It’s doesn’t happen very often, but I was walking through some parkland the other day and just happened to turn around – there were three deer looking straight back at me. Nestled among a flurry of bluebells, horse chestnut trees and natural overgrowth, it was quite a picture, but by the time I grabbed my camera out of my pocket, the deer had whisked off in the opposite direction.

I turned to continue walking and suddenly out popped a grey squirrel from underneath the trunk of a tree. While all that was going on, the birds were happily chirping away in the trees, while a fleet of rabbits darted across my path.

I thought to myself, it takes years to create this sort of character. It’s not something that can be developed in a lifetime, but if you were in a fortunate position it is something that can be bought. This haven of wildlife is for sale, along with 223 acres of top-quality land and a 9,000 square feet residence at Ravensdale, Leixlip, Co Kildare.

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It really is a hidden gem. Adjacent to the renowned Carton House Hotel (the estate wall to Carton is literally across the road), Ravensdale is just 12 miles from Dublin and boots almost a mile of frontage onto two secondary roads.

In fact, if you drive out the back entrance from Carton and turn right onto the main Maynooth/Dunboyne road, a right at the next bend will bring you up to Ravensdale. The location is superb – close to Maynooth, Lexlip, Dunboyne as well as the M3 (Dublin/Cavan) and M4 (Dublin/Sligo) motorways.

Accessed through stone and granite pillars, the property is approached by a long entrance that cuts through its own parkland. About 90 acres to the right of the entrance are let out to a tenant and are currently nurturing a crop of spring barley.

The remaining circa 133 acres comprise a mix of grass and parkland, which is laid out in big sprawling fields that are dotted with beautiful mature trees, many of which have yet to fully blossom.

The farm itself is unbroken by roads and is set out in one big 223-acre block. The house and yard are ideally placed in the centre of the land.

I’m told that this is probably some of the best land in Co Kildare. It’s level, free-draining ground that is extremely well sheltered.

However, simple things, such as clearing back overgrown ditches and trimming hedges, would further enhance the presentation of the land to no end.

The parkland area around the house is superbly sheltered by beautiful horse chestnut, beech and ash trees, as well as mature shrubs and flowers. Nestled in the middle of it all is an enclosed stone-walled garden.

At the moment, this garden is saturated with natural overgrowth, but a photograph taken many years ago, which is found in the drawing room of the residence, shows the garden in all its former glory.

This whole area would benefit greatly from being cleared and reinstated with grass.

Built in 1765, the house is not for the faint-hearted. Extending to about 9,000 square feet, the residence is a two-storey over a basement, that features a beautiful pitch pine returning staircase, panelled walls, high ceilings, solid oak floors, marble fireplaces, sash windows with shutters and decorative cornicing.

The timber work is in superb condition and there is clearly no shortage of space. Although in good, sound order, further renovations are required. It’s believed that Ravensdale was used as a dower house to nearby Carton House by the Duke of Leinster.

The ground floor features four large reception rooms, kitchen/pantry, cloakroom and a bathroom.

Upstairs, there are six main bedrooms, three dressing rooms, two bathrooms and a study, while the basement contains three staff bedrooms, a scullery, kitchen, two pantries and a dairy.

It’s understood that the current owners bought Ravensdale as far back as 1917 from Major Hugh Montgomery. Major Montgomery acquired it back in 1903 and it’s believed that he completely refurbished the house back then. It’s understood the present owners used the property to graze beef cattle all year round – that is until a few years ago, when they leased out 90 acres for tillage.

A short walk from the house brings you to a lofted courtyard which lies fully intact. Featuring a stone and red-brick facade, the courtyard comprises five stables, two coach houses and a saddle room.

Surprisingly, the lofted timber beams appear as good now as when they were first installed. Behind the courtyard is a three-bay hayshed, which is the only farm building on the property.

In addition to all this, the property also comes with a rear entrance which features a gate lodge and two semi-detached cottages.

Ravensdale is a hidden oasis, but it does require further investment. Coonan Auctioneers, Maynooth, will auction the property on 9 June at 3pm at the Carton House Hotel, Maynooth.

The presence of the 9,000 square feet residence may not be for everyone, making this a unique property that requires a unique buyer. Undoubtedly, it should attract sterling inquiries as well as international interest, but one couldn’t rule out some domestic business/equine calls too.

The €4m guide might make Ravensdale a bit pricey for the farmer. It’s clear that location and quality will be the key drivers.

57 acres in Straffan

Meanwhile, Will Coonan of Coonan Auctioneers, Maynooth, is also handling the sale of a 57-acre parcel of land situated in Barberstown, Straffan, Co Kildare. Set out in one 57-acre tillage field, the land is described as “excellent quality” and has extensive frontage to the Maynooth/Barberstown road. It goes to auction on 28 May at 3pm in the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth. The guide price is €10,000/acre.