Desart Court facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Desart Court
General information
Location	County Kilkenny, Ireland

Desart Court was a grand and beautiful house located in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It was built a very long time ago, around the year 1733. The house was made for John Cuffe, who was known as the first Lord Desart. Many people believe that a famous architect named Sir Edward Lovett Pearce was the one who designed this amazing building.

The house had a special look, built in a style called Palladian architecture. This means it had a main two-story building with a basement underneath. On each side, there were two smaller two-story sections, like wings, connected to the main part. Inside, Desart Court was known for its fancy plasterwork on the ceilings. It also had impressive staircases with beautiful carved oak designs instead of regular railings. People thought Desart Court was an excellent example of its kind. Sadly, the house was destroyed in February 1923 when it was burned down by the IRA. Later, a new house was built on the site by Lady Kathleen Milborne-Swinnerton-Pilkington with help from Richard Orpen. However, this newer house was also taken down in 1957.

The Story of Desart Court

Desart Court was more than just a house; it was a significant landmark in County Kilkenny. Its story spans several centuries, showing how buildings can change over time. From its grand beginnings to its sad destruction and later rebuilding, Desart Court has a fascinating history.

Who Built Desart Court?

The original Desart Court was built for John Cuffe. He was an important person who became the first Lord Desart. This title meant he was a nobleman, a person of high rank in society. The house was completed around 1733. It was designed to be a grand home suitable for someone of his status.

The Architect's Vision

While not absolutely certain, many historians believe that Sir Edward Lovett Pearce was the architect behind Desart Court. He was a very well-known architect in Ireland during that time. He was famous for designing many important buildings. His work often featured the elegant Palladian style. This style was popular in Europe and was inspired by ancient Roman and Greek temples. It focused on balance, symmetry, and classical details.

What Did Desart Court Look Like?

Desart Court was a perfect example of Palladian design. It had a central main building that was two stories tall. Below the main floor, there was a basement. On either side of the main building, two smaller two-story wings were attached. This created a balanced and impressive look.

Inside the Grand House

The inside of Desart Court was just as impressive as the outside. The ceilings were decorated with elaborate plasterwork. This means skilled artists created beautiful designs using plaster. The staircases were also very special. Instead of simple balusters (the small posts that support the handrail), they had "handsome carved scroll-work in oak." This made the staircases look like works of art themselves. These details showed the high level of craftsmanship that went into building the house.

The Sad End of the Original House

Sadly, the original Desart Court did not last forever. In February 1923, during a period of conflict in Ireland, the house was burned down. It was destroyed by the IRA. This event marked a tragic end for a truly magnificent building.

A New Beginning and Another End

After the destruction of the original house, efforts were made to rebuild. Lady Kathleen Milborne-Swinnerton-Pilkington led the project to create a new house on the same site. She worked with an architect named Richard Orpen. However, this new house also faced a short life. It was eventually torn down in 1957. Today, the grand Desart Court of the past no longer stands, but its history remains an important part of County Kilkenny's heritage.