About this property
A key feature of the estate is that the eastern boundary is formed by about 600 metres of frontage on to Lough Swilly. The house occupies an elevated, private setting in mature parkland and with its outstanding waterfront situation, places Carniseal in the premier league of coastal residential estates in the country.
Carniseal House is strategically positioned to take full advantage of the stunning views over the Fanad peninsula and across Lough Swilly towards Inch Island and beyond to Inishowen. The house is accessed off the R247 Ramelton-to-Rathmullan road and is entered through an impressive bell-mouthed stone wall with piers and lights, planted borders and cast-iron electric gates. A sweeping driveway flanked with lamps, lawns, hedging and deciduous trees, leads to the front of the house where there is a cobblestone turning circle and ample parking.
Arranged over two principal floors and facing southeast, Carniseal House was constructed in the 1990’s. It is designed in a period style yet offers exceptional accommodation suitable for contemporary family living and hosting lavish house parties. External features of the house include two porticos, a pedimented entrance front, a hipped slate roof, red brick chimneys, cornicing and a bay window. Internally, the spacious and well-laid-out accommodation benefits from an abundance of natural light and includes many notable features, such as sash and case windows, ornate timber panelling, flagstone flooring, decorative cornicing and ceiling roses, architraves, French windows, and striking fireplaces.
The house is entered via a decorative portico and front door with fanlight above, which opens to a vestibule and an impressive reception hall with central staircase and fireplace. The reception hall provides access to the main reception rooms and kitchen. A sunroom is situated on the western elevation and is accessed via both the dining room and kitchen. Directly off the kitchen is a utility room, larder, and access to a basement cellar.
On the first floor is a galleried landing which provides access to a magnificent south-facing master bedroom suite with a dressing room and shower room. There are four further bedrooms, a family bathroom and an office which benefits from the excellent views.
Annex
Situated to the side of the house and with a separate access, is a useful annex which provides flexible accommodation. It comprises a studio, shower room, gym, and a garage.
The house, annex and garage offer luxurious accommodation extending to about 658 square metres/ 7,089 square feet in total. A full layout of the accommodation is shown on the adjoining floorplans.
Outbuildings
Situated to the north of Carniseal House and with a separate access from the public road, is a secure general-purpose shed. It is in six bays of steel portal frame construction beneath a box profile roof with box profile cladding, concrete panel walls and a concrete base with a tank beneath. It includes insulation, an up-and-over roller door and concrete aprons. There are water and electricity supplies.
Gardens & Grounds
Carniseal House is set within wonderful mature grounds which have the most incredible views over Lough Swilly and the surrounding countryside. The landscaped gardens primarily comprise lawns and shrubs, while mature parkland surrounds the house and with a range of mixed deciduous trees creates privacy, shelter, and amenity.
Farmland
The farmland at Carniseal is suitable for silage and extends to about 32 acres. Lying within a ring-fenced block and with extensive road frontage, the land benefits from stud rail fencing and hedging. It gently rises from sea level to a high point of about 19 metres (62 feet) on the south-western boundary. The fields have water via a combination of drinking troughs (fed by a mains water supply) and a natural supply (from streams passing through the fields).
The farmland at Carniseal is let on a seasonal basis to a local farmer. Further information is available from the selling agents.
Local information
- County Donegal is located on the north-westerly tip of Ireland and is considered to be one of Ireland’s most beautiful and unspoilt counties which is renowned for its history and landscape. Donegal is typified by its dramatic towering sea cliffs, rolling lush hills and stunning sandy beaches.
- There is an abundance of attractions to visit in the vicinity, including The Glenveagh National Park (24 km) and the Wild Atlantic Way, coupled with some of Ireland’s most incredible beaches. The Fanad peninsula lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way on the North coast of Donegal. This stunning peninsula stretches north from the village of Milford to Fanad Head and continues down to the nearby Georgian village of Ramelton. It features some of the most remarkable coastlines and cliff scenery in Ireland.
- The nearby town of Ramelton (1.5 km), known as the gateway to the Fanad Peninsula, offers local amenities including shops, pubs, a coffee shop, and a restaurant. Typified by its Georgian streetscape and market square, Ramelton is an important heritage town in Donegal. The town is situated at the mouth of the River Lennon, which is a Special Area of Conservation.
- Rathmullan House Hotel (10 km) is a luxurious four-star hotel and restaurant situated in the popular seaside village. Rathmullan is situated on the West shore of Lough Swilly and offers a sandy beach, pier and pontoon, and a selection of fine local pubs and restaurants.
- Letterkenny (14 km) is the largest town in Donegal which provides a wide range of shops, services, and amenities. It is a market town with atmospheric pubs, excellent restaurants, hotels, and impressive cultural venues that host renowned local and international artists.
- For golfing enthusiasts, Portsalon Golf Club (23 km) is a fine links course and one of Ireland’s golfing best-kept secrets, while Letterkenny Golf Club (11 km) is to the south. Ballyliffin Golf Course, Ireland’s most northerly golf complex, can be accessed via the Lough Swilly Ferry. The ferry service connects the Fanad and Inishowen peninsula with daily crossings between Rathmullan (9 km) and Buncrana.
- An abundance of sporting and leisure activities are available on the Inishowen peninsula, with the coastline of Lough Swilly being ideal for all water and fishing activities. Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports school (10 km) offers sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, powerboating, sea angling and diving on Lough Swilly.
- Primary education is available at Ramelton, with secondary school options in Letterkenny.
- Nearby airports include Donegal Airport (58 km), which offers local connections within Ireland and Scotland and City of Derry Airport (58 km), with connections to the UK and Europe.
