‘Quality’ farm to go under the hammer

A fine 81-acre residential farm with free draining land, presented in pristine condition, is set to go under the hammer in the coming weeks with many commentators expecting it to achieve over €1M.

Carrigys of Robinstown, Granard, Co Longford, comes to the market by way of an executor sale, by public auction, in a number of lots and as an entire lot on November 19 through JJ Flood & Sons.

“A residential farm of this scale and quality is a rarity so the intense interest has been of no surprise,” said Paul Flood, auctioneer of J.J. Flood & Sons, Granard. “It is, without question, one of the finest farms of fattening land in the midlands. The phones have been hopping, not just with queries locally but beyond, especially in neighbouring counties given the holding’s proximity to the Westmeath and Cavan borders.

“Recent sales in the area have attracted significant interest and strong prices, but given the quality of the land, fencing, outbuildings and handling facilities combined with an excellent dwelling house and site potential there is expectation in the market of a premium for such a rare and high quality farm.”

Asked about a guide price on the property, Mr Flood said: "Whilst the AMV for this property is €950,000 to €1million, recent sales locally and in the midlands generally, leave this price range looking very conservative.

"Given the quality of the land, fencing, outbuildings and handling facilities combined with an excellent dwelling house and site potential, it's no surprise there's local expectation of a premium for this exceptional residential farm."

It is described as a "magnificent" 81-acre residential farm with "highly fertile" land laid out in "newly-fenced, generous-sized fields with recently cut natural hedgerows".

The property includes a well-presented and maintained four-bedroomed bungalow on an elevated site with the benefit of uninterrupted scenic views at the northern perimeter of the farm. Built in 1967 to a very high standard, this bungalow was designed with an underground water harvesting tank to collect rainwater from the roof of the house, making it eco-friendly long before it was popular.

Two serviced yards with high-quality, purpose-built sheds and hard-standing are strategically located at opposite ends of the holding. All fields in the farm are serviced for water and enjoy good access and generous road frontage extending to circa 2km. The vendor says: "The layout and superb quality of this farm make it ideal for any type of farming, be it dairy, cattle, sheep or crop."

In continuous ownership for over 150 years, Carrigys of Robinstown is well-known locally as an outstanding farm. While in recent years the farm has been used for cattle fattening, the holding previously had a great reputation for cattle breeding and horses.

The lots are being offered reflective of a variety of potential purchasers in mind including: those interested in acquiring a unique trophy farm in a single lot 'ready-to-go'; potential hobby farmers; large farmers seeking a high-quality and accessible outfarm; or those looking to add to the best of land to adjoining holdings. Lot three is suitable for any home hunters. With substantial road frontage at the perimeters of the farm, there is considerable site potential subject to planning permission.

Close to the Longford/Westmeath/Cavan border, the property benefits from excellent access and connectivity. It is just off the Mullingar to Granard road at Killasonna and is only two miles from Granard; and 19 miles from Cavan Town.

The sale of this property is being managed by Paul Flood of J.J. Flood & Sons, Granard. It will be sold by public auction online through LSL Auctions and in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Friday, November 19, at 3pm. Interested parties should contact the auctioneer and further details are available online via www.jjfloodandson.ie

Those interested in bidding need to register with the auctioneer by Tuesday, November 16.