There was an unusual excitement when I visited the highly regarded Corbalton Hall, a 358-acre estate near Ratoath, Co Meath. It had been on the radar for a while but when it was announced a few weeks ago that Corbalton was set for auction, the realisation that I would be able to take a tour of this exclusive estate was more than appealing. Peering through the security gates at the weaving avenue at the front of the property gave me the first glimpse of the property. It was clear this was a special place. My tour guide for the morning was the experienced auctioneer, Andrew Nolan of Goff’s Property. It was a morning well spent.

In every corner there seemed to be something that impressed. Whether it was the meticulously kept driveway, maintained by one of the three full-time staff that look after the grounds, the network of roads connecting the farmlands to the other parts of the property or the walled garden area with a spine of well-kept gravel paths is a joy to behold. The round tower that commands the courtyard area is striking. The views of the vast tillage land surrounding Corbalton’s residence would make a stunning postcard and the house itself is simply perfect. You cannot overuse superlatives for Corbalton Hall.

The property itself was purchased in 1999 by a Dublin businessman. In a previous life, the property was owned by the Corbally-Stourton family before changing hands on a number of occasions. It was then bought by a German couple before they sold it to its existing owner. Between 1999 and 2003, significant investment and restoration work has taken place at Corbalton Hall. The result is the majestic property that exists there today.

The residence

The residence is a distinctive two-storey Georgian villa, constructed in the early 19th century.

The kitchen area.

It was notably designed by the well-renowned Irish architect Francis Johnston, better known for his work on Áras an Úachtaráin. The house is well proportioned, with immaculate detail in each and every corner of the building. Its four bedrooms are large, full of light and designed for maximum comfort.

The residence has a handsome three-bay façade, a breakfront centre and a Wyatt window above a single-storey iconic portico. The house is dominated by a grand entrance hall with ornate plasterwork on the ceiling and a fine marble fireplace. It has an inner hall with a cantilevered staircase lit by a large stained-glass window and there are two elegant reception rooms on either side of the entrance hall.

Upstairs hallway.

The lower ground floor contains a modern cinema, while there is also a library, a gym and a bar.

Walking from the house to the courtyard and gardens, you get a glimpse of the view of the surrounding countryside. You are further impressed by the condition and evident investment in the garden and courtyard as well as the coach house and other outbuildings.

The lands

The land encompasses 358 acres. According to Nolan, circa 227 acres is in winter wheat while the remaining land is in grass. The tillage is in three large divisions and the estimated yield for the crop is 4.5t-4.8t/ac. The grassland is laid out in seven divisions. Kept in excellent conditions, all the provisions, such as fencing, are top class.

There is also a cattle handling unit at one of the three entrances to the property. A roadway connects the lands to the residence, though it must be noted that there are no farm buildings on the property. This may explain the division of the lots.

Auction

  • Lot one: Contains the residence and the buildings on circa 131 acres. Guided for €8m.
  • Lot two: Contains 227 acres. Guided for €3m, or €13,200/ac.
  • Lot three: This refers to the entire. Guided at €11m.
  • The auction will take place on Thursday 6 June in Carton House in Co Kildare.