Funding awarded to Gatekeeper's Lodge at Whitewood House

The Gatekeeper's Lodge at Whitewood House, Nobber, is one of three historic properties to win €2,500 through Historic Houses of Ireland and Airbnb’s Capacity Awards to help renovate their homes and encourage tourism

The funding awarded to the Gatekeeper’s Lodge at Whitewood House is to prepare the house to welcome visitors and help enhance Meath’s tourism offering.

Earlier this year, Airbnb partnered with Historic Houses of Ireland to help support the conservation of heritage homes and sites in Ireland.

The partnership established the Capacity Awards, a fund available to members of Historic Houses of Ireland to support the development, maintenance and restoration of these important properties. The funding will support the owners in preparing their historic homes for the tourism market.

The Gatekeeper’s Lodge at Whitewood House in Nobber County Meath was among the three winners of the Airbnb Capacity Awards alongside Frybrook House, Boyle in Roscommon and Richmond House, Fermoy in Cork.

Applications were received and assessed by a panel consisting of Historic Houses of Ireland and Airbnb representatives. Each of these successful properties received the Capacity Award which consisted of €2,500 to assist with preparing the property for the tourism market.

This surprisingly spacious gatekeeper’s lodge which has two upstairs bedrooms and four rooms downstairs, is on the grounds of Whitewood House and has been restored from ruins. Whitewood House is owned by David and Daimhnait Horgan, and has been in the family’s hands since 1910.

The Capacity Award has been awarded to help the owners, who have completed the extensive structural renovations to the lodge, to finish specialist restoration of the window shutters, guttering and landscaping to make the property ready for letting.

Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: “Ireland’s historic houses offer a depth of history and add uniqueness to the local tourism offer. Careful restoration of these historical homes provides additional tourism accommodation which is badly needed in some areas. The opening of the Gatekeeper’s Lodge at Whitewood House to guests in 2024 will provide a welcome boost to tourism in Nobber and beyond.”

Thomas Cosby, Chairman of Historic Houses of Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Airbnb to bring much needed resources and expertise to our members. Historic houses often form a vital part of their communities, whether through employment, as part of the local tourism ecosystem, or as a community and arts venue. We are excited to do our part in bringing these properties back to their original glory.”

David and Damhnait Horgan, owners of the Gatekeeper’s Lodge at Whitewood House, said: “We were delighted to receive an award from Airbnb and look forward to working with them in placing this unique heritage lodge on the national and international short-term rental marketplace.”