Summerhill House - One of Europe's Grandest Mansions

Written by Ben Kesp

Once ranked as the finest and grandest mansion in Europe, the 100 roomed Summerhill House, Co. Meath, Ireland was built in 1731. It was the ancestral home of the Baronets, Barons and Viscounts Langford. This was certainly a house to be admired. It represented a seat of power, exuding pomp and wealth, owning vast estates spreading out to many counties in Ireland. The Palladian style mansion had an imposing presence on the landscape in addition to its one-mile long avenue. 

Summerhill welcomed royalty and in February 1879 the Empress of Austria visited the house. Summerhill was chosen for her stay as Co. Meath provided the best hunting grounds. In 2010 the hunting whip of the empress was auctioned at Rahinston House. The whip had still been in perfect condition by the time of the auction, kept within a mahogany case, with a silver crest bearing the Imperial arms of Habsburg. The whip reached a value of €37,000. 

The location of Summerhill on a hilltop was focal, giving it commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The building consisted of a main block with two imposing wings. Four columns with Corinthian capitals decorated the front which carried full height like the Renaissance Palaces in Rome. It contained notable rooms like the large hall that showcased plaques and paintings; the library; the drawing room; the state dining room and more. The exterior of the house was landscaped containing sunken gardens with a sundial and large rose gardens. 

During the Irish Civil War, Summerhill House like many other notable houses became a target. It had been damaged by fire on many occasions and farm hands went on strike during 1919. In 1921 the Irish Republican Army attacked the estate and distributed the lands and farms of the estate to the workers and families. The house was then set ablaze, completely destroying it. The house stood in ruin until 1970 when it was demolished. Today it is listed in the book, “Forgotten Houses of Ireland”. 

The 6th Baron Langford sought compensation for damages from the Irish state and received one-third of the value of the property. Following the demise of Summerhill, he left Ireland and moved to England.