It stomped onto a gloomy recessionary market with a fantastic €9 million asking price for an equally fantastic chateau of 10,000 square feet and a land belt of 315 acres, but it’s now reported that the landmark, Lisselan estate near Clonakilty in West Cork has been sold for a sum closer to €3.5m.

Classic 315-acre estate has links to Ford founder Henry Ford, and Gold Cup winner Imperial Call, reports Tommy Barker.