Local farmers would be amiss not to at least consider buying part of a 138-acre residential grazing farm at Woodlawn Farm, Crover, Mountnugent, Co Cavan. This is the biggest farm to arrive on the open market in the county so far this year and presents a pretty rare opportunity to buy a sizeable unit in Co Cavan.

Travelling from Dublin, I came along the M3 motorway to Virginia and turned off for Ballyjamesduff, after which I followed the signs for Granard and the renowned Crover House Hotel and golf course. The setting of this hotel on the shores of Lough Sheelin is just superb.

I’m told that Lough Sheelin extends to over 4,500 acres and is the 13th largest lake in the country. It’s a freshwater lake that is populated with brown trout. You can see by the fabulous setting and views why the hotel is so popular for weddings and functions.

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Right across the road from the entrance to the hotel is Woodlawn Farm, which stands on 138 acres of rolling Cavan land.

Split by a lovely tree-lined road, about 50 acres is situated directly across from the house and yard on 88 acres. There are two entrances to the main holding. I probably took the one that is least used but, by all accounts, it really allowed me to get an insight into the character of the farm. Although quite narrow, this entrance meanders through the land, rising ever so slowly before culminating right in front of Woodlawn House. It is presently fenced for cattle but it’s the type of entrance that deserves the construction of a post and rail fence, lined intermittently with beautiful hardwood trees.

Set on a poised site, Woodlawn House commands a central presence overlooking its own land and can be seen clearly from the public road. A listed building, it’s a three-storey over-basement Georgian residence that dates back to the 1800s. I’m guessing that the flat-roofed porch to the front was added on at a later stage because the distinctive original Georgian architrave is clearly visible above the flat roof. I’m also guessing that if the external render was removed on the front of the house, it might uncover a lovely stone-faced exterior.

Although Woodlawn House offers size and character, it requires substantial refurbishment and major investment. Features include sash windows and shutters, original fireplaces, original flagstones, high ceilings and timber paneled doors.

Accommodation comprises two large reception rooms, two bathrooms, four bedrooms on the second floor with a further two bedrooms in the attic, while the kitchen along with a number of store rooms are located in the basement.

To the rear is a lofted courtyard that is accessed under a lovely stone archway. Some of the houses in the courtyard were used to winter cattle over the years. A short distance away is a three-bay slatted shed, a four-bay hayshed and a cattle crush and pen. These are the only farm buildings on the property.

Used for sucklers, the land is generally laid out in big rolling fields that are extremely well sheltered by natural hedges and mature trees. Fabulous horse chestnut and copper beech trees in the front lawn, which is currently sporting a meadow crop, gives a lovely parkland feel to the property.

Other fields were being grazed by some fine Charolais cattle and replacement Friesian heifers when I was there last week. About five acres in total are in mature forestry (located on either side of the road). I’m told that Woodlawn Farm would be renowned in the area and is regarded for its grazing abilities. Water is supplied from a river that flows through the farm, and from a private well.

Also included in the package is a three bedroom bungalow residence set on three-quarters of an acre. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the bungalow was built within the last 10 years and comes with two reception rooms, kitchen/dining area, a solid fuel stove, bathroom and three bedrooms. To the rear is a 30 foot garage. This is being offered as a separate lot.

Woodlawn is a property that, with investment, offers oodles of character and lots of potential.

Joint agents Liam Reilly, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, and Robert Nixon & Co, Kells, are offering the farm for sale by private treaty in one or a range of lots, subject to interest.

The entire is guided in the region of €1.5 million (€10,800/acre) which certainly represents the upper end of the market in the county. Apart from possible local inquires, interest from Northern Ireland cannot be ruled out, nor can potential business interest. It’s understood that, to date, local interest has been expressed in the lots while the entire is generating outside inquiries. The farm is currently under offer.