When you come off the M4, through Kilcock and past the forthcoming countryside, you are in stud farm country. The area is synonymous with equestrianism, being home to many of the world’s leading stud farms, international bloodstock sales and the country’s premier horse racing and eventing venues.

Renowned studs such as Bryanstownand and Moyglare Stud Farm are situated in this highly regarded location.

With this, Dollanstown Stud and Estate is officially on the market. Comprising over 360 acres, a seven-bed main residence, numerous other accommodations, including a four-bed manager house, three gate lodges and a farmhouse, 71 stables arranged in five yards, a couple of outdoor 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.

Dollanstown house

Standing in the middle of this vast stud farm is its most striking feature, the residence. A commanding presence, the house’s impressive exterior is outdone by its interior. The recently refurbished period home consists of two large reception rooms, a light-filled kitchen with an impressive view of the surrounding gardens and wonderfully large bedrooms, to name just a few elements of the house.

A wing situated to the north of the house provides the entertaining accommodation and includes a well-equipped kitchen, dining room and drawing room. The reception rooms have timber panelling, fireplaces with impressive mantelpieces and doors opening to the garden. The entertainment wing has a separate entrance vestibule at the rear of the house.

A two-bedroom courtyard wing, attached to the western elevation of the house and facing south, provides self-contained accommodation over two storeys. It can be accessed on both floors, directly from the main house. There is also an external access via the courtyard to the rear, which has triple-glazing and a raised fireplace in the sitting room. Adjoining the rear of the house is a former stableyard of traditional construction. It is over two storeys and laid out in a rectangular shape, forming a central courtyard which is laid to a combination of gravel and cobblestones, with a central water feature, and has a vehicular access through two archways.

The other residences

Few properties come to the market each year that boast this number of accommodation on a single property. Excluding the stunning main residence, there is a three-bed farmhouse, three gate lodges, a courtyard cottage and an apartment. There is also a four-bed manager’s house that is in good condition. All have been lived in and maintained very well. They can provide for employee accommodation and offer the potential for holiday cottages or longer-term letting properties. This would be a major source of income should a buyer wish to rent out.

The facilities

The facilities and features of the farm are truly stunning, in particular the equestrian facilities. Aspects of the holding, from 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 hand at 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 land. Circa 280 acres are located in a block, with an 80-acre outfarm circa 1km away.

Dollanstown House is set within magnificent, mature garden grounds and estate parkland. Lying to the west of the house, and within the estate parkland, is a walled garden. It is accessed from the house by a gravel driveway and through a cast-iron gate, while it can also be accessed via the public road through an archway. The surrounding trees give ample privacy to the setting.

Location and offering

The locaion of the stud farm is ideal. While it is within commuting distance of Dublin city centre, just 23km from the M50 Dublin bypass, 2km from Kilcock and 7km from Maynooth, it is set in the deep Meath countryside.

Guided for €9.25m, it requires a niche buyer.

The holding is being offered via private treaty and is being handled by James Butler and Pat O’Hagan of Savills.