Reports suggest that there is a nice level of interest from expats, returning emigrants and international parties for property in Ireland at the moment. The types of properties being sought range from large 300-acre country house estates to a 60/70-acre working farm to a house on a few acres. It’s really down to personal taste and, ultimately, how much is in the kitty.

But for someone with an immediate €500,000 or €600,000 in their pocket and who has the perseverance for a long haul project, then a 114-acre residential holding situated at The Hermitage, Croghan, Co Roscommon, might be worth a visit.

Apart from the scale, there are a lot of distinctive and yet contrasting elements attached to this property, from its winding driveway, 3,500 square feet Georgian residence, extensive manor courtyard, woodland, rolling grazing land and mature trees, to its six acres of turbary and 24 acres of lowlying land.

In essence, there is a bit of everything at The Hermitage, but, given the right buyer, it could be transformed into a fine working residential farm. Undoubtedly, local farmers are likely to be more interested in the land and won’t put a lot of value on the house and courtyard. About 80 acres is reported to be “cracking good land” which would be a tremendous asset to any farmer in the area. In addition to its size, the price might be equally as attractive. As a unit, the entire is guided at €665,000 which works out at €5,800/acre.

The Hermitage has been rented for almost two decades. It’s a property that needs to get back what has been taken from it all these years. Drains need to be cleaned, overgrown hedges and ditches cut back and fertilizer applied. With the exception of 6.7 acres of turbary which is situated 500 metres away, the farm is laid out in one circa 107-acre block. To the right of the entrance is a six-acre patch of mature broadleaf woodland. Adjacent to this is circa 31 acres of parkland which you have to drive through on approach to the house – this features gentle rolling grazing land and lots of beautiful mature trees.

Laid out in just three fields, a further 47.5 acres sits behind the house and courtyard and this is described as “excellent south-facing and free-draining land”. The remaining circa 24 acres is of lesser quality and is lowlying in nature. This would benefit from reclamation.

Extending to 3,500 square feet, the Georgian residence is approached by a winding entrance that meanders through almost 31 acres of scenic parkland. Although in need of extensive refurbishment, the residence still retains many of its Georgian features, such as ornate cornicing, panelled doors, high ceilings, original woodwork, Georgian windows and central staircase.

Comprising three storeys over basement, accommodation includes two reception rooms, kitchen, utility, bathroom and four bedrooms with a further two bedrooms and kitchen and utility in the basement. There are another two rooms in the attic. The wiring and plumbing needs to be completely upgraded.

To the rear is the manor courtyard which incorporates an extensive range of cut stone outbuildings. Many of these buildings feature slate roofs, cut stone arches and beautiful stone faces, the majority of which remains intact. With some tidying and cleaning, it could be easily transformed to within a decent glimpse of its former glory.

Selling agent Joe Brady from REA Brady Auctioneers, Carrick-on-Shannon, believes there is a jewel to be found at Croghan and, with the right investment, it could be turned inside out.

For sale by private treaty, Brady is offering the farm for sale in one or two separate lots that include the house and courtyard on circa 84.3 acres plus 6.7 acres of turbary as one lot (guide €565,000), and circa 24 acres as the second lot (guide €100,000).

To date, the property is generally attracting farmer-based interest, but at less than €6,000/acre he hasn’t ruled out interest from those looking for a major restoration project in the west of Ireland.