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

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.
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.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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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