The super Mallardstown House, a 42-acre residential farm in Callan, Co Kilkenny, has sold. Coming to the market in the summer of 2017, a fresh wave of interest became apparent early this year. The auctioneer handling the sale, Peter McCreery, confirmed to Irish Country Living last week that the sale was agreed in September after a period of negotiation with highest bidder.

It is believed that a businessman with equine interests bought the farm. The final price was just above the guide price of €1.1m. It was a private treaty sale.

A number of weeks ago, McCreery sold another top-quality residential farm in Kilkenny. On that occasion, a super 72 acres at Dunderyark, Danesfort, sold under the hammer for €1.75m or €24,300/ac.

The farm itself

The residence at Mallardstown House is a lovely 336 sq m (3,616 sq ft), four-bed family home. Recent extensive refurbishment means the house itself is in superb condition.

Spacious and homely, the building is an ideal family home. The six stables located beside the house evidently contributed to the appeal for the eventual buyer.

The lands themselves are of high quality. Situated in good farming territory, the 42 acres are suitable for just about any agricultural purpose. Currently mostly in stubble, corn was grown last year on the farm.

A small part of the land behind the house is laid out in grass. The ground is free-draining and is presented in excellent condition. The property is situated opposite to Callan golf course, within 4km of Callan and circa 15km from Kilkenny city.

It was offered in lots, with the guide for the land only standing at €12,000/ac prior to auction. The high quality and excellent location influenced this land price.

The sale was being handled in conjunction with Roseanne De Vere Hunt of Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes, Farms and Estates.

McCreery said the market for residential holdings can be tricky, but demand is steady.

“We have seen steady demand in this area for residential holdings. They can be difficult, but if they are approached correctly and nurtured they can be successful. We are very happy with this sale. This property had enormous potential and attracted a lot of attention,” he explained.