Horses for courses

ONE of the most southerly stud farms in the country, Hawthorn Villa Stud, in the rich farming hinterland between Cork and Bandon, is up for sale.

Developed over a 20-year period as a passion by the late Sean Twomey who was on the board of the National Stud, the residential stud farm on 75 south-facing 'warm acres' above Innishannon is a pristine operation.

It is set to attract an elite interest from the city, from West Cork professionals, from farmers looking for a special bit of property - and livestock breeders and developers with a passion for horses in particular.