James Dyson's €30m Ballynatray House on Cork-Waterford border goes under wraps 

The business community in nearby Youghal Co Cork welcomed the boost as workers prepare the historic mansion for extensive renovation and restoration

An application to Waterford City and County Council for planning approval for the renovation is still pending, but Ballynatray House on the River Blackwater has already been shrouded with scaffolding. Picture: Christy Parker

It set pulses racing when it was sold earlier this year to British billionaire Janes Dyson for a staggering €30m. Now, the already-salubrious Ballynatray House, on the banks of the River Blackwater, is getting ready for a makeover.

The house, which sits on an 850-acre estate on the Cork-Wateford border, has been almost completely encased in scaffolding and screening, as Dyson — one of Britain's richest men — awaits planning approval.

Details of planned renovation

The application, which was lodged with Waterford City and County Council on May 22, seeks to carry out roof alterations, stone chimney rebuilding, removal of a non-historic external staircase, and window replacements. 

The house, which is a protected structured, has an astonishing 350 windows.

An earlier photo of Ballynatray House on the Waterford-Cork border gives an indication of the stately home's grandeur. File picture: Denis Scannell

Internal alterations include new mechanical and electrical installations, insulation works, and floor restorations.

While the council's decision is scheduled for July 17, an estimated 100 workers have already arrived on the scene, many of whom are employees of Northern Ireland company Curramore Construction Ltd. 

All workers are bound to non-disclosure agreements.

Billionaire businessman James Dyson set a new record for Ireland’s biggest-ever private house sale when he purchased Ballinatray House on the River Blackwater earlier this year. File picture

The renovation works are seen as giving economic leg-up for Youghal, which is just 5km downriver, with local services contracted and townspeople recruited for security duties and other tasks.

'Good news for the town' 

Youghal Business Alliance chairman Ger Flanagan, who runs a printing business, said he has received "several orders for stationery and signage" as a direct result of the renovations.

Mr Flanagan also owns two coffee shops, where he also reports an upsurge in trade.

"It's very good news for the town", he said. 

Cafes and pubs across the board are experiencing a very welcome boost. We very much welcome these new visitors, including Mr Dyson and his family, he adds. 

Colin Doyle, the proprietor of JD's pub said: 

"We had some workers from Northern Ireland in for a drink last weekend and there is a noticeable increase in strange faces around since the renovations began. 

Everything points towards a benefit for the town, which is needed more than ever this year due to Ironman's absence.

Ballynatray was sold by its owner, London and Waterford-based Henry Gwyn-Jones, who doubled its lands to 850 acres after buying it 20 years ago for over €11m. 

Its €30m price tag makes it one of Ireland's most expensive properties.

Some estimates place Dyson’s personal and family fortunes at over €20bn, and he owns extensive farms and estates in the English shires, along with homes in London, France, and Singapore, as well as a 300ft superyacht.

   

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