Property: The Moorings House, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath
Price: On application
One of Athlone’s most distinctive and best preserved houses from a bygone era is currently on the market. Located just off the Ballymahon Road in the Moorings estate which originally formed the grounds of this historic house, it was built around 1835, getting a Gothic makeover in the 1880s.
James Caulfield, born in 1795, the first recorded owner and most likely the person responsible for having ‘The Moorings’ built, was the son of Lt Colonel William Caulfield of Benown, Co Westmeath. He was appointed Inspecting Commander of the Coast Guards in Donegal and married twice, his second wife being Emily Olivia of the well-known French family of Clonyquin, Co Roscommon.
More recently, in the 1960s and 70s, the house was owned by the Broderick family, owners of Broderick's Bakery on the west side of Athlone. Son John Broderick was a literary critic and author of a number of novels, not all of which were well received at the time. He has since been recognised to the extent that he has been championed in literary festivals and has a street in Athlone named in his honour.
Today the house still stands impressively in its own grounds of almost an acre, two storeys over basement, and retains many of its original features. The main house is stone-cut with brick additions, with large bay windows and a porch and balcony to the front. Cornice work on the ceilings and a number of original fireplaces help it retain its high-ceilinged grandeur. The house lends itself to a grand family home, with the possibility of separate units, for home and income purposes. Extensive secure basement storage, converted carriage house, carport, and private garden make this an intriguing and unique opportunity for anyone looking for a large townhouse property with exciting potential.
The Moorings House is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as a property of architectural and artistic merit. It is on the market with auctioneers REA Hynes, Athlone, on (090 ) 6473838
