John Higgins Auctioneers, Ballyhaunis, in conjunction with the Connacht Property Auction is handling the sale of this prime 120-acre western holding which has only recently come to the market. Smaller lots coming to the market are the norm in Mayo but to get a parcel this big predominantly in one block represents something of an outlier in this part of the world. An added twist to the parcel is that it comes with an unfinished 5,075 sq ft five-bed two-storey detached residence.

The hollow core structure of a grand staircase greets you when you enter the house with the basic design not becoming any less impressive throughout. Natural stone fireplaces, large open rooms flowing from one to the other and en suites in every bedroom, it is easy to see the grand vision that the owner had for this property.

The residence itself is at the second fix stage of construction and provides a clear slate for a perspective buyer to put their own twist on the dwelling. An imposing figure the house itself enjoys spectacular panoramic views and includes triple glazed windows while a geothermal heating system has also been installed throughout the building.

Significant investment will admittedly be required to finish the construction and furnish the inside of the house, however this is reflected in the guide price for the house currently resting between €200,000 and €250,000 and could provide an exciting perspective for someone with the financial capability.

Grazing ground

The majority of the circa 120 acres accompanying the residence is top-class grazing ground. A beef enterprise was run on the farm, with cattle only recently leaving over the past number of weeks. Circa 94.5 acres of the total is good quality grazing ground with the remaining circa 17 acres of lesser quality land running down into the old Annagh lakes. However, this circa 17 acres is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and, as such, is in receipt of a payment. Of the remaining 94.5 acres, circa 85.5 acres is located around the farmyard, separated by a quiet country lane. The remaining circa nine acres is located less than a kilometre away from the farmyard. While it has been used as a beef enterprise in the past, the high quality of the land is suited to any grazing enterprise.

The grazing infrastructure on the farm is more akin to what would be seen on a dairy farm than that of a beef farm with a paddock grazing system being well serviced by a purpose built farm roadway.

The compact farmyard is well equipped with a number of farm buildings suitable for a suckler or beef enterprise, however the possibility of a dairy enterprise did occur to me as I walked through the farm. Buildings currently in place include a three span apex roof slatted shed with a calf creep, a six span apex roof shed with no central passage and feeding on the outside of the shed, a calving pen and a four bay straw storage shed among other buildings. There is accommodation for between 200-250 cattle according to John. Also present are two concrete slabs suitable for silage production and a 30-tonne meal storage bin.

The farm is being sold with the entitlements and comes with a total payment of just under €17,000 per year.

Ideally located, the farm is approximately 3km from the town of Ballyhaunis and is also within easy reach of both Claremorris and Knock. While there have been a raft of enquires from the locality, according to John, enquiries have also come from Mayo natives based in the UK, America and Australia. The property itself is being offered in the entire or in two lots. The first lot consists of the residence on circa 2.69 acres at a guide of €200,000 to €250,000. Lot two consists of the farmyard on the remaining circa 117 acres at a guide of €750,000 to €800,000 which equates to between €6,400 to €6,800/acre. The entire will also be presented at a guide of €1.05m on the day.

The property is scheduled to be acutioned at public auction on 4 July in The Menlo Park Hotel, Galway at 7pm.