Coolfin House

Detached double-pile gable-fronted two-storey over basement sporting lodge, built c.1870, with ballustrated bows and extension to rear and two-storey canted bay to south. Now a private dwelling. Set within its own grounds. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, red brick chimneystacks and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Timber bargeboards to gables and pedimented dormer windows to south. Roughcast render to walls with red brick to entrance and red brick string course. uPVC replacement windows. Stucco corbels supporting sills to front façade. Two-storey box bays flanking entrance with some stained glass lights. Doorway set within porch comprising square-headed opening with timber and glazed door with sidelights and overlights, flanked by timber pilasters with console brackets supporting cornice. Limestone steps to basement portico supported by Doric columns. Ruined walled garden to north. Random coursed sweeping walls to entrance with ashlar piers and cast-iron gates.

Set within its own grounds, this sporting lodge makes an appealing addition to the landscape of Offaly. Of apparent architectural from, it displays an interest to detail that results in an aesthetically pleasing building. The use of red brick forms a colourful contrast to the rendered walls, while this variety of building fabric is sustained through the painted timberwork and iron mongery. The stained glass adds an artistic interest, which is furthered by the cast-iron railings. The walled garden to the rear and the entrance piers and gates amount to an attractive complex, which has retained its original charm.