How a Young Couple Transformed the Gate Lodge to Ashfield Lodge Estate in Cavan into a Unique and Cosy Home
The Clements Gate Lodge
Asking price: €210,000
Agent: Larmer (047) 74333
If you’re looking for a grand entrance, look no further. A historic gate lodge in Cootehill has recently undergone an impressive renovation by a young couple from Cavan, turning it into an extraordinary home.
Originally the residence of the gatekeepers for the Ashfield Lodge Estate, which was once owned by the Clements family, this sandstone lodge was built in 1882. The builder, Henry Theophilus Clements, imported the sandstone from France, a nod to his childhood spent there.
The role of the gatekeeper was to screen visitors and ensure the security of the “big house.” Gate lodges were often a source of competition among estate owners, with each striving to have the grandest and most distinguished lodge design.
This two-storey, dormer gate lodge was designed by renowned architect Sir Thomas Drew, who was also responsible for the design of Liverpool Cathedral.
While the Ashfield Lodge no longer stands, having been demolished in the 1950s, the gate lodge remains a testament to the grandeur of the estate. The Clements family were no strangers to impressive architectural feats, having also constructed Áras an Uachtaráin in 1751, which was later sold to the Viceroys overseeing British rule in Ireland for £25,000.
The gate lodge’s v-shaped window seat provides a unique feature, and a hand-carved sandstone crest of the Clements family can be found on one of the exterior walls.
Colm Smith, who recently completed an MSC in facial prosthetics and rehabilitation at King’s College London, and his wife Lisa Smith, a primary school teacher, purchased the gate lodge four years ago. Colm, a Cootehill native, was immediately captivated by its structure and wasted no time in deciding to buy it.
While the house has not undergone any structural changes, it did require some renovation work when the couple purchased it. They restored the old chimney stack, added insulation and oil-fired central heating, and installed a Henley stove in the sitting room, making the house cosy during the winter months.
Inside, the gate lodge boasts a unique combination of limestone, sandstone, brick, and earthenware tiles. Its cat-slide roof descends over the former open porch, which has since been covered in.
The interior features a long, narrow hallway leading to the central room, which also serves as the stairwell. This room is large enough to accommodate a dining table and chairs, and also includes a v-shaped window seat. The galley kitchen, with wooden units, and a utility room are located off this central room. The bathroom, newly tiled in white and patterned beige, is on the first floor and includes a modern shower.
The couple repainted the interior walls, choosing a dark green moss-coloured paint for the sitting room to recreate a Victorian effect. The 12ft-high ceiling in the sitting room features its original coving and a striking hanging light-fitting made of deer antlers. Real deer antlers, from a deer shot in the local area, are mounted above the door.
The gate lodge offers two double bedrooms, with one located upstairs and the other on the ground floor. The upstairs bedroom has white walls, grey and silver furnishings, a grey carpet, and fitted wardrobes with repurposed stable doors. The ground floor bedroom, which is ideal for a child and includes a cot, features semi-solid wood flooring and neutral beige walls.
The gate lodge sits on 0.81 acres of land, just 3km outside of Cootehill town. A modern garage with electric doors has been added by the previous owner. The property is surrounded by a large chestnut tree and a copper beech tree that is home to red squirrels. A forest behind the house offers picturesque walks, allowing visitors to explore the former estate grounds.
The gate lodge is being listed for €210,000 by Larmer Estate Agents. Colm and Lisa hope that the next owners will create new memories and preserve this unique piece of architecture for future generations to enjoy.
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