Stripe's investment in Dublin HQ in keeping with its co-founder's investment in Abbeyleix Estate

Stripe’s recent announcement to triple its office space with a new Dublin headquarters is in keeping with its co-founder, John Collison’s ongoing significant investment in his Laois home at Abbeyleix House and Farm.  

A new upmarket restaurant and hotel is on track to open in a formerly derelict mansion in the coming months. Millbrook House had been part of the estate but was sold off and fell into disrepair before being bought back by Mr Collison.  

It’s just one of the many projects being painstakingly undertaken at Abbeyleix Estate since the tech billionaire and Stripe co-founder bought the Estate and began a major programme of restoration work in 2021. 

Work is now well underway on the Millbrook Guest House and Restaurant at the entrance to Abbeyleix House and Farm and the project is expected to be completed in the summer. 

Abbeyleix’s House and Farm’s Janine Henwood said Irish chef Cuán Greene will run the restaurant once it’s up and running. She explained that the new owner intends to revitalise the Estate while remaining true to tradition and keeping its longstanding ties with the local community in Abbeyleix. 

Project Manager Davy English gave an overview of the work being undertaken at the Estate. 

“These projects vary from big to small. Annually we set targets to firstly ensure the conservation and preservation of the Estate and its buildings while balancing having a busy and productive Estate. We are faced with similar needs to those 100 years or more ago - namely care of staff, guests and stock,” he explained.  

“Our current main focus is Millbrook Guest House restoration and a new restaurant close by. This we feel will bring new life and energy to a site which has been derelict for a number of years. We plan to refurbish the external of the nearby laundry building in 2025 also to ensure it lives long into the future. 

We are very proud of the fact that so many of our sub contractors are local and have a long history with the Estate. Almost all have a family member that worked here in past generations and many have great memories of childhood visits. They provide great care and guidance on the past which influences how the Estate is run each day.  There is a real sense of people wanting to do what is best for the Estate daily so as to ensure it does not decline on our timeline,” said Mr English. 

Pictured above: An artists impression of the restored Millbrook House

He has been busy carrying out work at the Estate to ensure the buildings and grounds will survive for future generations. 

“In the past year we have carefully restored the Boathouse on the River Nore. This was on the verge of collapse but we hope we have rebuilt it to its former glory while giving it some hidden structural strengths to ensure it withstands its wet footing for years to come. Lace Cottage was restored to its former glory in 2024. A new roof to the Main House was completed in the Winter of 23/ Spring of 24 to great success. This has lifted the appearance of the Main House but more importantly ensured it can withstand many more years of Irish weather,” he said. 

He noted that while there was a lot of attention given to the larger projects, there are other works ongoing all the time.  

“The small projects mentioned would include for example the upkeep of stone walls and gateways. We have refurbished animal homes of old but added some modern comforts where required," he said. 

"The old sawmills buildings have had their roofs repaired and are back in use for storage and drying fallen woodland timber. In the gardens we have erected a fruit cage and poly tunnels,” said Mr English.  

As well as carrying out restorative work, staff at Abbeyleix House and Farm continue to strenghten the ties with the local community through annual events which feature local producers. Preparations are currently underway for its annual Christmas Market and Santa's Grotto on November 30.