A Future for Irish Historic Houses - Irish Heritage Trust

Sir Josslyn claims that when he took over Lissadell, it was difficult to decide where to
actually begin with regard to restoration. It was not merely a question of money; it
was also a question of time:
- Wet rot had been a significant problem and had caused some structural
damage. There are still damp problems in the basement where the
limestone walls have acted like a sponge.
- Over a period of ten years or so, the roof was repaired so that it is now
watertight.
- All the windows have been restored.
It was quite evident during the interview with the Gore-Booths that they were not
entirely happy about the sacrifices they have had to make – financial and personal – in
order to keep Lissadell. They pointed to a number of factors:
- The house does not pay for itself. The 400-acre farm attached to the house
is much too small to maintain a house of this size. Money that has been
made in the past from forestry has had to be ploughed straight back into
the management of the woods. And the house now attracts less than 10,000
visitors in any given year.
- Insurance is a major source of concern. Public liability is proving a
problem largely because members of the public see it as their right to be
able to walk the grounds of the house at all times of the year. In the recent
past, there have been a number of lawsuits from people who claim to have
injured themselves on the grounds.
- The present owners say that they cannot justify spending on restoration for
the rest of their lives or sacrificing so much of their time and energy. They
say that the house is simply too big and inconvenient and they would
advise their children not to burden themselves with the problems
associated with running an historic house.
Since this interview took place the Gore-Booths have taken the decision to sell
Lissadell. They have made it public that they think the state should purchase it. This
has given rise to much debate as to whether or not the state should intervene.
Obviously, if Lissadell is sold to a private purchaser, there is the possibility that the
new owner might choose to close it and its grounds completely to the public. This
might very well have wider ramifications for the local community in terms of trade
and tourism. If the state is to intervene, it cannot simply purchase the house on its
own; it must also purchase its contents for a house such as Lissadell without its
contents loses much of its cultural heritage value.
As this study goes to press, news has been received that Lissadell has been sold to a
private buyer.
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