According to the Sherry FitzGerald property network, there has been increased international interest in the country homes market over the past two years.

In its experience, nine of the top-10 country mansion sales in 2012 went to an overseas buyer, with a strong presence from the US and Britain.

This overseas dimension continued into 2013, with customers from a wider range of countries expressing an interest in buying a property in Ireland.

Interestingly, there was also a return of the Irish customer, who became a strong competitor for such properties throughout 2013.

Sherry FitzGerald currently has a number of country estates on their books.

One of these is the magnificent Knocklofty House, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

Set on 80 acres of parkland, the property extends down to the River Suir and owns about one mile of single-bank fishing rights, with some well-defined salmon pools found along the way.

The property combines luxury accommodation in the form of a 22,600ft2 mansion and an array of staff cottages, while also sporting an equestrian complex, a leisure centre, swimming pool and a tennis court.

The mansion itself contains no less than 17 bedrooms, all beautifully appointed and each with its own en suite bathroom. Reception rooms include a drawing room, dining room, library, study and bar.

In recent years, the property was used as a country house hotel, so ancillary accommodation was constructed or upgraded throughout the estate.

These include a gate lodge, eight additional stable yard houses, five estate cottages, four staff cottages and four staff lodges.

The Equestrian Complex features a large American stabling barn and four adjacent staff cottages.

The 80 acres is mostly sweeping parkland that offers numerous woodland walks down to the River Suir, with about 35 acres planted to Rhododendrons, Camellias, Magnolias and magnificent mature trees.

For sale by private treaty through Sherry FitzGerald, Dublin, the property is less than six miles from Clonmel and is guided in the region of €3 million.

It’s understood that there are up to 100 acres and some other houses available, if desired.

One of the first auctions of 2014

One of the first public auctions of the year kicks off on 17 January next when agent James Kilcoyne, Ballaghaderreen, will offer a 27.5-acre property located at Cuppinagh, Co Sligo, and Ardmore, Co Roscommon, for sale.

Set out in three blocks, the property will be offered in one or a number of lots, all of which are located in the Cloonloo, Lough Gara region and convenient to Boyle town.

The lots include c.14.25 acres located at Cuppinagh. This has direct access to Lough Gara and may offer potential for a rural residence, subject to planning. A further c.5.3 acres, also situated at Cuppinagh, comes with a cattle pen and crush, while the final eight acres is located across the border in Ardmore, Co Roscommon. This parcel also features a cattle pen and crush.

The auction takes place in Durkin’s Bar and Restaurant, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, at 3pm on 17 January.

AUCTION RESULT

Selling agent Tom Crosse, GVM, Limerick, completed the sale of a 72-acre farm situated at Acraboy, Monard, Co Tipperary, just days before Christmas.

The property was formerly part of Ballykisteen Stud and is located adjacent to The Golf Club, Monard village and Limerick Junction train station.

Featuring an attractive cut-stone entrance, the land is described as “generally good” and adjoins Tipperary racecourse.

Before a crowd of 20 people, bidding opened at the auction at €500,000 and steadily moved to €580,000. Although further offers were invited, no one was willing to raise their hand any further and the property was withdrawn at €580,000.

However, private negotiations afterwards saw a deal conclude at a figure believed to be in the region of the guide price of €650,000.

The purchaser is a Limerick-based businessman who bought the property as an investment.

This was one of the final land transactions of the year for the Limerick-based agent.

During 2013, Tom Crosse sold 1,100 acres of land and, based on his calculations, average price for the midwest region was €8,800/acre.

Good quality land is fetching up to €10,000/acre and, occasionally, in excess of this figure in exceptional circumstances. Average or poorer land can fetch anywhere from €4,000 to €7,000/acre.

He added: “Farmers are very much back in vogue and competing at most land auctions. Banks are keen to lend into agriculture and this is also fuelling interest.

“The recent increase in DIRT tax is also tempting investors into purchasing land. They can derive a reasonable hassle-free, tax-free rental income if they opt to enter a long-term lease.

“Land is also recognised as a safe and secure investment and has the possibility of some capital appreciation going forward.”