Fruitlawn, Abbeyleix, Old Town, Co. Laois, R32W5W7
CBPM Real Estate is proud to bring to the market this stunning 4-bedroom, 6-bathroom detached home built circa 1740 with a BER rating of E1. This exceptional property spans 259.9m² (2 797.54 sq. ft.), combining historic charm with thoughtful modern updates, creating a residence of timeless elegance and sophistication. The property boasts 0.6 acres of fantastic and unique gardens designed by internationally renowned Arthur Shackleton. Arthur is renowned for his substantial design work from Castles, well known studs and private gardens both in Ireland and abroad. The garden has mainly perennial borders which reach up to 6” tall in Summer and look spectacular in full colour. This magnificent garden has a wide variety of trees, orchards & shrubs.
Arthur Shackleton, a descendent of the famous Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, bought this property 25 years ago. It was land adjacent to Fruitlawn House, a Victorian house next door. Arthur then started renovating the properties into a stylish, welcoming and very comfortable home and delightful gardens.
Carol Booth moved from Dublin to join Arthur and together they worked on the house and garden to make an oasis for themselves and for others to visit and feel welcome. Carol is a beekeeper and keeps her beehives in the garden. The Shackleton family were of a quaker origin, and the house reflects this ethos. With this in mind the walls are painted with confidence in strong colours which is the influence of Carol Booth, Arthur’s wife. Trained as an artist at NCAD, Dublin, her studio is in the garden - where she works daily, exhibits and sells paintings both at home and internationally.
From the moment you arrive, the home greets you with two elegant front entrances, one to the left and one to the right, each offering effortless access and a sense of grand arrival. Inside, the vibrant entrance hallways, bathed in radiant light, set a cheerful yet refined tone, welcoming you into a home that is both inviting and stylish. Thoughtful design continues with two conveniently located guest bathrooms downstairs.
The home features two solid wooden staircases gracefully leading to the upper-level bedrooms and bathrooms, adding both elegance and functional symmetry to the layout. A sunlit landing, enhanced by a skylight, illuminates the upper floor, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that connects each space with warmth and style.
The living areas seamlessly integrate with the kitchen, creating expansive, open spaces perfect for both intimate moments and entertaining. Sunlight pours through large windows, highlighting the refined architectural details and elegant finishes. The versatile layout accommodates quiet reflection, lively gatherings, and everything in between, ensuring every corner of the home is functional and inviting.
The kitchen is a masterpiece of design and function, blending dark grey cabinetry in contrast to duck egg blue walls, with rich wooden floors and countertops. A traditional Aga range sits at the heart of the kitchen, giving off a gentle, constant heat that makes the space wonderfully warm and cosy throughout the day. Thoughtful cabinetry and open shelving provide abundant storage, while carefully curated lighting adds a personal, luxurious touch. A convenient utility room nearby enhances functionality, keeping everyday tasks seamless and discreet. Adjacent to the kitchen, the open-plan dining area is bright and airy, with generous windows framing the well-manicured back gardens, offering a tranquil, private retreat. The fluid design accommodates every occasion, from casual breakfasts to grand celebrations.
A second living area offers a more intimate retreat, ideal for quiet reflection or gathering, with natural light and refined architectural features creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. French doors from the living area open onto a sunny stone terrace, providing an ideal space to enjoy outdoor dining and summer meals.
Additionally, a flexible room on the ground floor can be used as a home office, studio, or extra storage, perfectly adapting to your lifestyle needs.
Each bedroom is a sanctuary of serenity and style, with ample natural light, versatile layouts, and thoughtfully considered proportions. The master bedroom features a serene design and a restful atmosphere, while additional bedrooms provide spaces that can accommodate family, guests, or creative pursuits.
Every bathroom is a retreat in itself, combining vibrant colour palettes with luxurious fixtures. Generous baths, sunlit windows, and thoughtful design create spaces that are both energizing and soothing. Secondary bathrooms feature eclectic décor, vintage-inspired vanities, and refined finishes, transforming daily routines into moments of indulgence.
This is not just a home—it’s a lifestyle. Every corner has been curated to offer warmth, sophistication, and joy, making daily life feel extraordinary. Experience a residence where design, light, and elegance come together to create a sanctuary of modern luxury. Viewing is highly advised.
The property is located 5 minutes from the heritage town of Abbeyleix. Abbeyleix has a lot to offer with many local visiting attractions such as Heywood Gardens, The Bog Walk, Durrow, Abbeyleix Golf Club, and more. There are some wonderful restaurants and more in the pipeline. The famous Morrissey’s pub is in the centre of town, not to forget the wonderful bakery. Centrally located to local towns such as Portlaoise and only a 50-minute drive to Dublin, this without doubt is an ideal home for the commuter that wants to experience the country lifestyle and have easy access to Dublin & Kilkenny.
Accommodation
Downstairs
Hallway – 5.75m x 5.34m – Wood flooring, recessed lighting
Living room – 5.75 x 8.05m – Wood flooring, recessed lighting, curtain & curtain pole, fireplace, built-in shelving unit, patio doors
Kitchen / Dining Area – 5.75m x 8.05m – Wood floor, fully fitted kitchen, recessed lighting, Range Oil Cooker, Tiled Splashback, Curtain & curtain pole
Hallway 2 – 5.75m x 1.64m – tiled floor, recessed lighting
Room – 1.80m x 2.96 – Tiled floor, light fitting
Utility Room – 1.87m x 2.92m – Tiled floor, light fitting, shelving
W.C. – Tiled floor, light fitting, splashback, w.c. with built-in cistern, w.h.b.
Living Room – 5.73m x 5.48m – Carpet, blinds, fireplace, built-in shelving units
W.C. – 2.01m x 1.31m – Tiled floor, light fitting, tiled splash back, w.h.b., w.c.
Upstairs
Bedroom 1 – 2.84m x 5.84m – Carpet, light fitting, curtain & curtain pole
Bedroom 2 – 2.82m x 6.28m – Carpet, light fitting, blinds, built-in shelving unit
Bathroom 1 – 1.97m x 1.18m – Tiled floor, shower cubicle, tiled splashback, light fitting, w.h.b., fitted mirror
Landing – 2.47m x 10.59m – Wood floor, recessed lighting, skylight
Hallway – Wood floor, recessed lighting, built-in shelving unit
Bedroom 3 – 3.36m x 5.23m – Carpet, light fitting, blind
Ensuite – 0.97m x 2.83m – Tiled floor, light fitting, shower cubicle, tiled splashback, w.c., w.h.b.
Landing 2 – 1.77m x 5.46m – wood floor, recessed lighting
Bathroom 2 – 2.53m x 3.13m – Tiled floor, light fitting, ball-&-claw bath, w.c., w.h.b.
Bedroom 4 – 3.87m x 4.52m – Carpet, light fitting, blind
Bathroom 3 – 2.20m x 2.25m – Tiled floor, light fitting, fitted bath, tiled splashback, w.c., w.h.b., blind, fitted mirrors