No. 302GH-MA – Manor house in an idyllic secluded riverside location

Are you searching for a substantial, privately located period home with character, land, and frontage to a fishing river in the northwest of Ireland?

Drumlease Glebe stands on the threshold of its next chapter. Steeped in history, the property was built in 1834 by Owen Wynne for the rectors of the Church of Ireland in Dromahair, Co. Leitrim. Over 800 Glebe Houses were constructed across Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. These residences were typically set at some distance from the parish church and village and were often accompanied by glebe land, allocated by the state to support the clergy, who could farm or lease it. Drumlease Glebe House benefited from such lands in the townland of Conaghil.

Originally a substantial residence with nine bedrooms, the house was sold by the clergy in the 1940s and has since had a distinguished line of owners.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, including a former colonel, who used it as a private residence and sold part of the land to the state forestry company Coillte to help maintain the property.
From 1971 to 1980, Don Wall and his family from England operated a horse-drawn caravan holiday business on nearby Lough Gill. During this time, the outdoor swimming pool—still present today—was added.
In the early 1980s, the Vernon family (part of the Guinness family) ran the property as an upmarket boutique country guest house, which was featured in the Blue Book of Ireland.
Barbara and Andrew Greenstein from New York continued this tradition, operating a highly regarded establishment that received excellent reviews from the Michelin Guide and Egon Ronay until their return to New York around 1993. During their ownership, President Ronald Reagan visited Ireland, and the property was shortlisted as a potential residence for his stay.

The current owners, Marita and Nick Quigley, later acquired the property. Marita had worked in the house during her teenage years and retained fond memories of it. Their passion for this remarkable home helped rescue it from further decline, and extensive renovations were carried out, including new roofs and floors. Now based in London, they feel the property has been brought to a stage where new owners can complete the interior to their own taste and finish.

Extending to over 6,300 square feet, the property offers significant private and commercial potential.

Approached via a private drive through state forestry, the main residence reveals an impressive limestone façade, featuring a projecting porch and large picture windows. The house, arranged over two floors above a basement, together with former coach and servant quarters, now requires internal completion to restore it to its former grandeur.

To the north, the courtyard offers an ideal setting for boutique weddings or events. An outdoor swimming pool, added in the 1970s, provides an unusual and attractive feature.

A walled garden, a large stable/agricultural building, and over 8.7 acres of land with river frontage complete this unique property.