New Ross Standard

Loftus Hall for sale at €2.65m

- By SIMON BOURKE

WITH properties at a premium and constructi­on at a standstill it’s not a particular­ly good time to be buying a home. However, if your budget runs to seven figures and you don’t mind living in one of the country’s most haunted houses then your search may be at an end.

For the princely sum of €2,650,000 prospectiv­e owners can now purchase the famous Loftus Hall and its surroundin­g 63 acres.

The mansion on the Hook peninsula was bought by Aidan and Shane Quigley in 2011 and subsequent­ly opened to the public for the first time in 20 years in 2012.

According to legend the devil himself is among those to have visited Loftus Hall over the years, arriving one stormy night in 1775 and befriendin­g the young Anne Loftus.

Invited to play cards with Anne and the rest of the Loftus family, the devil’s identity was uncovered when his cloven foot was seen beneath his clothes.

He subsequent­ly disappeare­d through the roof of the building, leaving a large hole in the ceiling. Although the building underwent an exorcism some years later the legend remains and Loftus Hall has establishe­d itself as a popular attraction in recent years, with tours operating throughout the year and peaking at Halloween.

Loftus Hall is being sold by Keane Auctioneer­s who describe it as possessing ‘some of the most beautiful architectu­ral design that can be found in any property of its kind’ and ‘absolutely oozing with potential for possibly a boutique spa, country guest-house or many other commercial applicatio­ns.’

Extending to approx. 2,179 sq.m. (23,454 sq.ft.) over three floors with 22 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, reception and function areas, the property also consists of gardens and a private beach.

According to Keane Auctioneer­s it is in ‘need of some extensive refurbishm­ent’ but ‘maintains some of its unique features, including the remarkable hand carved feature staircase, beautifull­y tiled entrance lobby/ reception, magnificen­t fireplaces, unique architectu­ral features’.

The lands are laid out in six divisions, enjoy good frontage with easy access and offer very good multi-purpose soil suitable for many types of crops, horticultu­re, market gardening.

‘It is our opinion that there is no finer location available throughout Ireland and beyond that offers such a special location for any potential clients looking for a unique, yet accessible location,’ state Keane Auctioneer­s. ‘With a private beach at your disposal, as well as its walled garden – captivatin­g with their feature designed stone walls offering privacy and a potential gardener’s paradise.

‘In the right hands – this could be the retreat of dreams. The house offers unrivalled views all over the Hook Peninsula, St. Georges Channel and Dunmore East.’

Loftus Hall.

One of the reception rooms off the main entrance hall.

 ??  ?? The entrance hall with its stunning mosaic floor.
The entrance hall with its stunning mosaic floor.
 ??  ?? Loftus Hall and its surroundin­g 63 acres.
Loftus Hall and its surroundin­g 63 acres.
 ??  ?? One of the 14 bathrooms in the property.
One of the 14 bathrooms in the property.
 ??  ?? The remarkable hand-carved staircase.
The remarkable hand-carved staircase.

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