On offer at public auction recently was a unique 60ft converted windmill set on circa 0.7 acres of land. The windmill, originally constructed in circa 1804, was part of the Balrath House estate. It went through an extensive renovation project by its current owners and in 2004 and was converted to a five-story, three-bedroom residence with a roof deck. It was recently re-roofed in 2014.

Also on offer was circa 25 acres of top-class land, however there was no interest on the day for the entire. Bidding on lot one, the residence on circa 0.7 acres, opened at €100,000 and quickly progressed to €140,000. Another round of bidding saw the property rise to €165,000 where the hammer dropped.

The second lot of circa 7.2 acres, described as ‘the highest quality farmland’, opened at €80,000 and sharply rose to €135,000 at which point it was placed on the market. Yet, further bidding saw the property rise to €170,000 at which point it was sold making in excess of €23,000/ac.

The final lot of circa 17.1 acres opened at €150,000 on the day. A few rounds of bidding saw the property placed on the market at €170,000 with the hammer dropping at €202,000/ac or in excess of €11,800/ac. As a whole the land was guided at €12,500/ac prior to the sale. Both the 7.2ac lot and the 17.1ac lot were purchased by the same person, believed to be a local farmer.

The sale was handled by Raymond Potterton Auctioneers, Navan.

€16,250/ac in Tipperary

High-quality land in Tipperary generally commands a premium, still this 24ac golden vale farm located at Farranlahassery, Cahir, surprised many when it was bid to €16,250/ac at last week’s public auction. John Fitzgerald of Dougan FitzGerald, Clonmel opened bidding on the lot at €230,000. Bidding from local farmers and local business owners saw the property climb to €290,000 at which point it was placed on the market.

However, bidding increased a further €100,000 until the hammer dropped at €390,000.

The property is believed to have been bought by a solicitor in trust acting on behalf of a local farmer. A packed auction room saw plenty of interest in what was described as a “clean and concise” auction. Currently a crop of spring barley occupies the land, with the new owner taking up residence once this is harvested.

The parcel was originally guided between €11,500 and €12,000/ac.