Cotswolds style in the Boyne valley

A handsome country house inspired by a home in the Cotswolds goes on the market today in the Boyne valley near Navan. Abhainn Lodge at Dunmoe, Co Meath, is a deceptively large family home that is both enchanting and practical.

The lodge’s planning concept was devised by the owner, an accomplished housebuilder, partly from his experience of building high-end standalone homes and more especially from his admiration for the Cotswolds mansion.

Abhainn Lodge is happily rooted in a completely rural setting at the end of a sweeping driveway surrounded by nine acres of gardens, stud railed paddocks and woodlands which run down to the river Boyne. The grounds include a stable block with five boxes, tack room and sand arena as well as a hay shed.

Close by there is a good sized garage with an overhead loft that could easily be converted to further living accommodation. The property is for sale by private treaty for €900,000 through Harriet Grant of Savills .

Not surprisingly for a home built by the owners in 1999, the very best craftsmen and materials were used throughout and the overall floor area was maximised to 3,600 sq ft. The mix of reception rooms ranges from a larger than usual drawingroom at the front of the house, to three interlinking rooms at the rear with solid oak floors.

A high-quality modern kitchen, complete with the standard Aga, connects the living area with the diningroom.

The livingroom is heated in winter by an Inglenook timber stove and has double doors leading to a patio area which in turn connects to a large circular deck over a wooden bridge.

Upstairs there are five bedrooms, all with en suites, including a particularly spacious master bedroom with exposed beams and clear views over the valley to the ruins of Dunmoe Castle. An attic on the second floor has a spacious and useful storage area.

Abhainn Lodge is located a little over two miles from Navan on the newly improved Slane road.