The big house guide

After a slow, weather-beaten start to the season, the country homes market has finally kicked off with some unexpected historical treasures. These are just a few of the country piles on offer

Fortgranite Estate, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow

Boltown Hall, Kilskyre, Kells, Co Meath

Price: €2.5 million

What: a recently refurbished period home close to Kells, Boltown Hall dates from about 1860, spans some 430 square metres, and has about 102 acres of pasture lands with gardens, farm and modern equestrian facilities, including a floodlit sand arena, nine loose boxes, a six-bay horse walker and ...