IRISH HOUSE

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

The meticulous 'Cote de Texas' blogger has outdone herself. She found this incredible house, Bellamont in Ireland. Also called variously Bellamont Forest, and Belmont House. It's considered the finest example of Palladian-type architecture in Ireland.

Here is as it was in the 1870's. It was the "Coote" family's ancestral estate, but had been gambled away out of the family-- and in the 21st century, John Coote, a bon vivant and Australian descendent of the family, bought it back and restored it gloriously.

What a serene entrance hall to a grand house, with its pups in full relaxation mode. Doggies in great houses with stone floors always seem to gravitate to those floors-- must feel cool!

Here's the shot of the drawing room that made the cover of "House and Garden". The bold combo of pink walls and tawny, whiskey-colored rug is so very Irish, or English! There's such a freshness-- I think it's the willingness to mix old and new-- but he does it with a knowing hand. Not always easy to pull off.

Look at that ceiling.

Love the airy simplicity of the traditional ball room. Imagine the dances that have been held here!

Screenshot (1871).png

I wanted to also show the cozy, masculine, rather Edwardian library, but for some reason the image is in a format that won't reproduce here. But if curious, check the Cote de Texas site to see. It's a nice contrast to the airy rest of the house.

Superb, lower-level kitchen with vaulted ceilings.

The ethereal Bellamont bedroom of John Coote's daughters, modeled on the work of legendary designer, Sibyl Colefax. One of his daughters said she later recreated it in her own house:

The house even has a long, mysterious tunnel leading to the outbuildings and stables:

Here are the stables and outbuildings that the tunnel is leading to from the house. And there's the house, visible at the center left through the trees:

Screenshot (1869).png

The house is between two lakes, on 600 acres.

Fairy tale stuff.

froggy · ‎03-10-2010

Fairy tale for sure! Beautiful!

LoveMyBaby · ‎03-09-2010

@Oznell

Just wow. Thank you for posting. Stunning.

⚓️

godi · ‎03-09-2010

Wow! How amazing this house is. The ceiling is beautiful. The grounds around it. Well, all of it is beautiful. I wish I was there. ❤️

grandma r · ‎10-26-2010

@Oznell Thanks for sharing. Absolutely beautiful!!

spiderw · ‎06-14-2010

Absolutely breathtaking! This is my taste and style and I love everything inside and out of the house. The rooms are spectacular, so spacious. I love the pink walls and the ceilings are exquisite! I can' say enough about this house and I could easily be comfortable and happy in this setting!