18 hours ago
219
Range Rover hosts THE GLOSS and an intimate audience at an exclusive event in Ballyfin Demesne …
In celebration of 55 years of commitment to modern design, craftsmanship and luxury, Range Rover made sure guests arrived in style to Ireland’s most beautifully restored Regency house, with a fleet of hybrid Range Rovers sparkling in the sunshine a sight to behold. We anticipated the prospect of not one but two treats: a chance to experience the refined interior of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport on an electrifying drive around the estate and its environs, followed by a stay to enjoy the splendid interiors of Ballyfin.
Ballyfin Demesne, a 600-acre estate, was the subject of a sensitive and costly restoration project by Chicago-based owners, Fred and Kay Krehbiel, for more than eight years before the house opened as a hotel in 2011. Voted the Best Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024, and awarded a Michelin star this year, Ballyfin’s attraction for its discerning clientele is obvious. The creativity and passion of the team at Ballyfin is matched by that of Fred and Kay’s sons, Liam and Jay. Their vision for its future is very exciting, according to newly appointed Managing Director, Seamus Crotty; no stranger to creating five-star luxury hotel experiences, having been at Sheen Falls in Kenmare for many years.
Ballyfin does not feel like a hotel, but rather a very grand house with excellent staff to match. Everything happens efficiently, at a gentle pace, with time for a few words. Since there are only 20 rooms, the vast library, salon and Gold Room rarely house more than one or two other guests, and the bedrooms – each named after significant figures in the Coote family history – are wonderfully individual.
But first, the drive.
Inside the cabin of our new gold Range Rover extended range plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) automatic, we are ensconced in comfort. This state-of-the-art PHEV has a six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a 38.2kWh lithium-ion battery which powers 100km (62 miles) of pure electric driving on a full charge, which means drivers can make most journeys in electric mode. With its nippy electric torque, the Range Rover accelerates from zero to 60mph in 5.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 140km per hour. Speed reminders alert you to a change in zone speed, so that you have plenty of time to slow down. As many speed limits have changed recently (and the signage has not yet caught up), this is very useful.
Voice-controlled temperature regulation adjusts the temperature at our command. Better still, cabin air purification scans incoming air, measuring the air quality inside the cabin, detecting harmful substances or allergens coming into the cabin, and filtering them out. Best of all, cabin air ionisation maintains optimum moisture levels in the vehicle, so that you’re not dehydrated at the end of a long journey.
We follow a route through country roads before circling back to Ballyfin. As we come to a stop, the Range Rover lowers automatically to allow us to disembark. We savour lunch in a specially constructed glass pavilion, surrounded by the natural beauty of the estate, featuring a menu by Ballyfin’s Executive Chef, Richard Picard-Edwards, using seasonal produce from the estate.
Vegetables, herbs and fruit from the gardens were the star turn, from Navarin of Lamb with Broad Bean, Mint, Feta and Rocket with Wild Garlic Oil, to New Season Potato Salad with Crème Fraiche, Spring Onion and Lemon.
After an elegant dessert of Vanilla Cream with Garden Rhubarb, guests had the option to explore Ballyfin’s tower, built in the 1840s as a folly to provide employment for local workers affected by the famine. From its summit, you can see 40 miles in all directions, taking in six counties. There was clay pigeon shooting for the adventurous, as well as the opportunity to wander in the wonderful walled gardens with a blaze of tulips on display.
After sinking in to Ballyfin’s deep sofas in the library filled with bookcases, tables and ottomans piled high with 4,000 books, and even deeper baths – pretty bathrooms are as thoughtfully decorated and appointed as the bedrooms – we reconvened in the Gold Room for Champagne and canapés.
A former officer in the British Navy, Guy Oliver of Oliver Laws, a London-based, internationally recognised designer and one-time colleague of Imogen Taylor at Colefax & Fowler, who worked on the authentic, impressive interiors at Ballyfin, delivered an entertaining account of his career pivot to the world of interior design.
Utterly committed to supporting artisan skills and craftsmanship through his work, and his many philanthropic projects, Guy gave a lively account of some of his projects, including at The Connaught and Claridges.
He also discussed the painstaking restoration of a vintage yacht, exquisite in its detail with the aim to recreate the original, undoubtedly surpassing it in terms of luxury. He drew a parallel between the superior design and craftsmanship that he brought to the yacht to that found in a luxury car.
“My obsession is with designing interiors that last, that have intrinsic value because of the talent, expertise and thought that goes into the construction, details, furniture and fabrics.”
He told guests: “I exercise my passion for material things through my projects,” explaining that he believes that homes should feel like you; should reflect the real person, not their aspirations. There is no-one Guy does not know, and few he hasn’t dined with. It’s nothing to him to entice King Charles to a fundraiser, coax Annie Lennox to sing at lunch, or arrange a date for Carole Bouquet.
Dinner by Richard Picard-Edwards and team was exquisite: West Cork Crab with Mackerel, Gooseberry and Buttermilk, Fillet of Higgins Beef with a Tartlet of Braised Cheek, and an Almond Dacquoise with Orange Ganache and Earl Grey Ice Cream.
Paired with wines, all with an Irish connection, they were introduced by sommelier and THE GLOSS wine editor, Julie Dupouy. Château Phelan Segur, and exceptional Hennessy XO cognac, were standouts. Guests repaired to the bar for special Range Rover cocktails; a Range Rover Classic and Range Rover Mule.
Gliding through the countryside in a sleek motor, country house activities with a contemporary twist, impeccable service, wonderful food, and good company. When every detail is thoughtfully considered, every need attended to, there is no need to think. That is modern luxury.
For more information, visit www.landrover.ie/range-rover; www.ballyfin.com
English (United States) ·