Capard House

Luxury Mansion in Co. Laois, Ireland
Capard House is a Greek Revival, late 18 Century country mansion of immense charm and character set amidst about 40.40 hectares/100 acres of land.

Capard House was built in 1790 and was the third house to be built on the same site. A Protected Structure, it is a most impressive two storey non basement Greek Revival period house with an adjoining substantial wing (formally built for staff), which is totally self-contained and can also be used as additional accommodation to the Main House.

The Capard House was home to the Piggott family. The family owned vast tracks of lands in both Co. Laois (The Queens County) and Co. Limerick. The Treaty of Limerick (1691) which brought an end to the Williamite wars against James II is reputed to have been signed at Capard. General Ginkel is said to have quartered his soldiers at Rosenallis Village and he himself stayed in Capard House as a guest of Robert Piggott. A copy of the Treaty was kept in Capard House up to the 1960`s when it was handed over to the National Museum.

The family prospered at Capard, one family member, Thomas Piggott was a major- general in the army and a member of parliament, his son George Piggott was granted the Piggott Baronetcy, a title in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom.

Over the past 20 years, the vendors have painstakingly and meticulously restored the house and wing, whilst maintaining the integrity of the original period features. All wiring and plumbing has been replaced and many improvements made. Their attention to detail throughout is evident.

Their efforts went far beyond the residence and wing as the entire estate has been restored to its former glory with the terraced lawns and formal gardens broken into segments, the walled gardens, the long pond and lake, the folly and stables all combining to offer the new owner of Capard House, all the benefits of their labours.

The main house is laid out with bright and generous proportioned rooms with ornate ceiling decoration and large open fireplaces. It is a perfect house for entertaining on a grand scale with all the main reception rooms leading off the main hall.

Upstairs are the very generous bedroom suites, all with fine views either overlooking the gardens or with a panoramic vista over the surrounding countryside below.

There is a terrific atmosphere of calmness at Capard which comes from the natural surrounds of the gardens and grounds with the stream flowing incessantly bringing nourishment to all the living plants, trees and flowers on the property.

Capard is situated at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Hills well known for its many and varied wildlife. Part of the estate has a special designation (SPA) Special Protected Area which is an area where rare and protected species can live in safety and their breeds can evolve. The surrounding habitat is very suitable for many leisurely purposes.

The gardens at Capard have been largely created under the guidance of Arthur Shackleton over the past 20 years and are now maturing into one of the finer gardens in the country.

Nestled on the edge of the Slieve Bloom Mountains with stunning views across the landscape and with acid soil and soft climate, it is the perfect place to create a garden.

Formal terraces round the house covered with scented roses lead out into a Camellia Walk, Scented Walk, mixed grass border and a field of beautiful Rhododendrons planted to celebrate the Millennium.

A lake and canal sit happily in the landscape below the house. Set in the midst of this is a restored Walled Garden filled with shrub borders, a Hornbeam archway, new and old rose borders and an orchard.

Natural streams run down through the garden and as if this were not enough, the woods in May are carpeted with a sea of wild bluebells.

All in all a remarkable and inspiring garden experience where the vendor's passion for the garden has been extraordinary and responsible for creating this magical experience.

Local Sporting
Golf at Birr and The Heritage in Portarlington. Racing at the Curragh, Tipperary, Limerick and Kilbeggan. Several good hunting packs including Laois Hunt and the Ormond Hunt.

Many excellent driven and rough shooting opportunities in the vicinity. (There are Shooting rights over approximately 100 acres adjoining the property).