 1200) Ramelton has always punched above its weight when it comes to making an impact. The town also lays proud claim to a king`s private nurse, a banker and one of America`s earliest billionaires, the founder of the Presbyterian church in America, a hatter whose creation saved the life of a US president and most recently and proudest of all, a Nobel prize winner who is celebrated with a bronze sculpture in Gamble Square.

Ramelton`s origins date to a 15th century castle and stronghold of the O`Donnell clan situated, the rubble of which probably formed the foundations of the 19th century warehouses on the quay. Once dubbed the Holy City` because of its seven churches, the town’s glory days of the past centred around a thriving linen industry, with ships trading regularly with Britain, New York and Kingston, Jamaica.

Today Ramelton is a mecca for creative people and with two great primary schools and host of sporting and other after-school activities, is an idyllic place for young families. The Town Hall, founded to provide a place of entertainment and public assembly for all denominations equally, continues that ethos today. The building hosts a weekly country market and is also the setting for the annual pantomime which has been running for over 50 years, bringing together all ages on stage for a show that epitomises the town’s most valuable asset, a true community spirit.

https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/ballyarr-house-a-donegal-estate-with-jane-austen-ties-and-timeless-charm/

Ballyarr House: A Donegal estate with Jane Austen ties and timeless charm by Valerie Shanley June 1-2, 2025

Ballyarr House, a large country home on 11.8 acres of parkland just outside the Georgian town of Ramelton was built circa 1780 and has been sympathetically restored in recent years to its former glory days.

Property Details

• BALLYARR HOUSE, RAMELTON, CO DONEGAL
• Price: POA
• BER: Exempt
• Beds: Four 
• Agent: Franklins 074-9188000

Considered unique in the prevailing building style of the era with its triple-gable-fronted façade, one of the many notable visitors to the house, the Scottish philosopher and historian Thomas Carlyle, described it back then as ‘a farm-like place’ although graced with ‘an Italian-style piazza’.

In 1842 the house came under the ownership of Lord George Hill, son of the Marquis of Downshire. As a major landowner in Donegal, he was a controversial landlord which was standard for those turbulent times, seen by some as an ‘improving’ figure in terms of developing part of the area and speaking the native language, but also clashing with tenants over what he considered reforms.

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Not in doubt though was that he was a single man in possession of a good fortune and wanting a wife, and so in 1834 he married Cassandra Knight, one of Austen’s favourite nieces.

When Cassandra died after giving birth to their fourth child, her sister Louisa, Austen’s goddaughter, came to Ballyarr initially to help look after the children. Two years later, Lord Hill married her, sparking controversy and debate on the legality of a widower marrying his deceased wife’s sister. But the marriage survived and, on his death, another sister, Marianne, came to Ballyarr.

The nieces lived out their adult lives in Donegal, with Louisa and Marianne buried in Tully graveyard nearby. Their story is documented in ‘May, Lou & Cass: Jane Austen’s Nieces in Ireland’ by Sophia Hillan (Blackstaff Press).

The house underwent various ownerships from 1900 when it was sold, along with its adjacent flour mill.

In 1974, new owners Ian Smith (a former hotel owner and British war hero) and his artist wife Peggy began a restoration programme that involved having to demolish one wing which had fallen into ruin.

It was subsequently bought by another couple, then sold again in 1989 to Roy Greenslade, journalist and former media commentator for The Guardian, and his fellow journalist wife Noreen (mother of actor Natascha McElhone).

The couple organised another major restoration of the house to bring it back to its late 18th century architectural origins and proportions, including replacing decorative ceiling plasterwork and installing period fireplaces.

Set well back from the road, the tree-lined drive curves around to the wisteria-clad front of the house and the stone steps up to the entrance. Double doors with glazed panels and fanlight open into the reception hall which retains its original pine floors and walls painted with murals of local scenes and wildlife.

Counter to its impressive history, this is very much a welcoming and lived-in home, all comfortable sofas and armchairs, and interest everywhere, especially with numerous paintings and family portraits, plus tranquil views of the grounds from many windows.

It is also generously proportioned with almost 368 square metres of interior floor space, plus a cellar in good condition which runs the entire footprint of the house, currently divided into five rooms and mainly used for storing wine.

Leading off from the hall is the bright dual-aspect drawing room. Across the way is the spacious library fitted with extensive custom-built bookshelves. Both rooms have period fireplaces.

The formal dining room has wood-panelled walls and an ornate radiator cover. All of these reception rooms have sash windows with their original wooden shutters, and seagrass floor covering throughout.

The rear hall leads on to the conservatory with tiled floors and French doors to the garden. Adjacent is the guest cloakroom.

The big dine-in kitchen is very much in the informal country house tradition with white painted dressers, Belfast sink, pine floors and glazed doors out to the rear garden.

Back in the reception hall, the staircase leads up to the gallery landing with fitted bookshelves.

There are two separate period-style bathrooms here, one of which is dual aspect and has a roll-top cast iron bathtub and vintage medicine cabinet; the second has its original fireplace, old-style wainscotting and a walk-in power shower.

On to the main first-floor landing with its original sash window with shutters are four large characterful bedrooms. Three of these retain their period fireplaces and have fitted wardrobes.

The fully landscaped grounds, bordered by native woodland and the River Lennon, deserve special mention for any new owners considering the good life.

Along with some 5,000 deciduous trees planted under the Forestry Commission, there are several lawns, a walled garden through a set of wooden double doors, as well as a water meadow encircling a group of ancient trees known as ‘the Fairy Fort’.

Outbuildings include a workshop, boiler house, log storage space and a modern garage down the lane.

Ballyarr is around six miles past the commercial centre of Letterkenny with every amenity including supermarkets, major stores, restaurants, cafes, the regional culture centre, schools and the Atlantic Technological University.

Derry City and Airport is roughly a one-hour drive, Belfast International Airport around 2.5 hours.

Neighbouring Ramelton is a real Georgian gem along the banks of the Lennon. Despite its small size, the heritage town punches way above its weight in terms of history and famous sons, with landmarks everywhere such as the stone warehouses along the quay where ships once traded to as far away as Kingston, Jamaica, or Crammond House the birthplace of Dave Gallaher, Captain of the All Blacks Rugby team which toured Britain and Ireland in 1905.

The town is also gaining a reputation for artisan food and gourmet coffee at independent outlets such as The Blue Goat.

Ramelton Country Market is very much old-style with home-made produce, organic fruit, art prints and crafts. This is held on Saturdays in the historic Town Hall – the very same hall where Cassandra Jane Hill, surviving daughter of Lord Hill, and Austen’s grandniece, sang an Irish ballad on its official opening back in 1879.