Four dwellings and 135 acres of stud farm
Located at Colbinstown, Co Kildare, the 135-acre farm doesn’t have the usual level plains associated with the Curragh, but has the kind of rolling, lush fields favoured by landscape artists.
The centrepiece of the property is a high-Gothic Victorian house which comes with some cottages and a good range of outdoor buildings.
Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, the mansion house is impressive, yet not imposing, but manages to fit 10 bedrooms and a range of living rooms.
It has a total area of 743 square metres, and is believed to have been designed by Richard Orpen, the brother of painter William Orpen.
The house is built of limestone random ashlar with granite surrounds and some of the mullioned windows are built of wood, as well as stone. This is probably because the house had substantial additions in 1852 and again in 1894.
The estate includes three other dwellings, the largest of which is the steward’s house, a 1,238 sq ft two-bedroomed, two-storey property that’s been completely renovated.
Next is the two-bedroom gamekeeper’s cottage, which is in very good condition, in a lovely, wooded setting.
The gate lodge will need some renovation; it is an attractive, single-storey house with a living room, kitchen and bathroom.
Used as a stud farm by the vendors, who keep a number of brood mares on the land, the property has excellent grassland, says David Ashmore of HOK Country, and is also used in part for tillage.
However, the guide price of e13 million could dissuade farmers other than of the gentleman variety. They could also be bidding against the likes of the Maktoums, the rulers of Dubai who already have a nice little stud at Kildangan in Co Kildare.
Nonetheless, there are also plenty of local buyers at this level and some Celtic tiger money could travel the 37 miles from Dublin to Kildare. After all, a detached house in a posh suburb of Dublin can now cost up to €10 million and at Ballintaggart, you’ll be getting a whole lot more for your money.
As an equestrian establishment, the property is perfectly laid out, with a range of attractive old stone stables, but with modern facilities.
There are about 28 loose boxes spread over two courtyards which are located to the rear of the main house. The steward’s house is located in the main courtyard, and has provided accommodation for the stud manager under the present ownership.
The single and two-storey buildings also include tack rooms and workshops and five former staff residences.
West of the main house are the kitchen and parterre gardens. There’s a two-roomed garden house which would reward renovation, says Mr Ashmore. There’s also a walled orchard and a hard tennis court, and the rest of the grounds are paddocked and immaculately maintained.
All in all, Ballintaggart Stud is an impeccably maintained property which should bring in the bidders to the auction on June 28.
