Someone looking for a sizeable block of land in the Tuam area might consider viewing the 105-acre residential farm that is currently for sale at Ardacong House, Milltown Road, Tuam, Co Galway. The setting, coupled with the superb location, will be the primary drivers of this sale, as well as the attractive price.

It’s understood that offers in excess of €695,000 (€6,600/acre) are being invited, which sounds reasonable for a property of this nature. However, the residence, which was damaged by a fire, is in need of restoration, while part of the land forms a turlough.

Given its location – less than a mile from the town centre and within 150 metres of the N17 Northern bypass junction – it wouldn’t be amiss to think that someone other than a farmer is likely to express interest in the property.

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Fire damage

Up until 2013, part of the farm was used as a pitch and putt course, while the residence, better known as Ardacong House, was converted to a clubhouse.

Sadly, a fire damaged the roof and much of the interior of the house back in 2013 and since then, the pitch and putt course has remained closed. It is currently sporting a meadow. But for someone willing to reinstate the house and develop a business, this property offers serious potential.

Ardacong House dates back to the 19th century and is approached from an attractive oak tree-lined avenue.

Set well back from the road, the two-storey house commands an almost secluded setting and yet is less than a mile from Tuam. It requires full restoration. To the rear is an extensive cut-stone courtyard, that features a range of lofted and single-storey buildings, and these remain fully intact.

The land is set out in one 105-acre block, with about 76 acres described as “good agricultural land”, while the remaining circa 29 acres form part of a turlough (this dries up during the summer months).

Currently under grass, the land is generally flat and is divided into a number of good-sized fields and paddocks, that are bounded by attractive stone walls. Water is supplied from a group water scheme and there is extensive frontage onto the main N17 Galway/Sligo road.

Unless previously sold, the property is scheduled to go to auction on 17 September at the Menlo Park Hotel, Galway, at 7pm. This will be one of a number of properties that will be auctioned that evening by Claire Moran from The Connacht Property Auction, based in Galway.

Ardacong is being offered in its entire or in two separate lots, the sizes of which will be determined by the level of public interest expressed over the next three weeks. It’s understood that since officially going on the market two weeks ago, the property has generated a steady level of farming interest, both local and distant.

The reserve price was not disclosed, but offers in excess of €695,000 are being invited. The joint agent is Property Partners Long, Tuam.