Bidding set to open on historic Middletown Park House

Middletown Park House in Castletown Geoghegan will be going up for auction on Thursday June 25.

The 19th century country estate spreads across seven hectares (17.3 acres) and comprises the main house, a bell tower wing, an oratory bedroom wing and lower gardens.

The main house extends to circa 1,022 sq m (11,000 sq ft) and features four reception rooms, a ball room, a snooker room, a mezzanine library, and a Turner Conservatory, which is a great glass house attached to the side of the main estate.

The house is fitted with oil fired central heating and wood burning stoves.

Those interested in registering to bid will have to pay a security deposit of €20,000, this sum will be refunded should the bidder be unsuccessful. Bidding starts at €1.5 million.

The interior of the house is just as striking as the outside. The entrance opens to reveal a stunning double return staircase and reception room which lead to spectacular living spaces.

As well as the incredible entrance hall the main house features a formal dining room, a sitting room, a drawing room, a grand ballroom, a morning room, and a mezzanine library.

As mentioned, the house features a particular architectural highlight in the form of the historic Turner Conservatory, one of only six of his designs in Ireland.

Other notable Turner glass work is the iconic Kew Gardens Palm House, and the glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

There is also a kitchen, breakfast room, guest cloakroom, a snooker room, a linen room and four spacious bedrooms each featuring its own private ensuite facilities.

Next is the Bell Tower wing, this offers additional capacity for guests and residents due to its 12 spacious bedrooms, which also feature their own ensuite bathrooms. The oratory wing, currently unfinished, is perfect for customisation.

Finally there is the lower garden and ancillary accommodation. The garden features an extensive suite for leisure and practical activities.

This suite is perfect for entertainment and wellness with its game room, two gym rooms, wine cellar, a bar room complete with a sauna, showers and WCs for ladies and gents.

In regards to the practical facilities, the walk-in press and workshop, pantry, main boiler room and secondary boiler room are all housed here.

In the last few years the property has lived many lives. It’s been a private home, a hotel, a wedding venue and once again a home.

It also featured in the beloved Hugh Wallace show, ‘Great House Revival’.

The house was built around 1850 by George Boyd Rochfort, the original owner, and was designed by architect George Papworth. It boasted one of the most innovative heating systems of the era, a heating system built into the walls that circulated warm air.

The Rochford rich family history includes George Boyd Rochfort (grandson of the original), a recipient of the Victoria Cross and his brother Cecil, a noted racehorse trainer.

Middletown Park House has hosted numerous celebrity visitors, and one of its most notable guests was the incomparable Rita Hayworth.

Those interested can register to bid at: https://bidx1.com/en/en-ie/auction/property/107234. Bidding starts on June 25 at 10.30am.