Almost €3m paid for Hawthorn Villa Stud

DUE for auction tomorrow, Hawthorn Villa Stud, at Dromkeen, Innishannon, Co Cork, was instead sold quietly last week.

Auctioneer Michael Galvin of Bandon bought the 75 acre property in trust for a client, and is believed to have paid close to €3m.

Purchaser Brian Mehigan, who recently sold land for development at Bandon, will develop Hawthorn Villa as a riding school and stables, with a pet farm element, said Micheal Galvin.

The property generated considerable interest since it was put on the market after the death of owner Sean Twomey, a Bandon auctioneer. His son, John Twomey, who now heads the Twomey Crowley firm, was joint agent in the sale with Michael Barry of Property Partners Dick Barry and Sons. "We received a substantial offer in excess of the guide price and the property is now sold, with contracts signed," said John.