Such was the demand for a 47-acre residential farm at Cruttenclough, Bilboa, Co Kilkenny, that it came close to doubling its guide price.

Castlecomer-based auctioneer, Joseph Coogan held the drive-in auction on 18 December 2020, with attendees bidding from their vehicles.

Commenting on the process, Coogan said:

“The key was to identify early on who interested. It’s a little bit more difficult than when people are sitting directly in front of you. It’s a new venture, and it’s a system we will probably be able to use for the foreseeable future.”

The property was not offered for sale as an entirety as none of the three lots on offer were adjoining. There was no road frontage, with two lots accessed by lanes and the third surrounded by other farms. Ultimately, all three were purchased by the one buyer.

Located within 10 miles of Carlow town, lot one, consisting of an old two-storey residence based on 8.5ac attracted the most interest. The two-bedroom dwelling with oil-fired central heating was located in a small yard with a number of old stone buildings. While requiring some renovation the house had plenty potential.

The residence

The increase in numbers working from home has seen a lift in demand for rural residences and this offering was no different. Coogan said: “We had about 50 parties view the house and there were four bidders on it. We guided it at €88,000 and it sold for €175,000.”

Lot 2 consisting of 23ac was guided at €60,000 and after a two horse bidding race the hammer fell at €135,000.

The final lot on offer consisted of the landlocked 15.5ac. Initially guided at €40,000, there were three bidders involved here and it sold for €60,000.

A new process it may have been but it certainly didn’t hinder the end result.