The Coach House

Originally built to house the coaches for the Glascott family of Fruit Hill House around 1730, it had a loft above which the estate workers used for dances on St. Patrick's night in the early 1900's. The floor had to be suitably reinforced for the occasion! When the main house fell into disrepair, the new owner, William Kirby, the Glascott's former head gardener, moved his family of 10 to the coach house.

Purchased by Mrs. Joan Price of Kilmokea Gardens in the 1960's, the house was then used by her steward, and Fruit Hill became a stud farm of some renown.

When the Devane family arrived in mid-winter of 1996, the Coach House was completely renovated and extended. From a family of architects, there was no shortage of advice in turning it into a comfortable and convenient home. Eventually Dick and Susan Devane restored from ruin the original house, and made the Coach House available for holidays.

Visitors generally comment on the warm welcome at Fruit Hill; the tranquility of the place, and the space and sense of freedom it affords. With a blazing fire in the grate, and plenty of books and board games as well as TV and DVD, some visitors leave the house only to stroll around the garden. There's plenty to see and do in this unexploited and friendly corner of Ireland however, and within an hour's drive of Fruit Hill you will reach Waterford, Wexford or Killkenny City: there are fourteen sandy beaches to chose from, as well as coastal walks, gardens and abbeys.

Because peacocks roam freely in the garden, roosting in the trees overnight, pets cannot be permitted (with the exception of guide dogs), and smokers are respectfully asked not to smoke in the house. All linen is provided; electricity and heating oil are charged at cost price at the end of your stay.

Sorry - no credit card facilities.

Alastair Sawday page for the Coach House

Accommodation comprises: