Sitting on a 68ac parcel in Ballinvarosig, Carrigaline, Co Cork, is a prospect rarely seen on the market in the southern counties. For sale by priavte treaty is Stonehill Stud, an equestrian farm that has bred elite horses and winning thoroughbreds under its current ownership, with a family history well known in Irish horse circles and a long association with the racing industry.

Set several hundred metres back along a tree-lined tarmacadam driveway, the main six-bedroom residence has a peaceful, secluded feel. Built 15 years ago and finished to a high standard, it is in pristine condition throughout, with tasteful décor and bright, spacious rooms suited to substantial family living, entertaining and hosting. Outside, the house benefits from far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside.

One of the reception rooms in the main residence, which was built 15 years ago.

The kitchen of the main residence, which is tastefully decorated and suited to family living and entertaining.

A defining feature of Stonehill Stud is the fact that it is not simply a modern house with equine facilities, but a working stud farm with its equestrian infrastructure woven through the fabric of the estate. Bordering the house along the avenue is a large sand arena, extending beyond the width of the residence, reflecting the owners’ focus on equestrian use. Other training facilities include a lunging pen.

The driveway continues into the main stable area, which is well-equipped for a serious operation. The yard is anchored at the entrance by the first stable block containing six large boxes.

Interior of one of the ancillary accommodation buildings. The holding has three residential properties in addition to the main dwelling.

The interior of the two-bedroom apartment, which benefits from views over the land.
Aerial view showing the layout of the house and yard, which are connected by a tarmacadam driveway.

Farm infrastructure

Adjacent to this is a secure paved turnout area, lined on the opposite side by a courtyard complex. This incorporates an office with extensive guest, staff or client accommodation in the form of a two-bedroom detached house, a two-bedroom mews, and a two-bedroom apartment. To the rear of the yard is a second stable block, providing additional equine accommodation and bringing the total to 20 horseboxes.

Further along the avenue is a range of farm infrastructure, including a round-roofed haybarn with lean-to and machinery shed. Several paddocks surround the house and yard, secured with post and rail fencing and lined with mature trees for optimal windbreak and shade. Aside from a small plot of the land, which is in forestry, the remainder of the 68ac is laid out in good-quality pasture, with a portion currently used for drystock cattle.

Aerial view showing the layout of Stonehill Stud and stable yard. The large sand arena can be seen bordering the house.

Aerial view of the stabling yard at Stonehill Stud, showing a stable block on the left, detached two-bedroom house in the middle, and equine complex with office and additional accommodation on the right.

Located just two minutes from the renowned Maryville Stables in Carrigaline, Stonehill Stud is situated within an established equestrian hub that is known for its strong equine community. The Cork town of Carrigaline is within a five-minute drive, while Cork airport can be reached in 15 minutes and Cork city centre in 30 minutes.

Listed with Michael Pigott Auctioneers and guided at €2.75m, the stud farm is attracting strong interest on a national level from serious equine professionals and hobby enthusiasts. Given the scarcity of large parcels in the area and recent sales of substantial blocks for development, the property may also appeal to those who recently sold land and are seeking a turnkey home on a sizeable site.

The interior of the six-bay stable block at the entrance to the courtyard. The farm has an additional 14 boxes.

The stabling yard with paved turnout area.