Our History
Originally built as a hunting lodge for the first Earl of Bective,Lord Headfort, one of Ireland’s richest men.
Located 20 miles away from his principal residence, Headfort house, in Kells, the lodge was intended as a cottage-style home from home, informal in layout but still lavishly decorated with the finest silver, china, and furniture.
The second earl added to the property and imported exotic shrubs and trees from china, japan and elsewhere to create the parkland that surrounds the lodge.
Geoffrey Thomas Taylour, the 4th marquis of Headfort, scandalised Edwardian society with his marriage to miss Rosie Boote, a music hall star who had attended the ursuline convent in thurles, the school credited with having turned her out as a well-educated young lady equipped to take her place even in the highest society.
Rose was much acclaimed as one of the glamorous gaiety girls, considered polite, educated, well-behaved young women, unlike the corseted actresses from London’s earlier musical burlesque shows.
The couple married in 1901, not without the resistance of high society and family members, who later came around, charmed by the marchioness’ beauty and personality. They defied all odds and retreated to the solace of Virginia Park Lodge and raised their loving family, here they fought wars with the other aristocracy about social injustice and held tight whilst the world went to war.
In 2014 Richard bought Virginia Park Lodge, where he married his wife Maria 28 years ago. In the years that followed, Richard undertook the monumental challenge of restoring the lodge back to its former glory.