Castle Durrow is a country house in Ireland, built between 1712-1716 by Colonel William Flower (later to become Viscount Ashbrook) as a family home. The house was built in the pre-Palladian design and formal gardens that was popular in the 18th century and is considered one of the finest country houses in Laois. The Flower family retained ownership of the estate until 1922. The house was transformed into a school in 1929 and in 1998 was purchased and redeveloped as a luxury hotel. Today, Castle Durrow is listed in Ireland's Blue Book, an exclusive listing of Irish luxury accommodation. In Britain (and also in Ireland) the term country house generally refers to a large house which was built on an agricultural estate as the private residence of the landowner. ...

References

1. History of Castle Durrow, www.castledurrow.com, January 9, 2006, retrieved January 9, 2006.
2. Ireland's Blue Book, www.irelands-blue-book.ie, January 9, 2006, retrieved January 9, 2006.