About Our Library
Roundwood’s extensive grounds are storybook beautiful, I sigh to myself, even before I clap eyes on the piece de resistance – A Beauty and the Beast-esque library… I couldn’t help but feel like this space, in its sumptuous solitude, was luxurious in a way no hotel, five star or otherwise, has ever compared to.
Roundwood’s extensive grounds are storybook beautiful, I sigh to myself, even before I clap eyes on the piece de resistance – A Beauty and the Beast-esque library… I couldn’t help but feel like this space, in its sumptuous solitude, was luxurious in a way no hotel, five star or otherwise, has ever compared to.
Darina Coffey, The Taste
Darina Coffey, The Taste
A Library of Civilisation
Frank’s Library is situated in the old Coach House on the grounds of Roundwood House. It is an English language library with approximately two thousand volumes.
The library is intended to facilitate a general understanding of the development of civilisation & to celebrate those individuals who successfully climbed onto the shoulders of millions to give us something new & beautiful; a poem, a philosophy, a scientific theory, a painting, a symphony, a new kind of politics or technology. The intention is to do this within the overall picture of our history from the beginning, with our darkest periods included.
Why a Library?
In Frank’s words…
“We need civilisation in one space, in familiar and, in many cases, much loved volumes.
We need to be able to sit down and say that this room is as near as we can get to expressing where we are and how we got here.
We need to browse without any plan. We need the warmth, beauty, excitement, and tranquility of a library.”
Lose Yourself in Frank's Library
Spread over two levels, with ample desks and armchairs in cosy corners, the library is couched in exposed brick, with beautiful brass lighting fixtures, a wrought-iron gallery and spiral staircase. Its book cases are packed wall to wall with everything from Fisk’s tome on the Middle East to an impressive fine art and limited edition facsimile copy of the Book of Kells.
The Library is open to guests staying in the house and the self-catering cottages. For anyone not booked to stay, but interested in visiting the library , please contact us in advance.
We should also mention the private library in a separate building which is exquisitely - no exaggeration - stocked and furnished. What an elegant surprise and a wonderful place to relax. Highly recommended.
We should also mention the private library in a separate building which is exquisitely - no exaggeration - stocked and furnished. What an elegant surprise and a wonderful place to relax. Highly recommended.
Paulidilge, Tripadvisor, 2017
Paulidilge, Tripadvisor, 2017