Fields of opportunity
Extending to 300ac of prime north Cork land, Graigue Farm is one of the largest holdings to come on the market for several years, writes
One of the biggest farms on the market at the moment is located amid fine farmland in north Cork.
The 298ac residential holding is located a short distance from the village of Shanballymore, between Mallow and Mitchelstown. The property is for sale by private treaty with a guide price of €2.5m.
Situated on the northern bank of the Awbeg River, Graigue Farm is divided by the N73 linking the towns of Mitchelstown and Mallow. Both towns are about 4.5km away with Cork about 34km distant.
The lands are described by Michael O’Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan as premier quality ground set out in two blocks and serviced by good internal roadways.
Currently in a mix of tillage and grazing, both blocks are suitable for a range of farm enterprises including dairying, mixed beef, tillage or bloodstock. The first block extending to 193ac is located at Graigue and Waterdyke and includes the house and yards.
This portion is made up of some 150ac in tillage with 40ac in grass and 3ac around the house and yards.
Laid out in 10 well-sized divisions with extensive road frontage, this block is accessed by two entrances, one leading to the rear and the farmyard with the other leading to the house.
Graigue House is a 19th century Georgian residence extending to 5,000 sq ft house and surrounded by mature gardens.
The place was the seat of the Hill family who came to Ireland with Cromwell’s army and were granted this property for their services.
The three-storey house is approached along a quarter-mile driveway lined with beech, sycamore and lime trees.
Described by Michael O’Donovan as structurally sound with many traditional and mod- ern features, the place is in need of refurbishment.
The house has been fitted with a new roof in the relatively recent past and all windows are double-glazed.
A spacious entrance hall leads to two large reception rooms with many original features such as high ceilings and marble fireplaces.
Other ground floor accommodation includes a shower room and a kitchen with fitted units and an oil-fired Aga. On the upper two floors are found six bedrooms, three of which have granite fireplaces with cast iron and tile inserts, and a fully tiled master bathroom. There is also a large basement with four cobble stone rooms
The second block of land or out-farm is at Ballintlea South about 1km from Graigue House.
This portion is made up of 105ac laid out in five divisions with some 60ac under tillage, 25ac in permanent pasture and the remaining 20ac cleared and suitable for reclamation or planting.
Courtyard
The lands are level with a southerly aspect and bounded by the River Ogeen on one side.
The farmyard is located to the north of the residence and is accessed via the main entrance to the house and an entrance to the rear of the farm.
It comprises a number of traditional and modern barns including two modern hay barns and storage units, a large concrete apron with silage clamp, and a courtyard suitable for calving or lambing sheds as well as machinery storage.
The farm can be sold in lots or as an entire and Michael O’Donovan has had interest across the board in the various lots.
However, while he says the preference would be to sell the place in its entirety he will negotiate with all comers.
At present, the main lots are the house and yards on 193 ac with the out-farm of 105ac making up the second main block. The home place can be further divided into three lots comprised of the house on 134ac, a 20ac field and a 39ac field. The farm is currently under offer.