Best of the Best 2012: Resorts: Ballyfin

robbreport.com 01 Jun '12, 1pm

Best of the Best 2012: Resorts: Ballyfin

Built in 1822 as the home of British baronet Sir Charles Coote, Ballyfin Demesne was once Ireland’s most lavish Regency mansion, the centerpiece of a 614-acre estate of esplanades, parkland, woodland, and a lake at the base of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Adding to the milieu, Lady Coote commissioned for the grounds such follies as waterfalls, secret grottoes, and a medieval-style tower complete with a moat and drawbridge. The Cootes’ descendants sold Ballyfin in 1923, and the property later served as a Catholic school for 70 years. Today, following a nine-year restoration, it reigns once again as Ireland’s most opulent country estate—and the world’s best new resort. Chicago entrepreneur Fred Krehbiel acquired the decaying Ballyfin in 2002 and invested an estimated $50 million to revive the Irish treasure. Opened as a resort in May 2011, Ballyfin features 36,000 square feet...

Full article: http://robbreport.com/Paid-Issue/Best-of-the-Best-2012-Re...

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@Catherine_Whit » 01 Jun '12, 10pm
Best of the Best 2012: Resorts: Ballyfin [link]
@fivestarmagazin » 01 Jun '12, 5pm
It really is! RT @EpsteinTravels: Congrats to @BallyfinDemesne named by Robb Report as Best of the Best [link]”
@BallyfinDemesne » 01 Jun '12, 5pm
Thank you! @EpsteinTravels: Congrats to Celebrated Hotel @BallyfinDemesne named by Robb Report as Best of the Best [link]”
@WAVEJourney » 01 Jun '12, 3pm
Cheers! “@EpsteinTravels: Congrats to Celebrated Hotel @BallyfinDemesne named by Robb Report as Best of the Best [link]”
@EpsteinTravels » 01 Jun '12, 1pm
Congrats to Celebrated Hotel @BallyfinDemesne named by Robb Report as Best of the Best [link]