Thanks to the commitment of the late John Manuel Morehart, one of Ireland's finest examples of Palladian-style homes was sensitively restored and conserved. The house is noted in the National Built Heritage Service survey: "Bellamont House is an iconic building of national importance set in a dramatic demesne landscape. It is considered the best and earliest example of a Palladian villa in Ireland."

John Manuel Morehart (pictured above) died recently in the USA aged 69. Already having a home in west Cork he purchased Bellamont Forest, Cootehill, Co Cavan in 2015 initiating a restoration which has been one of the major conservation achievements in Ireland of the present century. John is one of a line of Americans who having fallen love with Ireland took on a major county house project. 

Bellamont, latterly Bellamont Forest, was designed by Irish Parliament House architect Sir Edward Lovett Pearce in the late 1720s. Inspired by the Palladian villas of the Italian Veneto, it is one of the most distinguished Irish houses. Set in parkland with noble oaks, it lies on a ridge between two woodland ringed lakes. 

Pursuing an integrated vision, John achieved the impeccable restoration of the house over a seven year period. After unifying the core estate after a century of leasing for short rotation conifer planting, he initiated a major native woodland restoration, and worked  to protect and enhance the water quality of the surrounding lakes.

In August 2025, and facing illness, he brought together a group to plan for the long term future of the house and estate. The revival of Bellamont will remain his lasting legacy.                                              

An Taisce offers deepest sympathies to his family.

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(Banner image of Bellamont House from GeoRick's Travels)