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BUILT TWO CENTURIES ago, the walls of The Old Rectory at Emo in Co Laois are steeped in history – as is the guest book. The magnificent seven-bedroom Georgian residence hosted Queen Victoria during her state visit to Ireland in 1861, and looking around the property’s breathtaking surrounds, it’s easy to see why she chose to stop by.

The monarch is even rumoured to have taken tea in the property’s drawing room, as revealed by the current owners Wilf and Ingrid Deverell in conversation with the Irish Independent.

The Old Rectory’s true treasure is its 45-acre site, which includes grazing land, a walled garden and mature parklands and a patio area and pond. Aspiring dendrologists can seek out the 19 metre oak tree which is listed as a Heritage Tree by the Tree Council of Ireland.

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Inside is a warm and welcoming family residence. Ground floor accommodation comprises a drawing room, dining room, a kitchen and breakfast room, two staircases, two sunrooms, a living room, a shower room and a utility room.

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Upstairs are all seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, a bathroom and a shower room. Thanks to its size, the property could easily be split into two units, each with its own staircase and own access point from the main avenue.

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As well as its expansive living accommodation, the site includes two converted coach houses, each with self-catering and sleeping facilities. The coach houses have both been registered with Fáilte Ireland as tourism properties and feature splendid views over the surrounding countryside and Emo Court Demesne.

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Located just off the M7, the property is an hour’s drive from Dublin and a 20 minute drive from plenty of local amenities in Portlaoise.

The Old Rectory at Coolbanagher is on sale for €1,250,000 with Sherry FitzGerald via Daft.ie.