Property will appeal to those in equine sector

Warrenstown is possibly best remembered in the agricultural community for the very fine horticultural and agricultural college based there until the 2000s. 

The original estate house is thought to date back to the early 17th century. It was extended in the middle of the 18th and 19th centuries with a single storey extension added to the rear of the house in the mid 1900s. In 2001 extensive renovations were carried out, including complete re-roofing of the building.

The Warrens of Warrenstown were English Settlers who landed in Ireland in the middle of the 17th century. The last Warren relative to own Warrenstown was Elizabeth Lynch who died in 1917. Elizabeth was quite the charitable sort who, on her death in Italy in 1917, left her portion of the estate to the Sisters of Charity in Foxford, Co Mayo. Unfortunately, she also left some onerous preconditions, such as building a woollen mill for the benefit of the community, which the sisters declined to accept. This resulted in the Salesians of Don Bosco acquiring the house and lands to facilitate the agricultural education of the youth of Meath and surrounding counties. Warrenstown Agricultural College, one of the pioneers of agricultural education in Ireland, was thus founded in 1923.

In 2001 and 2009 respectively, both the agricultural and horticultural sections of the college closed. Following the closure of the agricultural section of the college, the majority of the estate lands were sold in 2005 for €13.5m. The Salesians retained the house, grounds, courtyards, a range of buildings, glasshouses and out-offices on 72 acres which is now for sale.The accommodation has been occupied until relatively recently, so it comes to market in good repair.

Set in a spectacular valley, the property is close to both Dunsany and Killeen Castles as well as the towns of Trim and Dunshaughlin. Location and facilities will appeal to those in the equine industry.

This property offers spacious accommodation arranged on two floors over basement including three large reception rooms, studies/offices, bathrooms and nine en-suite bedrooms.Many original features have been retained including corniced ceilings, mouldings and architraves, windows shutters and a grand sweeping double return staircase.

Unless sold prior, the property will go for auction on Tuesday June 30, at 3pm at The Property Exchange, Trim, Co Meath. The guide is €600,000 for 72 acres, about 40 in grass with the rest in buildings and glasshouses.