DiCamillo Companion
Ireland

Straffan House

  • Built / Designed For: Hugh Barton

    House & Family History: The Straffan Estate was purchased by Hugh Barton in 1831; Barton came from the French-Irish family that founded the wine company Barton & Guestier, owners of Château Léoville Barton. The new house that Barton built on the Straffan Estate was based on the château at Louveciennes, near Paris. After a number of owners, the estate was purchased in 1988 by Michael Smurfit (CEO of the paper packaging company Jefferson Smurfit). Smurfit converted the Straffan Estate into one of Ireland's finest resorts, complete with a championship golf course, designed by Arnold Palmer, and a fishing school.

    Collections: A sale of contents of Straffan House was held February 28, 1990 by Christie's.

  • Title: Forbes FYI (magazine)
    Author: NA
    Year Published: NA
    Reference: Winter 2002, pgs. 120-122
    Publisher: New Jersey: Forbes Media LLC
    ISBN: NA
    Book Type: Magazine

  • House Listed: Unknown

    Park Listed: Unknown

  • Past Seat / Home of: Hugh Barton, 19th century; Nathaniel Barton, 19th century; Derick Barton, 20th century; Barton family here from 1831 until 1949. John Ellis, mid-20th century.

    Current Ownership Type: Corporation

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel

    Ownership Details: Today Kildare Hotel & Country Club, aka The K Club.

  • House Open to Public: By Appointment

    Phone: 016-017-200

    Fax: 016-017-299

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: http://www.kclub.ie

    Historic Houses Member: No