‘The organic outdoor pool turned it into a house for all seasons’: Indiana Jones author’s former Jacobean style retreat in Offaly

Harry Whelehan and Rachel Meagher, the current owners of Cangort House in Shinrone, Co Offaly, have transformed the historic Jacobean-style property, formerly owned by author Thomas Campbell Black, into a home suitable for all seasons. A significant addition to the 10,000 sq ft house, which sits on 23.9 acres of land, is an organic swimming pool designed by landscape architect Cathal O’Meara. This pool, using natural filtration and plants instead of chlorine, fulfilled their desire for water in landlocked Offaly, making the house a summer destination for outdoor gatherings and barbecues, complementing its existing appeal as a cozy winter home with numerous fireplaces. The couple acquired Cangort House in 2004, seeking a family home outside Dublin. Whelehan's father, former attorney general Harry Whelehan, was familiar with Shinrone, which guided their decision. The property had been on the market for some time, as potential buyers were hesitant to take on a 'lifestyle property' of its scale. Thomas Campbell Black, known for writing the novelization of 'Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,' purchased the house in the early 1990s. The original Jacobean structure, completed in 1850, stands on the site of a castle destroyed by Oliver Cromwell, with a small portion of the current house dating back to the original foundations. Despite its size, Cangort House has proven to be manageable, with upgrades primarily focusing on aesthetics rather than major structural overhauls. The previous owners had maintained the property well, leaving it in good condition. Whelehan and Meagher introduced a vibrant and eclectic interior design, moving away from the house's previously monotone palette. They embraced bold colors, statement furniture, and unique art pieces. An example of the transformation is an upstairs bathroom that once featured an avocado-colored jacuzzi and pink carpet, which was updated with a vintage freestanding roll-top bathtub and an Edwardian washstand, creating a more elegant and sophisticated space. A notable design choice is the absence of curtains throughout the house, which contributes to a more open and airy feel. The entrance hall provides access to a dining room with high ceilings, ornate cornicing, and a marble fireplace. The library is lined with bookshelves and connects to a navy-painted drawing room featuring an Adam-style fireplace. A panelled sitting room offers views of the pool and serves as a cozy everyday space. Two adjoining studies have facilitated remote work. The kitchen, recently refurbished, acts as the central hub of the house, boasting a black-and-white marble floor, solid wood cabinetry, a large island with a double Belfast sink, a Smeg fridge, a Stanley Rangemaster, and a solid-fuel Stanley stove. The adjacent TV room is lit by a distinctive UFO-style light fixture from Willie Duggan Lighting, providing a soft, modern glow. The couple's decor incorporates pieces collected from various places, including Notting Hill in London, known for its vintage and unique furniture. Quirky elements like Chesterfield chairs in the bedroom and a giant cowboy boot chair in the hallway add character. The house itself possesses unique architectural details, such as a fireplace positioned halfway up the stairs and a small corridor beneath it. To manage heating costs, the house is equipped with zoned heating, allowing specific areas, such as the kitchen and TV room, to be heated while other parts of the house are not in use, with oil-fired heating employed when guests are present. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a basketball court was added to the property. While the house requires ongoing maintenance typical of large estates, a robot lawn mower assists with exterior upkeep. After many years at Cangort House, with their three children grown and moved out, the couple decided to sell the property, believing it should be enjoyed by a larger family. The estate includes 14 stables, a walled garden, and an infirmary, and was once home to a church that was destroyed by a storm. The house's central location in Ireland, close to Shinrone and within a reasonable driving distance of Limerick, Shannon, and Dublin, is highlighted as a practical benefit. Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes is handling the sale of Cangort House, with an asking price of €1.65 million. #HomeDesign #HistoricHomes #OrganicPool #InteriorDesign #IrishProperty #CountryLiving #Renovation #JacobeanStyle #ThomasCampbellBlack #HomeDesign #HistoricHomes #OrganicPool #InteriorDesign #IrishProperty #CountryLiving #Renovation #JacobeanStyle #ThomasCampbellBlack