A Wicklow mansion rescued from ruin by seven people: ‘I felt sorry for the house’

A Wicklow mansion rescued from ruin by seven people: ‘I felt sorry for the house’ Coollattin House, located near Shillelagh in County Wicklow, has become a symbol of community effort and preservation after being acquired by a group of seven individuals. The property, known for its vast size and historical significance, was in a severely deteriorated condition when the group took ownership in 2021. The decision to rescue the house was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and admiration for its architectural and cultural value. The group, called the Coollattin House Partnership, consists of individuals passionate about heritage and conservation. Among them is Peter Farrelly, a co-owner who described the initial visit to the property as deeply affecting. He recalled feeling a profound sense of sorrow upon seeing the state of the house, shutters closed, walls covered in mold, and water pooling in rooms due to leaking roofs and faulty gutters. The property, originally built in the late 19th century with Palladian-style architecture and later expanded with additional wings and courtyards, had fallen into disrepair following the 2008 financial crisis. The house, once part of the Coollattin Golf Club's holdings since 1995, had previously undergone feasibility studies aimed at converting it into holiday accommodation. However, these plans were abandoned due to the economic downturn. The golf club had attempted several times to sell the property before the partnership stepped in. During the second lockdown of the pandemic, when movement was restricted, the group managed to visit the property despite the limitations, leading to the eventual purchase. The acquisition was made possible through a combination of personal investment and community support. The partnership paid €975,000 for the property and surrounding land, marking a significant step in preserving a piece of Ireland’s architectural history. The restoration process has begun with a focus on stabilizing the structure rather than immediate full-scale restoration. Tasks such as repairing leaded roof valleys, cleaning gutters, and replacing rotting joists are currently underway, utilizing the expertise of the co-owners themselves. The house, with its 117 rooms including specialized spaces like tack and saddle rooms, wine cellars, and numerous bedrooms and reception areas, presents a unique challenge. Despite the ongoing work, the partnership has managed to bring in furniture and decorative items through auctions and local donations, giving the house a lived-in feel. Items linked to the original Fitzwilliam family, who owned the estate from the early 19th century onwards, have been particularly valued. The Coollattin Estate itself has roots dating back to the 17th century, when Thomas Wentworth, representing King Charles I in Ireland, acquired large tracts of land. The current house was designed by architect John Carr of York for the fourth Earl of Fitzwilliam, who inherited the property from his uncle, Charles Wentworth-Watson. This rich history adds another layer to the importance of the recent efforts to preserve the site. As the restoration continues, the partnership remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the house while ensuring it remains accessible and appreciated by future generations. Their work reflects a broader trend of community-led heritage projects, highlighting the role of private initiative in safeguarding national treasures.