How often does a fantastic estate with major international interest, come on to the market and get snapped up by a local? If this classifies a rarity then Lisselan is the exception. The former major of Clonakilty and businesswoman, Colette Twomey of Clonakilty Blackpudding, purchased the fabulous estate in a deal which closed in the last two weeks.

On the market for the circa three years with various agents, the holding was guided for €9m. A price cut became an apparent necessity after no sale ensued and the property was re-guided at €3.6m. Last year saw renewed interest for the package and the property was sale agreed back in October with its current owner. The final price tag of the estate is believed to be under the guide price and indeed under the €3m mark, representing very good value for the quality obtained. It is believed that investment will be put into the estate over the coming years.

Handling the sale was Catherine McAuliffe of Savills Cork.

The residence

The residence itself is a fabulous French styled residence built around the mid 1800’s. Inside the residence is a plethora of rooms, offices and stores. These include eight principal bedrooms, five bathrooms, a Bavarian room, an entrance hall, a dining room, a drawing room, offices, staff quarters, a wine cellar and a golf store room to name a few.

The accommodation is laid out over four levels, with the main reception rooms all found on the ground floor, the principal bedrooms over the first and second floor and at lower ground floor there is excellent accommodation including the snooker room (former kitchen) and staff accommodation. The well-proportioned elegant reception rooms, along with the Lisselan House characterful tower, have all retained their many period features. The residence is said to be homely, bright and spacious, with wonderful views to the extensive gardens below.

Other features

As well as the residence, there are circa 30 acres of fabulous gardens on the estate. There is also 1.5 km of a double fishing bank, ideal for someone interested in the past time. Woodland perfect for walks can also be found on the estate. When speaking with Catherine, she said that there are numerous buildings present on the estate including numerous houses, a golf club house, a pear tree cottage and a gate lodge.

Golf course and gardens

Of the 315 acres in the estate, 80 acres is made up of a nine hole golf course. Described by Savills as “one of the most challenging and picturesque of Irish golf courses to be played”, it is surrounded by woodland and has the Argideen River flowing through it.

A further big selling point is the 30 acre gardens, which surround the house. Dramatic features in the Gardens include the Japanese maple, rose wreathed pergola, water garden, and the towering trees.

The lands and farm buildings

The entire estates extends to a substantial 315 acres. 30 acres of this includes the house and its surrounding with 80 acres making up the golf course. The agricultural lands are a mix of tillage and pasture.

Typical of the area, the land quality would be good, with a gentle slope found in some divisions of the lands. The estate is bounded and interspersed in many parts by mature woodlands.

Once upon a time, the estate was part of a large dairy farm with new milking yards were built off site and the farm yard fell into poor repair. While there are a number of farm buildings, they are in need of modernisation.

The previous owners did add a block of 9 stables with tack and feed rooms and these remain in good order. The property has good equine roots, with Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call once a resident of the estate.

The lands within the wider estate once included a gallop with the aforementioned rising gradient. It must be noted that this has not been used in many years. The farm yard has an abundance of buildings once used for milking, cattle over wintering facilities and for general farming enterprises. All in disrepair but offer the opportunity to be re-generated for alternative purposes if needs be.

Location

In terms of its location, the estate is located circa 5 km from Clonakilty and 50km from Cork city. An area famous for its rugged countryside, Lisselan is blessed by its wonderful surroundings. Complemented by the quality of the estate itself, the price tag was keenly guided.

When speaking with Irish Country living, Catherine said it was a great sale to be involved with.

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