Extending to 1,263 acres, Kilcooley Estate, Thurles, Co Tipperary, is one of two major estates that have been offered for sale on the open market this year. The other is Coollattin Estate, Shillelagh, Co Wicklow, which stands on 1,230 acres (almost 250 acres of farmland and circa 980 acres of forestry) and is regarded as one of the best driving shoots in the country. This sprawling estate is currently for sale through Savills, Dublin, at an asking price of €6m.

The owner of Kilcooley Estate, on the other hand, is set to pocket a major windfall if he successfully sells the 1,263-acre estate for the €8m asking price. The Northern Ireland-based owner is thought to have initially bought Kilcooley Estate on 220 acres and later the 950 acres of forestry surrounding the estate, for a combined figure in the region of €3.6m – and that was just two years ago.

Today, Kilcooley Estate comes to the market with an 18th century mansion, a cut-stone courtyard, a range of traditional farm buildings, three staff lodges and a sunken garden terrace. But most striking is that it has the potential to generate an income stream of circa €3.7m from the sale of timber over the next 15 years.

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To this end, joint agents Roseanne De Vere-Hunt from Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes, Ballsbridge, Dublin, and Brian Carroll, Sherry Fitzgerald Carroll, Dundalk, expect active international interest.

“The potential income stream, coupled with the sheer size of the property will appeal to international buyers, particularly when you take into the account the strength of sterling and the dollar,” said Roseanne De Vere-Hunt.

Bearing in mind the extensive history attached to Kilcooley and its proximity just five miles from the motorway, it’s suggested the property might appeal to expats who want an accessible base in Ireland. But €2m to €3m will be required to bring the house up to living standard.

Approached by a long winding tree-lined avenue, the two-storey over-basement mansion is positioned is such a way that it enjoys expansive views of the renowned 12th century Kilcooley Abbey to the front (which is maintained by the OPW) and an ornamental lake to the back which sports its own boat house. Apparently, there is a lovely walkway that runs from the house down to the Abbey.

Although not lived in for over 10 years and in need of restoration, the 35,000 square feet mansion still retains a plethora of Palladian and Victorian features. These include a beautiful glazed dome in the ceiling of the hallway, an impressive cantilevered stone staircase complete with wrought-iron balustrade leading to the first floor, timber panelling and the addition of three-sided bows following a fire in circa 1840.

The accommodation extends to a kitchen and four reception rooms on the ground floor, four large bedrooms on the first floor with a kitchen and a range of former staff bedrooms and service rooms in the basement. On either side of the mansion are two enclosed yards that feature old stables, coach houses, a kitchen yard, fuel stores and a hen house.

Just a short distance away is the main stable yard or courtyard that contains 15 loose boxes, four coach houses, former staff accommodation and a number of lofts that were used for grain and hay storage. A stone arch leads to a further six coach houses. The main farmyard comprises a range of traditional round-roofed sheds and some stone outbuildings.

The land

Comprising a mix of conifers and hardwoods, the 950 acres of planted forestry is at varying stages of maturity and is projected to return an income stream in the region of €3.7m from thinning and timber sales over the next 15 years. A sound network of internal hardcore roadways provide access to the various pockets of forestry.

Around 190 acres of parkland and grazing ground surrounds the house while the remainder of the estate is made up of pleasure grounds, farm buildings, roadways and an ornamental lake. One of the outstanding features is that the estate lies within the original stone walls which still remain intact. These walls extend to over five and half miles.

Additionally, a diverse range of birdlife and deer on the grounds give the potential to develop the property into a sprawling sporting estate. Kilcooley estate is guided at €8m.