Historic Kilkenny Georgian estate to be transformed into ‘spiritual retreat’

A stunning Kilkenny Georgian house with a storied history stretching back to the 18th century is set to be transformed into a spiritual retreat attracting visitors from all over the world.

Kilfane House on the Kilfane Demense outside Thomastown and the 79 acres of land it sits on was put on the market for €1.85 million back in 2016.

Now the new owners are seeking for permission to return the stunning Georgian house back to its stately grandeur.

The Seraph Foundation, which purchased the house in 2019 for just €395,000 according to the residential price property register, have applied to Kilkenny County Council to change the use of the house, a protected structure, from a residential dwelling to a guest house.

The foundation hopes to attract people from all over the world to the estate with the promise of providing a sanctuary where people from around the world, of all backgrounds and belief systems, could come together to share, learn and develop spiritually.

The owners want to transform the existing guest bedrooms, function room, dining hall, while also creating office space and staff accommodation.

As part of the plans, Seraph are looking to demolish the existing toilet block with a view to refurbishing and extending that area.

A decision on the ambitious plans is due by the end of next month.