There are homes, and then there are
places.
Set on the edge of the Quoile River at
2 Finnebrogue Road, this individually designed detached residence occupies one
of the most enchanting and sought-after settings in the whole of County Down.
Surrounded by mature private woodland, with the river running alongside and
nature filling every outlook, Portulla is a home that has to be experienced to
be truly understood.
For over fifty years, this has been
one family's most treasured possession a place where children grew up canoeing
on the river, exploring woodland trails through their own private gardens, and
experiencing a childhood that most can only dream of. It is a home that has been
deeply loved, and that love is woven into every corner of it.
Portulla was designed with a clear
architectural vision by renowned architect, Joe Fitzgerald; a home that belongs
to its landscape rather than imposing upon it. The result is a residence of
genuine character and distinction, with a layout and presence that sets it apart
from anything else in the area. Five generous bedrooms provide excellent family
accommodation, while the principal reception spaces are oriented to draw in the
extraordinary natural surroundings, with the river, the trees and the changing
seasons providing an ever-shifting backdrop that no interior designer could ever
replicate.
Upon entering the home, the
layout immediately unfolds. From here, the living room is positioned on a half
level above, while expansive views stretch out across the gardens
beyond.
The design of the house is
thoughtfully composed, with the dining room forming the heart of the home and
the living room elevated to create a subtle sense of separation while
maintaining visual connection. The living spaces are organised around a central
fireplace, establishing a striking focal point within the home. The open-plan
arrangement ensures that all areas feel connected, creating a warm and sociable
environment ideal for family life.
The dining room opens onto
a south-facing terrace, elevated above the gardens, providing an ideal setting
for outdoor dining. The home is oriented to the south to maximise natural light
throughout the day, allowing each of the principal living areas to take full
advantage of the picturesque views towards the river.
The home now presents a wonderful
opportunity for a new family to bring their own touch to the interiors to honour
the bones of a truly special house while making it entirely their own. The
architectural framework is exceptional; the canvas is ready.
To walk through the grounds at
Portulla is to step into another world entirely. Five acres of breathtaking
natural beauty unfold around you with sweeping lawns that catch the morning
light, ancient trees whose canopies have sheltered generations, and borders of
extraordinary richness planted with a gardener's lifelong passion and an
artist's instinct for colour. Every turn reveals something new a flash of bloom,
a hidden path, a shaft of sunlight breaking through the woodland onto the still
water beyond. The lake sits at the heart of it all, perfectly at home amongst
the reeds and the willows, as though nature itself chose this spot. And perhaps
it did. At the far end of the garden, the grounds extend to the river, where the
house enjoys direct access to the water — a rare and special connection that
deepens the sense of tranquillity and escape.There is something undeniably
magical about this place the kind of garden where children have always believed,
quite rightly, that something wonderful might be hiding just around the next
corner.
Within the grounds sits a detached
cottage, full of potential and waiting to be reimagined. Whether converted into
guest accommodation for visiting family and friends, a private home office
suite, or a self-contained annexe, it adds a further dimension to an already
remarkable property.
To describe the grounds at Portulla as
a garden would be to do them a disservice. This is a private world mature
woodland wrapping around the property, the Quoile River running along the
boundary, and a sense of complete seclusion that is extraordinarily rare this
close to a town.
The family who has called this home
for five decades speak of mornings on the river by canoe, evenings walking
through their own woodland, camping in the garden, and a connection to the
natural world that shaped their lives in the most profound way. Kingfishers,
herons, woodpeckers and otters and the sounds of the river have been the
soundtrack to daily life here. That soundtrack is included in the sale.
Finnebrogue Road sits just outside the
historic town of Downpatrick, offering the perfect balance of rural seclusion
and everyday practicality. Downpatrick's full range of shops, schools and
amenities are only minutes away, while Belfast is accessible in just over
half an hour, and the newly completed Down High School is located a short walk
away. The Quoile Countryside Park and the wider Strangford Lough Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty are virtually on the doorstep, offering riverside
walks, cycle routes and wildlife and waterways in every
direction.
Portulla is not simply a house for
sale. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a home of genuine
architectural quality, in a setting of rare and breathtaking natural beauty,
with the space, the land and the potential to create something truly
extraordinary for the next family fortunate enough to call it home.
Homes like this do not come to the
market often. In truth, they almost never do.
Viewing is not just recommended, it is
essential
| PORCH |
Internal porch |
| DINING ROOM: 15' 4" X 13' 9" (4.6700m X 4.1900m) |
A bright and spacious reception dining room with solid wood flooring and garden views. Ground floor wash room and cloaks closet |
| DRAWING ROOM: 31' 4" X 19' 3" (9.5500m X 5.8700m) |
Uniquely designed this drawing room captures the gardens in all levels. Open space with vaulted ceiling, feature fireplace and dining area sliding patio doors. |
| KITCHEN: 14' 8" X 10' 4" (4.4700m X 3.1500m) |
Solid wood kitchen with recess for cooker, stainless steel sink, amples storeages units, corner windows capturing the lake and garden views. |
| UTILITY ROOM: |
Utility room plumbed for washing machine and dryer. stainless steel sink. garden access |
| PRIMARY BEDROOM WITH ENSUITE BATHROOM 17' 8" X 13' 4" (5.3800m X 4.0600m) |
Primary bedroom with is bright and spacious with high ceilings and built in wardrobe. Ensuite bathroom to comprise bath, separate shower, wash haand basin and wc. |
| HALLWAY: |
Hallway with garden views, hot press and storage cupboards. |
| BEDROOM (2): 10' 7" X 10' 6" (3.2300m X 3.2000m) |
Built in wardrobes
|
| BEDROOM (3): 13' 8" X 8' 9" (4.1700m X 2.6700m) |
Built in wardrobe |
| BEDROOM (4): 15' 10" X 9' 5" (4.8300m X 2.8700m) |
Beautiful garden views, wooden flooring and vanity sink area |
| SHOWER ROOM |
Shower room with feature shower, wash hand basin and wc. |
| BEDROOM (5): |
Excellent bedroom with walk in access to the roof space storage. |
| |
To walk through the grounds at Portulla is to step into another world. Five acres of sweeping lawns, ancient woodland and borders of extraordinary botanical richness unfold around you each one planted with a gardener's lifelong passion and an artist's eye for colour. A beautiful lake sits at the heart of it all, perfectly framed by reeds, willows and the gentle sounds of nature. There is something undeniably enchanting about this place the kind of garden where the air feels different. Created with devotion over more than fifty years, these grounds are not simply a feature of Portulla. They are its soul. |
