by James Ruggia
Last updated: 2:13 PM ET, Tue January 28, 2014
As Ashford Castle celebrates 75 years as a hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong in Ireland's County Mayo, it's getting a bit of a facelift. The oldest parts of the castle were built in 1288 by the Burke family who claimed direct descent from Charlemagne.
Last June it was purchased by the Red Carnation Hotel Group, which is owned by Beatrice and Stanley Tollman. Earlier this week, Red Carnation reacquired the neighboring 50-room Lisloughrey Lodge and plan to create a completely integrated resort combining the Castle, rated as one of the finest hotels in Europe, with the four-star lodge.
Red Carnation is putting the castle through a complete restoration that includes an intricate overhaul of the building's infrastructure, including stonework, windows and roofs, to ensure the castle's long-term future. The first of three phases has been completed with the first eight of the new rooms completed.
These eight rooms, in the Victorian and East Wings, include the grandest suites in the castle. The rooms have been furnished by a design team headed by Beatrice Tollman, founder and president of Red Carnation Hotels, and her daughter Toni Tollman. Each room features its own signature design.
The second stage of the refurbishment is now underway and the castle is closed until mid-March. This stage will focus on the public areas and 30 further guestrooms. Behind the scenes, the castle's kitchens will be moved and completely rebuilt on a different level closer to the dining room, facilitating more efficient and timely service.
The grounds of the 350-acre estate will also receive attention from the walled and herb gardens, to the tennis courts and falconry center. The property's nine-hole golf course is to have its drainage overhauled so that it can be played year-round.
The Cullen's at the Cottage pub and nearby buildings will be renovated and the surrounding area re-landscaped. There are even plans to restore the old boathouse on the shores of Lake Corrib. The building has already been fortified and retiled to prepare it for future guest use as a secluded and private honeymoon suite.
The third and final phase of the renovation will take place from October 2014 through March 2015, during which the remaining guestrooms will be brought in line with the new Ashford. Subject to planning permission approvals (which are still pending), subsequent plans for Phase Three include the installation of a 32-seat indoor cinema, a billiard room and a cigar terrace, as well as a children's game room.
The castle, which was a location in John Ford's 1951 classic film, The Quiet Man, is known for an array of enhanced outdoor activities including falconry, horseback-riding, water sports, clay pigeon shooting, catch-and-release fishing, hiking, golf and tennis. Plans also include the creation of a full-service spa and large indoor heated pool.
When completed, the castle will be fully air-conditioned and WiFi-enabled throughout. Flat-screen televisions and a variety of connection points are being installed in each guestroom to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. A new library is being created in the vaulted area near the entrance hall. With walls of books and window seats, the library will be a peaceful space in which guests can relax or enjoy afternoon tea.
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