October 5, 2018
The front of Ballywalter Park
This Victorian Italianate Palazzo was built by the present owner’s great great great grandfather.
Ballywalter Park was originally built in 1828 and consisted of 1100 acres. In 1847 Mulholland hired architect Sir Charles Lanyon, to add to the home.
Much of the original home remained. The entrance was changed from south to east where a Roman Doric porte-cochere was added. A second floor was put on at that time and to the south and north new single-story wings were added.
Very soon afterward a new billiard room was added and an enormous stone and glass conservatory.
Looking back at the glass-domed conservatory and the rear of the home
A lovely plaster ceiling in one of the sitting rooms
Cornices and column capitals found in one of the ground floor rooms.
An update to an old library
A Royal Navy rum or “Grog” tub, as used on every British warship up until “Black Tot Day”, 31st July 1970, when the daily rum ration was withdrawn. This ended a tradition that went back to 1655 when Jamaica was taken from the Spanish and rum became a staple on Royal Navy ships.
The glass dome of the conservatory
The stone walls of the conservatory
We were honored to dine with Lord and Lady Dunleath.
Lady Dunleath imparting a fascinating story about the house.
Peeking back at you
The gardens of Ballywalter are a haven for wildlife and a vast spread of green
This haunting gentleman greets you at the entrance to the walled garden
Lord Dunleath (in the red sweater) fascinating us with the history of the walled garden
Greenhouses in the walled garden provide much of the food consumed on the property
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Old stable areas
Ballustrades separate the home and drive from the green spaces.
There are not words to express how gracious and delightful the Lord and Lady Dunleath are. They are a fascinating, fun-loving couple that opened their home and we are so very grateful.