The late owner of Claremount House, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, was a renowned jockey and horse breeder in his day. Steeped in equine success, the sprawling 383-acre estate would be regarded locally as a pretty special gem for eastern Co Westmeath. In the same family for generations, this distinctive property has just arrived on the market, making it an extremely rare buy for anybody on the lookout for something special.

In a nutshell, Claremount is an unspoiled, old world estate that encapsulates many of the structures and features that relate to bygone years. And to top it all off, these structures are in excellent repair, which reflects the tidy nature of the owner.

A mile outside the Westmeath village of Milltownpass brought me to Claremount House last Friday. Standing on 383 acres, the property is currently for sale with a Victorian five-bedroom residence, a superb courtyard and entitlements to the value of circa €29,000. It is the second biggest farm to come on the market in Co Westmeath so far this year – the largest being 408 acres at Little Budds, Dysart, which sold earlier this spring.

Structures

Accessed through a pair of ashlar limestone piers that date back to 1880, the property is approached by an attractive driveway, with about 40 acres on the left in stubble and a huge lawn on the right that encompasses a lovely parkland setting.

One of the distinctive features is a number of original wrought iron lattice gates that allow entry to the lawn. It is likely that these were made by a skilled local ironmonger at the time.

This tasteful and most unique workmanship filters right throughout the property as the main avenue into the house is also lined with a series of wrought iron railings. The detail on these gates and railings is plausible.

Built around 1880, the residence is a four-bay Victorian-style house that features ashlar limestone detailing, cut stone windowsills, sliding sash windows and a natural slate roof. Accommodation includes two reception rooms with marble fireplaces, a study, a kitchen with an Aga cooker, a scullery, utility, two storerooms, two bathrooms and five bedrooms (three with open fireplaces).

The residence is in good structural order, but might benefit from some modernisation. Given the number of acres involved, the house is not oversized, which might suit someone looking for a comfortable family home and not a mansion.

Mighty courtyard

However, the feature that caught my eye was the mighty courtyard to the rear of the house. I have seen many courtyards over the years, but few have remained as intact as this one at Claremount, especially when you grasp its sheer size.

Dating back to 1880, this rectangular block of cut limestone buildings provides a fully enclosed arena, with a nice grass patch in the centre.

Comprising a mix of lofted coach houses, single-storey stables and limestone carriage arches, this courtyard has been impeccably maintained and was used over the years to accommodate horses. Within, lies a large cast iron water storage tank and pump, which makes for a pretty rare feature.

Adjoining the main courtyard is a range of out-houses and storage sheds. There are no modern farm buildings on the property.

Standing on 383 acres, the land is set out in one huge block. About 40 acres are in stubble, with a further circa 46 acres in forestry located at the rear boundary.

The rest of the farm is in old pasture, laid out in a mix of good-sized fields coupled with sprawling divisions that are serviced with water from a private well and a mains line.

Apart from horses, the farm was also used to graze cattle and sheep. Complete with a nice section of road frontage, Claremount would be regarded locally as good, sound Westmeath land.

For sale in one lot only through Murtagh Bros, Mullingar, Claremount House and farm is scheduled to go to auction on 24 September at 3pm in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.

Bearing in mind the number of acres involved, it’s the type of property that is bound to generate some Northern and UK enquiries and, given its history, one couldn’t rule out some equine interest either.

Local farmers are also showing interest.

The guide price is €3m, or €7,800/acre.