Celebrities bid to snap up scenic hideaway

THE rich and famous are chasing a luxury house in the south-west that will set the buyer back €2.2 million.

Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson and James Bond star Pierce Brosnan are both on a mission to snap up the high-quality two-storey residence in Kerry.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who is house-hunting in the area, is also an outside bidder.

Situated on the shoreline of Kenmare Bay, the three-bedroomed house is turning heads among the world’s top celebrities.

The old-style farmhouse located just four miles from Kenmare town was built in 1996. The property comes with 16 acres of land and a 120-metre pebble beach.

The owner will also be able to berth a 40-foot yacht at a specially-built sheltered pier.

Either Brosnan or the legendary Scot will soon stand on the large balcony and look out on Dinish Island which was sold last year for 1.9m euro.

The house known as Dawros Point is surrounded by water on three sides.

A cottage near the main building has been converted into stables making it the perfect property for horse enthusiast Ferguson.

There is also an all-weather showjumping yard which would allow the Man United manager to work on the finer points of showjumping and dressage.

Representatives for Ferguson and Brosnan have made inquiries about the luxurious abode.

“This is a property that has attracted interest from a good number of people. Anyone interested in buying it though would have to be a heavy-hitter given the 2.2m euro price tag,” auctioneer Mark Daly said.

The Taoiseach and his partner Celia Larkin spent last weekend looking at houses in the area and the couple are sure to take a look at Dawros Point.

But the asking price might just put it beyond reach of Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin with Brosnan and Ferguson likely to emerge the victorious bidder.

Another celebrity building a house near Kenmare is actor and former soccer player Vinny Jones. The once-feared Wimbledon midfielder is a regular visitor to the area and is building a home close to the village of Sneem.

When the house is built Jones has promised to throw a huge housewarming with everyone from the neighbours to Hollywood personalities expected to be invited.

Only time will tell whether the neighbours will include the Taoiseach, the Manchester United manager or the present incarnation of 007.