This spring, Christie’s presents approximately 100 works from Ardbraccan House, a magnificent Palladian residence in County Meath, Ireland. The auction house will showcase pieces from this striking 18th-century estate through its bi-annual Collections series, spanning Paris, London, and New York from 20 March to 23 April 2026.
A Designer’s Personal Vision
Ardbraccan House has been home to celebrated interior designer Serena Williams-Ellis and her partner Charles Noell for over a decade. Their collection of English and Irish decorative arts, Old Master paintings, sporting art, and period furniture fills every room.
“The collection at Ardbraccan was organic in its formation over the years,” Williams-Ellis explains. “I wished to get the balance of being grand enough for the house but in no way was it to feel austere, the all-important thing was to feel that it had always been there and was comfortable as it sat within the house. I wanted all things in our collection to have the charm factor , something of beauty or to make you smile.”
The property’s transformation into a stud farm influenced many acquisitions. “Ardbraccan under our tenure became a Stud Farm. Things of an equine nature were very influential along with items that were intrinsically Irish or quirky , I like a house to smile and Ardbraccan certainly does that , from the moment you step across the threshold you feel relaxed.”
Architectural Pedigree
Originally built as the residence of the Bishop of Meath in the 18th century, Ardbraccan House represents Ireland’s finest Georgian architecture. Richard Castle conceived the initial framework, while James Wyatt executed the central block in the 1770s. Thomas Cooley and Daniel Augustus Beaufort completed the project.
This architectural lineage places the house among Ireland’s most significant country residences.
Irish Craftsmanship at Its Peak
Estimate: £40,000-60,000
The collection spans from the 16th to the 20th century. An Irish George II mahogany side table from the mid-18th century leads the decorative arts section, estimated at £40,000-60,000. The piece exemplifies Dublin’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading centres for fine furniture production during the Georgian period.
A set of five George III leather fire buckets, estimated at £2,000-3,000, carries particular historical weight. These pieces once belonged to the collection of the Dukes of Leinster at Carton House, Maynooth. Their survival speaks to the continuity of collecting traditions that have preserved Ireland’s cultural heritage across centuries.
mid-18th century
Estimate: £2,000-3,000
Reynolds and Royal Circles
The fine art selection features a Portrait of Sophia Southwell, née Campbell, later Lady de Clifford (1743-1828), by Sir Joshua Reynolds, estimated at £30,000-£50,000. The first president of the Royal Academy, Reynolds was the most sought-after portraitist of his era.
Portrait of Sophia Southwell, née Campbell, later Lady de Clifford (1743-1828), bust-length
oil on canvas, the corners made up
31.1/8 x 25.3/4 in. (79.1 x 65.4 cm.)
Estimate: £30,000-£50,000
Lady de Clifford later became governess to Princess Charlotte of Wales. The portrait measures 31.1/8 x 25.3/4 inches (79.1 x 65.4 cm) and captures both physical likeness and social standing with Reynolds’ characteristic mastery.
The Golden Age of Sporting Art
Given the couple’s transformation of Ardbraccan into a stud farm, sporting art features prominently. The collection includes horse paintings by John E. Ferneley Senior (1781-1860), one of Britain’s most accomplished sporting artists.
Ferneley studied under Ben Marshall and became renowned for his anatomical precision and ability to capture the spirit of hunt and racing scenes. His works represent the golden age of equestrian painting when such subjects commanded the same respect as grand historical scenes.
The collection also includes works by Gerrit van Honthorst, the Dutch Golden Age painter known for his dramatic use of light. This demonstrates the international scope of the Ardbraccan holdings, bridging Irish and English traditions with Continental European artistry.
Global Platform, Local Heritage
Christie’s bi-annual Collections series presents important private collections across three major markets. The online format allows worldwide participation, with estimates ranging from no reserve up to £80,000/$101,000/€92,000.
Paris opens from 20 March to 1 April, followed by London from 1 to 15 April, and concluding with New York from 9 to 23 April. This auction joins a strong season of Christie’s rare works collections featuring important European artists.
The market has shown renewed interest in country house collections and Irish decorative arts. Collectors increasingly appreciate the distinctive qualities of Dublin-made pieces and their historical importance. The combination of artistic merit with equestrian themes continues to resonate with collectors worldwide.
Beyond the Auction Block
As the contents of Ardbraccan House prepare to find new homes, they carry the vision of Serena Williams-Ellis and Charles Noell. Their decade-long stewardship created a collection that honors both the architectural heritage of the house and the rich traditions of Irish and English decorative arts.
These exceptional works embark on the next chapter of their journey. Whether drawn to the historical significance of the Reynolds portrait, the craftsmanship of the Irish furniture, or the sporting art that reflects the property’s equestrian heritage, collectors will find pieces that embody the charm factor Williams-Ellis treasured. This sale follows other notable important collection auctions at Christie’s that have captured international attention.
*Images: Christie’s
