PROPERTY

534 acres to go under the hammer in Co Westmeath

Four farms all situated within a three-mile radius of Ballynacargy are scheduled to go to auction next Thursday, writes Shirley Busteed.

Over 530 acres are set to go under the hammer in Co Westmeath next week making it the biggest one day auction so far this year. Set out in four separate farms, all the land is within a three-mile radius of Ballynacargy which is about nine miles south of Mullingar.

It's unusual to have four sizeable farms offered for sale on the same day Î the properties will undoubtedly attract plenty of passing interest on the build up to the auction as well as on the day itself, namely, Thursday 20 October in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar at 3pm. The farms have been used in recent years to carry a large drystock enterprise and have already generated a lot of local interest over the past few weeks. All in all, anyone with a cash pool in the region of €2.5 million, could become the new owner of 534 acres in Co Westmeath next week.

Starting with the biggest farm comprising a-235 acre non-residential farm situated at Tristernagh, Ballynacargy, this was formerly part of Multyfarnham Agricultural College and is laid out in one big sprawling block. Currently in grass, the land is accessed from an internal farm roadway and has water laid on. The farmyard features a double-sided slatted shed suitable to accommodate 150 cattle, a silage pit, 20 tonne grain silo, cattle crush and holding pens. The guide is €1 million.

Next biggest is a 155-acre residential farm situated at Kilmacnevin, Ballynacargy, Mullingar. Laid out in one block, this farm is renowned for its fattening abilities and comes to the market with a two-storey residence. Accommodation includes two reception rooms, study, kitchen, utility, bathroom and four bedrooms. The property is being offered in one or two lots that include the house on eight acres (guided at €150,000 to €200,000) and the remaining 147 acres (guided at €750,000).

A further 75 acres at Rathcastle, Mearescourt, Mullingar is in old pasture, has 300 metres of road frontage and also contains c.20-30 acres of mature woodland. The guide here is €300,000.

The last farm comprising 69 acres at Piercetown, Ballynacargy, Mullingar comes to the market with slatted accommodation for 140 cattle and a holding pen. Currently in grass, the land is accessed from an internal farm roadway and comes with a private water supply. It also has 50 metres of road frontage. This farm is guided at €300,000.

Joint agents Coonan Real Estate Alliance, Maynooth and Murtagh Bros, Mullingar are handling the sale of the four farms.