Demesne House, Antrim Road, Lurgan, Craigavon BT67 9BW

Additional Information

This is a home set apart from the rest, steeped in a wealth of history, charm and distinction.  Presently known as "The Demesne" and originally built in the 1920s for Mr Thomas B Johnston from the Johnston, Allen & Co Ltd, one of Northern Ireland's main linen merchants.  The dwelling is presumed to have been designed by the well-known Dromore architect Henry Hobart in the arts and crafts red brick style finish of the era with natural slate roof, decorativbe art spouting and stacked chimney breast with clay pots.

On Thomas B Johnston's instructions this residence was designed with the intention of accommodating visiting trade representatives as well as being the Johnston family home, and has ramained in the Johnston family u until 2011.

Mr Thomas B Johnston was succeeded by his son Mr T Carter Johnston.  Whilst very much part of the family business, he also became high sheriff of Co Armagh and continued to live at The Demesne until his death in October 2005.

Thomas' vision was undoubtedly achieved, as the seductive blend of style runs easily through this characteristic residence starting as soon as you approach the stone pillared, gated access from the prestigious Kilmore Road, continuing up the sweeping driveway through the peaceful wooded grounds.

It is situated on a private site  of approx. 0.85 of an acre, offering mature beautifully presented gardens with a wide variety of trees and shrubs, not forgetting that is adjoins Lurgan Golf Club, offering uninterrupted views of the playing greens.

Upon aproaching the front door you are offered a glimpse of its earlier grandeur and style, and once inside its quite another world.  Internally the house boasts approximately 7,298 sq ft and offers some unexpectedly well proportioned, bright and airy rooms.  The spacious sunlit entrance hall has oak flooring with hand carved sweeping staircase and original stone built fireplace, as well as panelling on the staircase risiing to the first floor, the family lounge, drawing room and dining room each featuring an abundance of exposed beam ceilings, wooden floors and by double aspect windows.

As you aproach the rear of the house you will find the kitchen and the side door entrance leading our into a mature private side garden.

The first floor boasts three double bedrooms, and master bedroom with en-suite.  The master bedroom takes full advantage of the tranquilizing golf course views.

On the second floor you will encounter a further three bedrooms boasting double aspect views overlooking Lurgan Lake and surrounding mature woodland, with access to separate family bathroom.

An additional self-contained annex found at the back of this property features an original wood  spiral staircase, opening up into a private library with original fireplace, dormer windows and seated window area.  A double bedroom and bathroom are also accessed through this level, continuing to offer the same character, charm and panoramic views as the main residence.

To the rear of the property stands a single storey outbuilding and attached single storey garage of similar red brick, suitable for up to three cars.

Although benefiting from this peaceful setting the property also enjoys ease of access to a broad range of amenities and attractions including Lurgan Golf Course, Lurgan Park and Lake and Brownlow House, which you can view from your doorstep.  A few minutes drive takes you to Moira village, with the M1 motorway network linking you to Lisburn and Belfast.  This family residence is a home to fall in love with.  One of the losses caused by the passage of time is that we are unable to appreciate the complete ensemble of this property and its interior, meaning any new owners will not only have the opportunity to complete the internal fit out to their own personal style and taste, but will also experience the enjoyment in restoring this period dwelling to its former splendour and glory.  Like all arts and crafts style period properties you will not be disappointed by the multidude of classic design features.

Internally a strong emphasis has been placed on craft with a wealth of detail incorporating natural oak three-quarter height wainscoting and full height panelled, aesthetic motifs and numerous other bespoke details hidden in every room

ENTRANCE PORCH (6'9" X 5'0")

A covered porch welcomes guests and ushers them through into the grand hallway.  Enter through the front broad plain plank door (which harks back to medieval times) with matching latches, hinges and with hammered finish. Its completed with red brick and stone walls, with high ceiling and tiled flooring

RECEPTION HALL (16'7" X 23'6")

Splendid open plan entrance hallway featuring grand curved handcrafted oak staircase with carpet flooring and brass stair rods.  Eye catching stone fireplace with fitted window seating where you can take full advantage of the views of front mature gardens.  Large original doors featuring bevelled glass with cast iron insets are a welcome addition. The impressive hall with timber panels that lead up to first floor landing, with exposed ceiling beams and finished with oak flooring, all add to the warmth and charm of this room

LOUNGE (15'10"X 20'10")

Striking hearth-warmed living room which boasts oak flooring and double aspect windows, flooded with light and enjoying stunning views of Lurgan Golf Course.

DINING ROOM (15'0" X 20'10")

Formal dining room featuring oak crafted fireplace teamed with oak flooring.  Large window enjoying stunning views of Lurgan Golf Course.  Second doorway leading into kitchen.

DRAWING ROOM (17'9" X 14'0")

Enhanced by exposed ceiling beams, built-in cabinets and timber wall panelled whilst the oak crafted fireplace warms this space.  A bay window with window seating provides views of the side garden, extending living space to the outdoors.

KITCHEN (13'5" X 19'7" )

The kitchen is found to the back of the property and, with some inspirational re-designing, can be transformed to its primary function as the heart of the family home.  Fitted with white high and low lvel units and fully tiled flooring.

L-SHAPED SIDE ENTRANCE (6'11" X 16'1")

Tiled flooring

DOWNSTAIRS CLOAKROOM AND WC (11'9" X 6'7" )

Tiled flooring, sink unit, floor to ceiling wood panelling.  Rear entrance archway leading you into this private annex

BREAKFAST MORNING ROOM (8'4" X 14'11")

Large bay window offering full views of golf course greens, oak parquet flooring and ornate fireplace

BACK KITCHEN (9'10" X 9'10" )

Tiled flooring

SEPARATE ROOM WITH SINK FACILITIES (5'7" X 9'9")

Tiled flooring.  This private oak spiral staircase leads up directly to the library

FIRST FLOOR GALLERY LANDING

A wealth of windows lends an abundance of natural light to this first floor hallway.  Featuring timber panels and finished in oak flooring

MASTER BEDROOM (18'11" X 15'10")

Master bedroom warmed by an oak fireplace and fully fitted with built-in wardrobes and en-suite.  Finished in oak flooring.  Complemented by views of Lurgan Golf Course's playing greens

EN-SUITE (7'11" X 8'9")

White suite with tiled flooring

BEDROOM 2 20'10" X 15'10")

Flooded with natural light from the double aspect windows overlooking both golf course and front gardens.  Finished with sealed tiled fireplace and oak flooring

BEDROOM 3 (17'10" X 14'10")

Flooded with natural light from the double aspect windows overlooking both golf course and front gardens.  Finished with sealed tiled fireplace and oak flooring.  Benefiting from built-in sink unit

UPSTAIRS BATHROOM (7'5" X 8'1")

White fully fitted bathroom suite.  Walk-in shower units, tiled walls and flooring servicing this first floor

BEDROOM 4 (21'3" X 12'0")

Double bedroom finished with oak flooring and tiled fireplace, benefiting from built-in sink unit

BEDROOM 5 (16'2" X 12'0")

Spiral staircase leads into this double bedroom with casement window, tiled fireplce and finished in oak flooring

EN-SUITE (7'4" X 8'7")

Fully fitted white suite featuring storage cupboards and window overlooking bck courtyard

LIBRARY (19'0" X 17'11")

Continuing up this spirtal staircase this floor boasts a quiet library with a multitude of casement windows boasting views of the secluded side garden and golf course.  Finished in oak flooring, slanted ceilings and storage cupboards.  Furthermore its enchanted by the oak and tiled fireplace, built-in window seating and built-in shelving

BEDROOM 6 (14'10" X 25'0")

Tucked up on the third floor is a further three bedrooms 7 Bedrooms 6,7 AND 8) finished with fireplaces, built-in storage and floored in oak.  The focal point of these front facing bedrooms is the outstanding views which stretch as far as Lurgan Lake.

BEDROOM 7 (21'2"X 16'10")

Finished in oak flooring and featuring casement window

BEDROOM 8 (21'2" X 11'6")

Finished in oak floorin and featuring casement window

WINDOWS

Wrought iron sash and casement windows with leaded glass

HEATING SYSTEM

Oil fired central heating

INTERNAL FLOOR AREA APPROX 7.298 SQ FT