A castle fit for a king

One of the unique aspects of Castle Leake is that it is a property that has been constructed over three different time periods. The original Norman tower house was built in the 1400s by Sir John De Birmingham.

The property was later acquired by the Leake family, who reconstructed the building during the early 1700s. It was at this time that it became known as Castle Leake, eventually giving its name to the surrounding townland as well.

The most recent addition to the property was made in recent years, when the rear part of the house was extended to create a larger kitchen and living area.

Castle Leake is located just outside the historic town of Cashel, at the end of a cul-de-sac off the N74 – the main road to Tipperary town. The peaceful setting on the banks of the River Suir offers seclusion and privacy in a very scenic location.

The house

The house comprises a blended mixture of old and new, with the exposed stone walls of the original tower house contrasting with the modern furnishings.

The modern kitchen at the rear of the house has recently been extended, providing a spacious living area that overlooks the gardens. A library, dining room, study, vault room, two bedrooms and a number of other service rooms are also situated on the ground floor.

The first floor comprises a further four bedrooms, all of which are en suite, as well as a second living room that opens onto a garden balcony. A small second floor is situated at the top of the tower house, comprising two more bedrooms and a living room.

Gardens and lodge

Surrounded by a high stone wall, Castle Leake sits on two acres that are laid out in tidy lawns and flower beds. A short garden path leads to the rear of the property, where a two-bedroom bungalow known as the Rivergate Lodge is situated. This bungalow has been recently restored and has an independent entrance. There is also private access to the river Suir from the back of the garden.

According to selling agent Eamon O’Brien of CCM Property, Mitchelstown, Castle Leake was featured on a new television programme exploring old castles in Ireland, that aired on New Year’s Day in the US.

Castle Leake does offer an investor plenty of potential to develop a new guesthouse business, particularly given its location close to some of Ireland’s busiest tourist destinations, such as the Rock of Cashel and Cahir castle.

Castle Leake is for sale by private treaty at an asking price of €595,000. The sale is being handled by joint selling agents CCM Property, Mitchelstown, and Savills, Cork.