A two-bedroom apartment within the illustrious surroundings of the K Club, a sylvan setting along the River Liffey that hosted the Ryder Cup, boasts world-class golf, padel and tennis courts, bars, restaurants, and even a spa. It offers entry to a well-heeled part of Co Kildare, one WAGS call K4.
Converted about 25 years ago, apartments in the garden courtyard at The K Club, a five-star resort that sits on a 550-acre estate along the River Liffey, offer entry to a rather exclusive club.
Set within the grounds of the K Club, a manor house built by Hugh Barton, a wealthy wine merchant of Barton & Guestier fame. He modelled it after a French château, the Château of Louveciennes, or Madame du Barry, aka Jeanne Bécu, the last official mistress of King Louis XV of France, who was executed during France’s Reign of Terror.
Address: 684 The Garden Courtyard, The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare, W23 XR53
Asking price: €495,000
Agent: Coonan Property Maynooth
It is a storied place to set up home. Other previous owners include businessman and philanthropist Michael Smurfit, who led Ireland’s first multinational company, and screenwriter, producer and director Kevin McClory, who co-produced two James Bond films, Thunderball and its remake, Never Say Never Again, having fought and lost a long legal battle for a share of the highly lucrative 007 movie franchise.
The location is very much Kildare 4, a part of the thoroughbred county where there are many fine big houses hidden from view by long gated tree-lined avenues.
A key feature for golf fans is the 36 holes across two championship parkland golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, the Palmer North Course and the Palmer South Course, and hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006.
The amenities go well beyond golf.
The hotel has several bar and dining options and includes a spa that has a 16.5 metre pool with water jet massage, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and a rejuvenating outdoor Canadian hot tub.
In addition to walks and runs through the grounds, guests can enjoy padel and tennis courts.
Housed in the walled garden and a short walk from the hotel, number 684 is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on the upper floor, spanning 76 square metres.
Accessed via a glass-covered walkway and a set of steps, it opens into a hall with plenty of storage.
The living room overlooks the formal gardens which are at the centre of the apartment block, formerly staff quarters.
The living cum dining room has been smartly presented with a custom console table, Art Deco in style, that helps to hide the radiator cover.
A door opens out to a small balcony overlooking the gardens.
It opens through to a small kitchen with a narrow breakfast bar where you can perch on busy mornings.
The primary bedroom is a good size and has a shower en suite bathroom.
The main bathroom has a bath and a separate shower stall.
Considered one of Ireland's most exclusive private developments, the sylvan setting is just 30 minutes from Dublin.
There is a regular Bus Éireann service from the village to Dublin city centre, on the number 120, while Hazelhatch and Celbridge train station is about a 12-minute drive with services to Heuston station.
It is close to Straffan village with its café, shop, pubs, national school and sporting facilities, and within easy reach of Celbridge, Clane and Maynooth.
The M4 and M7 motorways are within a short drive.
Agents Coonan Property Maynooth is seeking €495,000 for the C BER-rated residence.
