Where
Ardee Street Collon LouthBuilt in 1740 in the Irish Long House style, Collon House was the home of Anthony Foster, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. His famous son John “Speaker” Foster (born 1740), was the last Speaker of the Irish House of Commons up to its dissolution by the Act of Union in 1800. The House is full of character and charm; its gracious rooms are exquisitely furnished with period antiques and paintings, retaining the atmosphere of early Georgian living. Boutique private country house B&B accommodation is available at Collon House year round.
The gardens at Collon House are surrounded by mature trees and shrubs. A ten foot high laurel hedge gives a fine backdrop with a sense of privacy and seclusion. The gardens have been restored with appropriate planting; the main entrance doorway to the house overlooks a sunken box parterre with topiary and an intricate design layout in the early 18th Century style. In the ornamental garden there are box edged herbaceous borders.
White phlox, delphiniums, agapanthus, hemerocallis all making a cheerful show in the summer, while darker richer colour tones come later from penstomen, dahlias, asters and golden rudbeckia. A Greek style summerhouse at the end of the garden is a restful viewpoint to review the colour schemes, old roses and clematis.
The enclosed courtyard sports a collection of hostas away from the hot sun, while pots of hydrangeas enjoy the shade of the tall gabled 1740's house.
Collon House is a member of the Boyne Valley Garden Trail - www.boynevalleygardentrail.com.
Guided tours of the house & garden are available by appointment, visit website for details.