‘One of the most peaceful places on earth’, and it’s yours for £1.75m
A “COUNTRY paradise” surrounded by more than 100 acres of farmland in Co Armagh could be yours — for £1.75m.
Dartan Hall could be the country getaway that you have been yearning for, after the owner — who lives alone on the expansive farm — decided to downsize.
The impressive house situated on the outskirts of the village of Killylea in Armagh was built between 1850 and 1860 by the Cross family, who were 17th century settlers from Lancashire, England.
The five-bedroom property — described as “something of a mongrel” between the late Georgian and early Victorian period — is currently on the market for £1.75m.
Although it might set you back a pretty penny or two, there is ample opportunity for the upmarket entrepreneur.
The residence comes with a farmyard equipped with bull pens and a slated cattle house, which has the capacity to hold 250 beef cattle.
The grounds are also home to a magnificent Victorian-style courtyard, complete with original coach house, and the gatekeeper’s lodge is also on sale.
Dartan Hall remained inhabited by the Cross family until 1906, after which it was then let to JS Hamilton, a son of the Dean of Armagh.
The property was then passed onto the Knox family and it lay vacant for many years.
Current owner John Erskine acquired the property in 1987, and since then it has been extensively restored.
The Kennedies Road property consists of two storeys and a basement, and offers “unbound potential” on approximately 117 acres of land.
It has 19th century charm, with a fireplace and slate tile hearth in the living room.
Upstairs, the Hall has had a modern makeover and the master bedroom comes complete with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom.
The current owner, who has farmed successfully on the land for almost 30 years, has put Dar- tan Hall on the market, because he wants to “scale down”.
“It is one of the most peaceful places on earth. It really is a country paradise,” said Mr Erskine.
“As my late father said, ‘The more you live here, the more you like it’.
“The house sits off the road, so there is no noise, but you can still see life.
“The house looks over the village of Killylea, and it is only 40 minutes from Belfast. Now it needs someone else who can look after it and give it some TLC.”
Dartan Hall is being sold through Best Property Services in Newry. A spokesperson for Best said: “We have had a lot of interest, as 100-acre plus farms of this quality are a scarce commodity.
“We are confident that we will have sufficient bidders to achieve market value close enough to our guide price. The owner is downsizing as he currently lives alone in the residence which is too large for him.”