471.

27. Arcadian living –Baronscourt House  
Baronscourt House,  begun in c.1780 is one of the largest and most significant country houses in  Ireland. It reflects the power and influence of the Abercorn family  and is a private ideal world set within a carefully landscaped estate.  Initial designs were by George Stewart. John Soane (architect of the Bank of  England) carried out modifications in the 1790’s.  Further work was by William ‘Vitruvius’  Morrison and his son in the 1830’s. These were the best architects of their  time and they created something very special. However, this work was part of  a trend across Ireland and Britain. Everywhere landlords were improving and  adapting their estates to reflect classical ideals of living with an elegant  proportioned house located within a carefully designed ‘natural’ landscape.