Virginia Park Lodge joins Historic Homes list

Virginia Park Lodge, the eighteenth-century hunting lodge owned by chef Richard Corrigan, has become a member of the prestigious Historic Houses of Ireland.

The Meath man acquired the 100-acre estate in 2014, having married his wife, Maria, there in 1991 and said he was “honoured” to be its custodian.

Virginia Park Lodge now joins a distinguished collection of historic properties, including Castle Leslie (Co Monaghan), Ballyfin Demesne (Co Laois), Bantry House (Co Cork), and Glin Castle (Co Limerick).

Founded in 2008, Historic Houses of Ireland supports the future of the country’s historic homes, buildings, estates, gardens, and archives that remain in private ownership. The charity represents and advocates for close to 250 houses, estates and owners across the island of Ireland.

Nestled within Deerpark Forest, the estate was originally owned by the first Earl of Bective, Lord Headfort, himself a key contributor to the Royal Horticultural Society, landscaping the gardens and forestry at the Lodge from his own personal collection of plants and trees sourced around the world.

Since acquiring Virginia Park Lodge, Richard Corrigan and his team have undertaken an extensive restoration working to return the house to its former glory including, for example, reinstating the Jacobean dining room and its seven-foot-high fireplace.

With food and self-sufficiency at the heart of Virginia Park Lodge, the team have also worked tirelessly to plant hundreds of native and speciality trees across the estate, while also replanting the extensive gardens and walled garden and making full use of the kitchen garden and fruit orchards.

“Seeing the return of red squirrels, bumblebees, rare birds and other wildlife has been one of my greatest joys,” Richard said.

Thomas Emmet, Events and External Relations Officer for Historic Houses Ireland said the charity is “delighted” to welcome Virginia Park Lodge as a member.

“Through education, lobbying and a diverse events programme we aim to raise awareness, build a community network of owners and support these owners in conserving, sharing and future-proofing these iconic homes, gardens, small businesses and rural tourism hubs," Mr Emmett said.

Speaking about the Lodge’s membership Richard Corrigan said he was honoured to join the “incredibly impressive” group of properties.

“These houses are about community and the role they play in sustaining it,” the chef said. “Their contribution goes far beyond the buildings themselves; it’s about the people, skills and traditions they sustain for future generations.

“I look forward to contributing in whatever way I can,” Richard Corrigan added.