|
Available for Sale or Lease
A
hidden gem in the centre of Bunclody town, occupying an
impressive elevated private location overlooking the Clody
River. This residence is a splendid example of Georgian
Architecture, with charming old world ambiance, formerly a
Methodist Church.
Beautifully presented with style and elegance, this
architectural gem has been sympathetically restored and retains
all of the original elegance and charm of the late 1800’s with
superb floor to ceiling height and many of the original period
features intact. The Dining room depicts a sense of elegance
and grandeur with its period Italian marble fireplace and
Waterford glass 24 candelabra chandelier adding to its
ambience. The breathtaking gardens are landscaped along the
banks of the River Clody. The Chantry is currently operating as
a licensed restaurant with off street parking.
The Chantry Restaurant enjoys a very loyal and brisk trade,
which is long established and is renowned both far and near for
its excellent food and service. It is a superb Failte Ireland
Registered Restaurant, with huge further development potential.
The restaurant is fully licensed and furnished to a very high
standard with residential accommodation overhead.
History of The Chantry:
The Chantry was originally the Methodist or Wesleyan Chapel of
Newtownbarry (now known as Bunclody – a name which the town had
before it was redesigned by James Barry the Landlord in the 18th
century. It was built in the very early 19th century
on the site of an older preaching house which stood near the
ancient town well – a compulsive gathering place!
John Wesley visited the town twice and pioneered the fledgling
Methodist Church in the area. His first visit was in 1769 and
his later trip in 1787. He said of Newtownbarry “ it is one of
the pleasantest towns which I have seen in the Kingdom”. The
first preaching house was set up in Newtownbarry after his first
visit in the “assembly room” where he gave his first sermon.
The present building was undertaken during the Ministry of Rev.
John Wilson in 1808 when preparations were made for the building
of a Chapel. During the following five decades, the original
building was modified to incorporate a modest dwelling for the
resident Preacher.
Rev. Charles Graham was the spiritual Billy Graham of his time
in Newtownbarry and preached in the fairs and markets as well as
in the preaching house near the well. In 1819 he wrote to his
friend Rev. Taylor in London and stated that “Our preaching
places are crowded: many are forced to stand outside”.
Other notable Ministers were Gideon Ouseley, Robert Houston and
Fossey Tackaberry.
In
latter times the residential rooms of the building were occupied
by a Miss Hadden, originally from Carlow, a relative of the late
Dr. Hadden the noted Carlow/Wexford historian. She exhibited a
model village which was called “Happytown” much to the delight
of the local children who were allowed to view the exhibit free
of charge.
The last Methodists to occupy the building were Mr. & Mrs.
George Lewis, who at one time had considerable business
interests in Bunclody.
The late Mrs. Elizabeth Craig (nee Boxwell) was the next owner
of the property. Mrs. Craig, who sold to the present owners,
was a noted patron of the Arts. |
