When speaking with auctioneer Margaret Harty, what was very obvious from the beginning of our conversation was the quality of location that the 60-acre residential holding she has just realised to the market boasts. Situated in Ballinamona, Ardmore, the property contains a period residence, outbuildings and 60 acres, the majority of which are of top quality. Offered by private treaty, the property is guided in its entirety for €750,000.

The residence

The house itself is a period house, built in the early 1900s. The four-bedroom residence is situated at the edge of the entire holding and provides immense character to the overall package. The house has not been lived in for the last number of years, but it does provide opportunity for a buyer to renovate and refurbish. In essence, it offers a blank canvas to interested parties.

The house has two reception rooms with bay windows, a kitchen, breakfast room, a reading room, bathroom, four bedrooms and a pantry. Before any renovations take place, the raw materials are there for a really terrific residence. Bright and spacious, the house is well laid out, with high ceilings, according to Margaret.

In terms of views, one can see the beach at Ardmore bay from the house and it is situated circa 3km from Whiting Bay strand.

The lands

The lands themselves are located in a renowned, high-quality, progressive farming area.

The townland is recognised for vegetable growing and market gardening, as well as beef, tillage and dairy enterprises, adding to the attraction of this particular holding. Currently laid out in pasture, the majority of the 60 acres are high quality, with six acres of a heavier nature.

Laid out in 11 divisions, the paddocks are known for early grass. Natural hedgerows surround the holding, aiding shelter for livestock. Supplied by a private water supply, the lands have been rented for the last number of years to a dairy farmer who has kept them in good condition.

There are also a number of stone outbuildings included in the package, which would be in need of modernisation, but can add value to the property should this be done.

While the desire is to sell the property in its entire, there is flexibility in terms of dividing it into lots, provided it is what the vendors wish.

The auctioneer said that they are open to suggestions, with the house guided at circa €250,000. Interest has been notably high from both local and non-local parties. CL