Two farms in west Cavan generating strong interest

MARKET Residential farms being sold in one or more lots

Two separate parcels of land in west Cavan are set to be sold by private treaty by REA Donohoe Spring over the coming weeks.

The first is a 61.4 acre/24.85-hectare residential farm in Doogarry, Raleagh. Located eight kilometers from Ballyconnell and nine kilometers from Killeshandra, it compromises a mixed meadow grazing with extensive road frontage, farm buildings, and a five-bedroom traditional house.

Auctioneer James Spring says the parcel is attracting a lot of interest with bids already coming in.

“The current highest offer is €460,000 for the entire lot, although I do expect this to go higher,” he revealed.

While queries are being expressed about separate lots, Mr Spring added: “It’s a fine country house so it would be impractical to sell the house and yard separately because of its configuration.”

The auctioneer expects it to remain in its current use.

“We also have inquiries about using it for forestry as well. I doubt it will be turned to forestry, it should be kept in its entirety and turned into an operational farm or broken into chunks,” said Mr Spring.

The house, which is almost a century old, is historic.

“It was a post office and a shop back when it was built in the 1930s. Then it was converted into a private residence. It’s a fine old house, but it has been empty for a few years and it needs some TLC and modernisation but the bones of it are very good, as it has water, electricity, and a septic tank,” outlined the auctioneer.

He also says the yard is good quality, with an assortment of sheds for various uses.

“It’s a good yard that would be great for horses with good stables. It also has a good barn with a decent-sized machinery shed, a hay shed and a cubicle accommodation.”

Ballyconnell farm

The second property is a 76.4-acre residential farm in Aughaweena near Ballyconnell. It contains a detached three-bed bungalow on 1.5 acres, adjoined by 46 acres of agricultural lands with a yard and outbuildings, as well as 28.9 acres of forestry lands planted in 2016 with annual grant payments.

James says that he expects it to be sold in lots, with the forestry being particularly attractive.

“It is likely to be sold in three lots with the house and yard being sold together, a local farmer should take the farm and the forestry will likely be sold separately. The forestry is bringing in premiums of €5,000 a year, so I’m expecting it to generate a lot of interest.”

He says the house is in a good location but needs modernisation.

“The house is tucked away down a lane and is very private. It needs some work done on it but it is a very attractive building and it won’t cost a lot of money to do up because it’s a smaller property. It has water, electricity, and a septic tank. Any work to be done is cosmetic and about making the house your own,” remarked Mr Spring.

There is an assortment of farm buildings scattered throughout the property as James explains.

“There is a partially slatted shed, a hayshed, as well general purpose outbuildings. There is also a beautiful old two-storey stone barn on the meadow that is really nice and is likely to be sold with the land.”

While both properties can be sold, Mr Spring said nothing will be agreed until all elements are sold.

“We need buyers for everything before we drop the hammer on anything. We don’t want leave anything stranded on its own unsold. I’m confident, with both, that we will get offers for both and they will sell well.”