Situated in the picturesque countryside about 6km from Arlow, Sleighduff has caused quite a stir since arriving on the market 10 days ago. Standing on 37 acres, the facilities at the equestrian holding are second to none. The guide price of €650,000 is reasonable given the modern and high-quality nature of the facilities, which really are the star of this holding.

Equestrian Facility

The key asset at Sleighduff is the substantial equestrian facility, which is under a single roof. It includes an indoor arena of 11 bays, which is a steel portal frame construction beneath a double-hip insulated roof with a rubber and sand surface.

The arena can be accessed directly from the stables or through roller shutter doors, and there is a raised viewing area between the arena and the stables. Adjoining the indoor arena is the stable block, which is in seven bays of steel portal frame construction.

A notable feature is the exterior hewn stone wall, which, according to the auctioneer handling the sale, James Butler of Savills, is both “unique and exceptional”.

The modern facility includes 31 Monarch stables of varying sizes, constructed in an Elizabethan/Victorian style and with cherrywood cladding in brass finishes. There are two wash bays and various stores and the building has a concrete floor.

A number of the stables have doors which provide direct external access, while a separate feature is the ample natural light throughout the building. There are also hard-core aprons surrounding the building, according to Savills.

The lands

The lands comprise of 37 acres and, according to Butler, are of top quality. Characterised by gentle, undulating slopes, it is ideal for an equestrian holding. It is presented in grass and is laid out in one block. Mature hedging provides for good shelter for animals and there is a timber rail fence surrounding the paddocks. It is divided into a number of enclosures and there are eight turnout paddocks enclosed by post and rail fences.

Farmhouse

The farmhouse is accessed through an electric-gated “bell-mouthed entrance with stone piers via a hardcore, tree-lined driveway with a stone wall on either side”, according to Savills. The driveway leads to the farmhouse, which has an elevated, southeasterly-facing position. The two-storey house is in need of complete renovation and redecoration to extract its full potential. There is also a garden in front of the house.

Good interest

Enquiries over the last number of days would suggest this lot will perform well. Speaking with Irish Country Living, Butler said that the level of early enquiries can give an indication as to how a property will perform. In this instance, this is a positive observation.

Butler also mentioned the importance of location: “Sleighduff is situated six kilometres west of the N11/M11, which connects Dublin to Wexford. It is within easy reach of Dún Laoghaire and Rosslare ports, which makes it an ideal location.”

The property, with a keen asking price of €650,000, is being offered in the entire as a private treaty sale.