Glenkeen House, 80 Ardmore Road

• Impressive Grade B1 Georgian country house approached via a long sweeping gravel driveway
• Located in a beautiful, secluded area with convenient access to local amenities
• Extensive and well balanced principal accommodation comprising six bedrooms, five reception rooms and five bathrooms
• Substantial annex, suitable for independent living, guest use or multigenerational occupation
• Attractive development opportunity comprising six duplex three-bedroom apartments, subject to planning consents
• Mature and attractive grounds including established gardens and woodland, a range of outbuildings and an enclosed walled garden

An outstanding Georgian country residence in a mature setting, extending to about 9.7 acres

Glenkeen House is an impressive detached and symmetrical three‑bay Georgian country residence, dating from circa 1798, set within an extensive mature landscaped site along the prestigious Ardmore Road.

Enjoying a highly private setting, the house is approached via a long, gently winding driveway that creates a strong sense of arrival and seclusion.

Rectangular on plan and facing south, the property is distinguished by its elegant proportions and a striking full‑height bow to both the front and rear elevations. Accommodation is arranged over two storeys to the south and three storeys to the north, with the fully exposed lower ground floor opening onto a generous paved terrace overlooking the grounds.

Internally, the house offers gracious and well‑balanced accommodation rich in period character. The elegant entrance hall leads to the principal reception rooms, including a living room and formal dining room, both benefiting from dual‑aspect period windows and delightful garden views. The principal bedroom suite features a walk‑in wardrobe and a beautifully appointed en‑suite bathroom with twin basins and a free-standing roll‑top bath, with an adjoining bedroom or studio providing flexible accommodation.

The first floor offers four further well‑proportioned bedrooms, including one en suite, together with a family bathroom. The lower ground floor provides excellent additional living space, comprising a comfortable family room with partial wall panelling, opening into a modern open‑plan kitchen and living area fitted with high‑quality units and a central island.

A laundry room and separate WC complete the accommodation.

The property is further complemented by a spacious annex and a number of outbuildings, offering excellent versatility.

HISTORY 

Glenkeen House is an elegant period residence dating from around 1798, embodying over two centuries of architectural history.

By the mid‑19th century, Glenkeen House was recorded as being in the possession of William McClelland, who leased the property from Henry Stacy Skipton and Alexander Skipton.

Ownership and occupancy of Glenkeen House evolved through the latter half of the 19th century, passing to Latham Blacker by 1861 and later to Major Thomas Carlton by 1874. Although recorded as vacant in 1881, the property was subsequently occupied by Patrick Maxwell, followed by Michael C. Feeny in 1902 and Hugh Laird by 1919. Hugh Laird, a director of a local bleach works, remained closely associated with Glenkeen House until his death on 12 November 1951, marking the end of a significant chapter in the property’s history.

During the late 20th century, Glenkeen House continued to be recognised for its architectural importance. Although proposals were put forward in 1980 to convert the property into apartments, these plans were not implemented. Instead, efforts were focused on preservation and enhancement, with repairs carried out to the roof, chimneys and rainwater goods in 1985. A further programme of restoration followed in 1993, including the re‑slating of the wing roof, full re‑rendering of the building and repairs to the windows.

Today, Glenkeen House stands as a distinguished historic residence, retaining its period character and architectural integrity, while benefiting from thoughtful conservation that has allowed this fine home to endure as a notable feature of the Ardmore Road landscape.

Location 

Derry/Londonderry is the second‑largest city in Northern Ireland and the fifth‑largest city on the island of Ireland.

The city is situated at the mouth of Lough Foyle, adjacent to the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, and occupies a striking setting centred on a hill along the west bank of the River Foyle. The historic walled city, completed in 1618, remains one of the finest surviving examples of a complete city wall in Europe.

Derry/Londonderry lies approximately 70 miles northwest of Belfast, accessed via the M2 and A6 road network, and 23 miles east of Letterkenny via the N13. The city benefits from excellent road and rail connectivity and is further supported by Londonderry Port, a deep‑water port, and City of Derry Airport at Eglinton, providing direct daily connections to major UK and Republic of Ireland cities.

Glenkeen House is nestled within a peaceful and mature residential setting along Ardmore Road, enjoying a strong sense of privacy and separation while remaining conveniently connected to the city and its amenities. The immediate surroundings are characterised by mature trees, landscaped gardens and open green spaces, creating a serene and secluded environment.

Despite its tranquil setting, Glenkeen House is ideally located for everyday living, with a wide range of amenities nearby, including schools, shops, cafés and recreational facilities.

Amenities 

The surrounding area is popular and vibrant, hosting an excellent selection of local cafés, restaurants and neighbourhood amenities, all easily accessible from the property.

Derry/Londonderry city centre is only a short distance away, offering a wide array of shops, cultural attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues, along with the historic city walls and attractive riverside walkways.

The property is ideally positioned to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the North Coast and neighbouring Donegal, both renowned for their dramatic scenery, unspoilt beaches and exceptional coastal and countryside walks. From sweeping Atlantic views to golden sandy beaches and rugged headlands, the area offers some of the most celebrated landscapes in Ireland. World‑class golfing destinations are also within comfortable reach, including Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portstewart Golf Club and Ballyliffin Golf Club, all internationally recognised courses drawing visitors from across the globe.

For outdoor and recreational pursuits closer to home, St Columb’s Park, Foyle Valley Walk and Ness Wood Country Park are all easily accessible, providing attractive woodland walks, riverside paths and natural green spaces. Sporting and leisure enthusiasts are well catered for, with several respected golf facilities nearby, including City of Derry Golf Club at Prehen and Foyle Golf Centre, both offering established courses within a short drive. The wider area also benefits from a strong selection of leisure centres, sports clubs and recreational amenities catering to a wide range of interests.

Well‑regarded local schooling includes Foyle College, Oakgrove Integrated College, St Mary’s College, St Columb’s College, Thornhill College and Lumen Christi College. The city is also home to the Magee Campus of Ulster University and the Northwest Regional College, further enhancing the area’s educational offering.