Plans for boutique guest lodge in County Roscommon get green light
Plans to develop a period house in North Roscommon into a boutique guest lodge have got the planning go-ahead.
Roscommon County Council has granted planning permission to applicants Adaire and Ken Fox-Martin for a change of use of Tully Lodge in Kilmore from a private dwelling to providing high-end guest accommodation.
The restoration, conservation and extension of the house will provide for six guest bedrooms at first floor level, another guest bedroom following the proposed conversion of the attic along with ancillary accommodation at ground floor level.
The guesthouse will also comprise a reception area, meeting room, lounge, kitchen, staff facilities and an event space while an existing gate lodge on the grounds will be restored and extended for the provision of an apartment.
The restoration of a former tennis court, the construction of a natural pond and staff and guest carparking are among the other features in the plans.
Located on the outskirts of Kilmore village, Tully Lodge is a regency period residence built c. 1830s. It a protected structure and set on c.16 acres of mature parkland.
The planning application outlines that the applicants wish to bring Tully Lodge back into use so that “the site and structures therein can be safeguarded for future generations and the beautiful property can make a sustainable ongoing positive contribution to the local economy”.
The applicants aim to provide a high-end accommodation offering, “showcasing the beautiful Tully Lodge itself and what the surrounding area has to offer”.
This includes fishing, boating, hiking and “the notable artistic/architectural heritage of the area including the recently restored 'Von Nost' wall plaque in honour of James Lawder, situated in the nearby Church of Ireland”.
28 conditions are attached to the planning permission.
One of the applicants, Adaire Fox-Martin, is a very familiar figure in the global tech sector and a former Head of Google in Ireland. She is the current CEO of Equinix, a global leader in digital infrastructure.
