Some properties are defined by their size, and others by their views. Ely Lodge, a 209-acre estate in Northern Ireland’s County Fermanagh, positioned along the southern shores of Lower Lough Erne, has both—and then some—but what really sets it apart is its extraordinary pedigree and centuries of colorful history.
Perched on a private peninsula just six miles from Enniskillen, the sprawling country estate comes with a historic seven-bedroom house, plus five charming cottages. Along with a grassy walled garden, an arboretum, the property has nearly three miles of lough frontage and shooting rights across a total of 3,000 acres. The asking price is £5 million (about $6.8 million), and it’s on the market with Savills.
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The country estate’s spacious main house is complemented by five guest cottages.
Andrew Smyth; Savills
The backstory of Ely Lodge is equally compelling; it was once the Ulster seat of the 5th Duke and Duchess of Westminster and later became the childhood home of Gerald Grosvenor, the 6th Duke. During World War II, the U.S. Navy used the estate as one of its bases in Fermanagh, a role that lingers in local memory. In more recent years, the lodge welcomed a rather dramatic arrival—Marine One landed on the front lawn when President Obama visited for the 2013 G8 Summit at the neighboring Lough Erne Golf Resort.
Though quite large, the main house is an inviting and relaxed country home.
Andrew Smyth; Savills
The main house is every bit the grand country residence, with vast reception rooms, an orangery overlooking the placid waters of Lower Lough Erne, and a kitchen that’s equal parts stately and practical. Seven bedrooms are dispersed across the upper floor. Outside, the grounds read like a naturalist’s dream—California redwoods towering over the spring garden, woodlands alive with pine martens and sparrowhawks, and jetties waiting for fishing boats.
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A walled garden overlooks the water.
Andrew Smyth; Savills
Ely Lodge also offers tremendous scope for the future. There’s outline planning permission for a new dwelling and garage, and its network of private paths winds through the landscaped and wooded areas.
“Ely Lodge is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire an estate of exceptional quality and heritage in one of the most scenic parts of Northern Ireland,” says Neal Morrison of Savills Belfast, who’s handling the sale alongside James Butler of Savills Dublin. “Its scale, privacy, and loughside setting are truly remarkable.”
Click here to see more photos of the Irish country estate.
Authors
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Abby Montanez
Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…