Sandford Castle and Swiss Cottage

Sandford Castle

This folly probably dates from the late 18th Century. It consists of a fanciful rubble Gothic castle. It is situated on the riverside drive just south of the main demesne. The site affords views over the river Nore and valley and the Inistioge Bridge.

The Swiss Cottage

This alpine style retreat was built in 1804 by Marianne Gahan Tighe. The design was by the noted architect Robinson. He had designed the 'cottage orne' in Kilfane, Thomastown, County Kilkenny. The walls were of rubble stone with a steeply pitched thatched roof. The eaves had a substantial overhang. These overhangs were supported by a tree trunk supports forming a veranda. A timber balustrade connected these poles. The widows had diamond panes. A bay window overhung the river and waterfall.

Sketches of the interior show it to have been designed in a rustic fashion with a dresser and plates and recessed seating in the bay window. Originally it had its own garden and rockery.