florence court forest park

Florence Court is romantically named after the wife of Sir John Cole who first built a house on the spectacular site in the early 18th century. The present Paladian style house with a dramatic view over Benaughlin Mountain was probably built by his son John, afterwards the 1st Lord Mount Florence. The wings and pavilions were added to the mid-18th century block around 1770 by William Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen, and may have been designed by Davis Ducart. Disaster struck Florence Court in 1955 when the main building was virtually gutted by fire. Quick thinking by rescuers, who drilled holes in the floor saved the magnificent rococo diningroom ceiling, with its cherubs and birds. The rest of the house and the striking plasterwork after the manner of Robert West has been meticulously restored.