The Batty Langley Lodge Bathroom Upgrade Project

In Ireland’s Ancient East, gracing the entrance on the Dublin side of the estate to the magnificent Palladian Castletown House, sits Batty Langley Lodge. Along with the lodges known as The Round House, The Pottery and The Gate House, which line the Celbridge entrance to the estate, it forms an important part of the landscape of one of the most important eighteenth-century estates in Ireland. 

While these protected structures had undergone various alterations over the years, including replastering with pebbledash, widening of window openings, internal alterations and a rear extension, their elevations mainly remained intact and were sensitively restored by The Irish Landmark Trust. 

As a heritage charity, we give these properties new life as self-catering accommodation, and so at times work is required to make them more comfortable for the guests that keep them alive. That is why this year we were delighted to upgrade the bathroom at Batty Langley Lodge and install a modern shower.

Restoration of Batty Langley Lodge

The restoration of the lodge was funded by the Office of Public Works and undertaken with Irish Landmark Trust. It had been empty for many years and was derelict and boarded up. Incredibly two original windows had survived intact, one upstairs and one downstairs and these were used as templates to re-create the other windows.

To adapt the historic structure to a feasible and sustainable new use, repair works and minor alterations were carried out, but as always, as little as possible of the original structure was altered.

Inside historic features such as moulded cornices, early timber panelled doors, original floorboards and original lath and plaster ceilings were conserved and restored. The staircase is mainly original to the building, with the handrail and bannisters taken from the backstairs at Castletown House. 

Previous to this restoration, alterations had been carried out to the stairs in the 1980’s with the insertion of the first-floor bathroom. At this point, the stairs were foreshortened, and a new landing was introduced.

The Batty Langley Lodge is now fully restored and makes the ultimate romantic getaway for two people.

Photo: Batty Langley Lodge, January 2007

Photo: Batty Langley Lodge, January 2007

Q&A About the Batty Langley Lodge Restoration Project

We spoke to our Operations Manager Lorraine Bell about the project.

 

What was the bathroom like before this project?

Batty Langley bathroom, photos taken 2024

What made ILT decide to upgrade the bathroom?

Nowadays when Irish Landmark undertakes a restoration, we will fit a shower from the start where possible, as a modern comfort that is preferred in self-catering stays. After many years of visitors staying at Batty Langley, we began to receive more and more feedback about the small bath which was not suitable for all guests. After careful consideration, it was decided that the time had come to upgrade the bathroom and install a shower in place of the bath. 

 

Are there constraints on when you can get these jobs done?

Irish Landmark bathrooms are assessed every 10 years. Constraints to upgrade involve the old thick walls being unsuitable, or the risk of causing damage to the historic building itself, which goes against our conservation values. The other constraint is the property’s schedule, as we ensure to work around prebooked holidays to find a suitable amount of time for the building to be available. We closed the bookings for this maintenance well in advance.

We sought several quotes for the works. Due to the location of the bathroom, which was added in the 1980s above the downstairs hall void, this was never going to be a straightforward upgrade and the cost was quite substantial. As a charity the budgets must be carefully consulted. 

 

What were some of the challenges faced in this project? 

Typical of old buildings, disaster struck when the fixtures and fittings were removed, and the floorboards were lifted. Almost all the bathroom joists were rotten and crumbling with woodworm. All of the joists had to be removed, and the only internal wall had to be taken with them. The picture shows where the bathroom was positioned above the hall. This gives a sense of the lodge’s original interior.

Photo of Batty Langley interior 2024. 

The bathroom fitters immediately arranged to get the joists and the internal wall replaced and all fittings replaced to enable them to complete the work before the next booking was due. This included additional lime plastering on the internal staircase wall and painting all the areas affected.

As a heritage charity, do you have guidelines on design and types of materials?

Our contractor had a portfolio of work in listed buildings, and was experienced in the correct materials to use in period properties. A plain white bevelled tile with grey grout was chosen for the walls, and a green and cream tile checkerboard design was chosen for the floor, similar to the original tiles that were in place. This kept the overall design very simple, and easy to clean. A dual power shower, combining a handheld and rainfall heads, was chosen for an invigorating, luxurious shower experience for our guests. 

The fittings are of a Victorian style where possible. The wall repair to tile the very uneven surface was done with lime plaster, in keeping with the conservation materials.

What do you hope returning guests will notice when they stay at Batty Langley now?

We hope our returning guests will enjoy the freedom and space now provided to wash as opposed to a small bath many guests were unable to fit into. Guests can wash their hair in the way we are used to. The new sink unit also offers more space than our previous one, as some guests mentioned lack of room for toiletries. These improvements make the property a more attractive option for an extended stay in the area, especially for Batty Langley’s regular repeat guests. 

Special mention to Heatwaves NI & Johnny Kerr for their expert handling of the additional and unexpected repair work. We greatly appreciate them arranging additional trades to complete the project on time.

Eager to experience this modern upgrade to a charming cottage? Book your stay at Batty Langley Lodge.

Featured Property

Salterbridge Gatelodge

Salterbridge Gatelodge, located in the glorious Blackwater valley, dates from the mid 19th Century.

View Property

Sign up to our
mailing list

Get the latest news, exclusive deals, and more from Irish Landmark.

Name(Required)
Enter your name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Booking Conditions

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY : 

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

CONTRACT OF HIRE:  

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking. 

PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of unsold holidays at any time. However, such amendments to price will not be applied to holidays already confirmed.   

V.A.T.:  

All prices quoted are based on current prices and rates of V.A.T. at the time of going to press. Irish Landmark is unable to absorb increases in Value Added Tax or any new forms of taxation which may be introduced. Any such increases will be charged as notified and will be payable. 

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE PAYMENTS:   

All bookings can be paid for in full at time of booking. All bookings made within 12 weeks of stay must be paid in full at time of booking. Bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance of stay require a 30% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before arrival.  Irish Landmark shall be entitled to treat any failure to pay by the due date as a cancellation of the booking and will notify the Hirer by email.  The maximum number of payments for a booking will be limited to two – the deposit and balance payment.   A separate payment may be due where an amendment has been made to the original booking.  

PAYMENT TYPES: 

Payments can be made by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY).    

Payments for properties in the Republic of Ireland are taken in Euros, payments for properties in Northern Ireland are taken in Great British Pounds. 

VOUCHERS:  

Please note that only one voucher can be used per booking.  Vouchers have a strict expiry date. 

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:    

Upon receipt of payment by our bookings office, you will receive a confirmation of your reservation.  All charges for the booking will be confirmed in this notification.  Once confirmation has been issued, the Hirer is responsible for the total advertised price of the property and any extras notified.   

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION:  In no circumstances may more than the number of persons listed on the booking form occupy the property overnight.   Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse admission if this condition is not observed. Bookings can only be made by adults and cannot be accepted from anyone under the age of 21.  Irish Landmark only allows guest stays where the lead guest is aged 21 years or over.   

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:  

Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive Access Details and Important Information via email about your rental. This includes the contact information of the Local House Manager, directions to the property, arrival and departure time, etc. However, the specific arrival time must be agreed with the relevant local House Manager at least four days prior to holiday start date.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrive at the property at the time agreed with the House Manager. Irish Landmark reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the property is not vacated in accordance with these terms on the day of departure.  

DAY VISITORS:  

The number of day visitors will be limited to the capacity of the property – i.e., a 2-person property may have 2 day visitors, etc.   Prior written consent must be obtained from Irish Landmark Trust for additional numbers of day visitors. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Baggage and personal belongings are always at the Hirers risk. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to any car or its contents. 

POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITY:   

The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

WEBSITE / LITERATURE:   

While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

GENERAL:   

There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY:   

On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

COMPLAINTS:  

If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

IRISH LANDMARK’S RIGHTS:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse any booking and cancel any booking already made, if in its absolute discretion it considers this to be necessary. Where a booking is cancelled by Irish Landmark, every effort will be made to offer an alternative holiday at no increase in cost.  If the Hirer does not accept the alternative holiday offered, Irish Landmark will return to the Hirer the deposit paid and any other sum paid to Irish Landmark by the Hirer.  Liability for all consequential loss, damage and disappointments is accordingly limited to such return. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

By accepting a confirmation of a reservation from Irish Landmark the lead guest agrees: 

 

I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

Availability Calendar

Check availability for all of our properties at a glance here.

Republic of Ireland
Loading…
Northern Ireland
Loading...

Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable & non-transferable.

Cancellation Fees will apply if you cancel your reservation.

Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.

Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December.