SUPER €15M WICKLOW STUD FARM

Location: Grangecon Stud, Co Wicklow

Acres: 250

Guide price: €15m

Sale type: Private treaty

Auctioneer: Sotherbys, Coonan Property and Goffs Property

In 2000 California native Rick Barnes purchased what was then a 250-acre dairy farm in Wicklow. Over the next four years, heavy investment in the land, the buildings and the infrastructure turned the property into an exceptional holding.

After consideration, however, the trader decided to put Grangecon Stud on the market in June. The €15m price tag represents significant investment in all aspects of the holding.

From start to finish the spec of the property is simply superb.

From the views of the rolling countryside as you approach the stud, to stud-rail fenced land, to the exceptionally modern five-bedroom house that stands on almost 13,000 sq ft, to the plethora of equine facilities, this holding is something else.

The property remains on the market.

DOLLANSTOWN SUD AND ESTATE GUIDES €9.25M

Location: Dollanstown Stud and Estate, Co Meath

Acres: 364

Guide: €9.25m

Sale type: Private treaty

Auctioneer: Pat Hagan, Savills Country Homes

Dollanstown Stud and Estate came to the market by Savills in late June. Comprising over 360 acres, a seven-bed main residence, numerous other accommodations, including a four-bed manager house, three gate lodges and a farmhouse, a vast number of stables, riding arenas, an event course and a gallop – the holding is a substantial package.

This is reflected in the guide. Offered for €9.25m, it is a private treaty sale handled by Savills. The facilities and features of the farm are truly stunning, in particular the equestrian facilities. The cleanliness of the tack room to the well-maintained gallops reassures you that it has been kept to the highest standard. The equestrianism at Dollanstown is the key feature, with 71 stables spread over five yards, an all-weather 2,400m gallop, two outdoor arenas, an indoor arena, a horse walker and an event course.

A livestock-rearing enterprise is presently run in Dollanstown, with two sets of farm buildings situated at either end of the estate. The lands themselves are top Meath ground. Extending 364 acres, it is productive ground. Circa 280 acres are located in a block, with an 80-acre out-farm approximately 1km away.

Dollanstown Stud and Estate is a 364-acre estate that is guided for €9.25m.

RATHCOFFEY BOASTS SHEER CLASS

Location: Rathcoffey Castle, Rathcoffey, Co Kildare

Acres: 224

Guide: €3.75m

Sale type: Private treaty

Auctioneer: Philip Guckian, Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes

Having come to the market in September, the farm was withdrawn from the market a number of weeks later, with the view to being auctioned this year. However, that did not inhibit the property generating a stir.

All in one block, it is a super tillage farm with circa 20 acres of heavier ground at the rear of the property which is set out in grass. It is easily accessible and has a good location in Rathcoffey.

The beautiful 224-acre farm at Rathcoffey Castle is guided for €3.75m and is offered by Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes.

BREATHTAKING 320-ACRE FARM IN NORTH DUBLIN

Location: Rowlestown Farm, Rowlestown, Co Dublin

Acres: 320

Guide: €6.4m

Sale type: Private treaty

Auctioneer: Andrew Nolan, Goffs Property

The 320 acres on this north-Dublin farm is possibly the best out-and-out farm that has come to the market this year.

Without an inch of waste, it is an outstanding property.

Encompassing 320 acres of ground, a modern spacious farmyard, circa 3km of road frontage and a super location, the overall package is comprehensive.

The farm is all in one block, with almost 130 acres in tillage and 192 acres in grass.

Running through the heart of the property is a roadway which diverges in numerous places, ensuring you can drive every inch of the farm.

In terms of the land, we are in fertile country in north Dublin and the yields here are impressive. The land is capable of yielding 4t/ac of winter barley and 4.8-5t/ac of winter wheat.

In terms of grassland, the farm can grow 12t-14tDM/ha. The challenges of this year saw the farm grow between 11t-12tDM/ha. The farm is in rotation, with three years set in tillage before it is returned to grass. This crop rotation was implemented in the last eight years, meaning 70% of the land has been reseeded.

Rowlestown Farm encompasses 320 acres and is guided for €6.4m, or €20,000/ac.

A 206-ACRES RESIDENTIAL DAIRY FARM

Location: Newbawn, Co Wexford

Acres: 206

Guide: Circa €2.68m

Sale type: Private treaty

Auctioneer: Anne Carton, PN O’Gorman

A farm that came to the market in Newbaun in September got plenty of people in the local area taking note, as rarely does a farm of this size come to the market in the vicinity. A farm as an entire package is comprehensive.

The residence is a beautiful five-bed bungalow that is both modern and homely.

The land is 206 acres of the finest Wexford ground and there is a plethora of farm buildings in an extensive yard area.

An active dairy farm, there is a 14-unit milking parlour that was only installed in 2014, which is in excellent condition.

The farm itself encompasses a total of 206 acres, currently presented in grass, with the paddocks of uniform quality and little or no waste across the land.

The large open paddocks are strip-grazed and given their size and the ample road frontage, would be perfectly suited to a tillage enterprise.

The yard area is in excellent condition and has the capability of housing up to 450 head of stock.

Included in the array of farm buildings are cubicle houses for 146 cows and 300 cattle, a four-span grain shed, a four-span calf-rearing shed and a machinery shed.

There are also numerous other buildings for storage.

A 206-acre dairy farm is on the market in Wexford.