Speaking with an auctioneer recently in the Offaly area, it is clear that the appetite is certainly there for top-quality parcels.

A fruitful summer in the county, a notable property for sale was the 99 acres at Eglish on the N52, offered by GVM Tullamore. Irish Country Living understands that this is sale agreed.

The Eglish holding is one of a number of properties in the midlands that impressed over the summer to date. Now the beautiful 56-acre Cloneyhurke House, located near Portarlington on the Offaly side of the Laois-Offaly border, has hit the market in the Faithful County.

Offered by Philip Guckian of Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes and Sherry FitzGerald Highland Keating, the holding was released onto the market in June. Offered by private treaty, it is guided at €900,000 or just over €16,000/acre. It must be noted the residence highly influences the price of this holding.

The house

The first and most prominent element of this holding is the beautiful residence. Standing on over 4,600sq ft, it is a seven-bedroom home.

Laced with history, Cloneyhurke House is located in the heart of the midlands. Built approximately 250 years ago, it is in a private setting with a railed avenue leading to the residence, making for an impressive introduction to the property. Centrally located in the overall property, the house is surrounded by the mature trees, giving ample privacy. One can access the holding via the main entrance or from the agricultural entrance that leads directly to the farm.

Cloneyhurke House on 56 acres has some of the finest midland ground. It is offered by Sherry FitzGerald.

Cloneyhurke House on 56 acres has some of the finest midland ground. It is offered by Sherry FitzGerald.

The residence itself is entered by a granite staircase at the front door, which leads into an impressive entrance hall with wooden flooring, high ceilings and a feature staircase. To both sides of the hall are two formal rooms that have wooden flooring and marble fireplaces, with the dining room to the left having dual aspect, allowing for plenty of light and magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. Following on through the entrance hall is the lounge replicating the same appealing features as the dining room. A family bathroom is located to the rear of the residence.

A few steps up the stairs on the return is the first guest bedroom with high ceilings, fireplace and views over the courtyard. There is a single bedroom to the rear that would also be suitable as a games room or study. On the first floor, there are four double bedrooms with a single room to the front. All the rooms are completed with high ceilings, wooden floors and fireplaces. The lower ground floor is where the heart of the home is, with its kitchen and dining/living space.

The farm

The farm comprises of 56 acres in total, with a selection of farm buildings suitable for both beef and equine needs. In terms of land quality, it is the best of midlands’ ground. Maintained in excellent condition, the property is ready to use. Previously operated as an equine enterprise, a notable associate of the farm is a Pairofbrowneyes, the Willie Mullins-trained track winner.

The land was also used as a beef farm. Well fenced, mature hedging for a shelter belt and a water supply, the farm is in top shape and is suitable to just about any enterprise, including tillage.

Cloneyhurke House on 56 acres has some of the finest midland ground. It is offered by Sherry FitzGerald.

Cloneyhurke House on 56 acres has some of the finest midland ground. It is offered by Sherry FitzGerald.

Cloneyhurke House on 56 acres has some of the finest midland ground. It is offered by Sherry FitzGerald.

The facilities are described by Guckian as first class for both cattle and horses. An impressive American barn offers eight loose boxes and large storage area for hay and machinery. A cattle crush is located to the side of the barn, with a concrete area which aids practicality.

Another impressive feature is the courtyard that has recently been renovated. The sheds located here have also been renovated and complete with concrete floors. The large storage shed is currently being used as a showroom. On the first floor, the coach house is finished to a high standard and could be used for a number of commercial uses or as guest accommodation, subject to planning from the local county council.

The offering

With a guide of €900,000, interest so far has been good, with a nice mix of farmers and equine parties enquiring. International interest is expected to pick up over the next number of weeks.

The holding is offered in the entire and not in lots. It is a private treaty sale.