The sale of Killaleigh Castle in County Tipperary, Ireland, poses a unique opportunity to acquire a beautiful 16th century property that is bursting with history, but requires masses of work — the castle is unoccupied and in need of complete renovation.
It arrives on the market via Sotheby’s Realty for a healthy €8.5 million (approximately £7.3 million at the time of writing). But it doesn’t stop there.
Set in a parkland estate of 300 acres, the castle’s future owners needn’t worry about where they can make a cup of tea whilst renovation works are in process, as also within the grounds — and included in the sale — is Sopwell Hall: a beautiful 18th century Irish country house.
Killaleigh Castle was built circa 1590 by the Gaelic MacEgan Clan, and although in need of a complete restoration, is largely intact, measuring just under 4,000 square feet and standing behind a walled enclosure.
A Bailiff’s House (measuring 1,480 square feet) and a range of cut-stone outbuildings are also located around the castle, collectively offering 11,268 square feet of internal space.
In 1745, Sopwell Hall was built on the estate resulting in the castle becoming largely unoccupied. Designed by the esteemed architect Francis Bindon, the grand property of early Georgian design sits centrally within the surrounding mature parkland, measuring just shy of 15,000 square feet.
It features 10 bedrooms, five large reception rooms, plus a magnificent reception hall with Doric pilasters. On the first floor, a glazed atrium sits within an impressive domed ceiling that illuminates six scaglioa sienna marble columns below.
If ten bedrooms aren’t enough, a staff flat can be found in the lower ground floor alongside a wine cellar and laundry room, and a studio is situated across a courtyard, near to the house. There are also two gate lodges and a Gardener’s Cottage located a short distance from the castle.
The 300 acre estate is formed of parkland and mature woodland, creating ‘a great sense of privacy and seclusion’, according to the agents. Unsurprisingly, the environment is rife with wildlife, including red squirrels, hares, pine martens, owls and falcons.
Oak, beech, ash and lark trees ensure swathes of colour engulf the estate throughout the year, as well as some rarer specimens, including Spanish chestnut, ancient beech wood and a rare Siberian crab-apple tree.
The castle and the estate can be found in a triangle between the historic towns of Birr, Roscrea and Nenagh. Borrisokane is about five miles away and there is great access with the M7 nearby.
Killaleigh Castle is currently on the market via Sotheby's Realty for €8.5 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agents for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
Art saved for the nation? Not enough, it would seemThe recent publication of a report on export control of art from the UK makes depressing reading.
-
Eat up your daylilies: The underappreciated east Asian flower that's a marvel in the kitchenMark Diacono was at first suspicious of cutting the stem of a gorgeous red daylily, until he realised how delicious they are.
-
Everything the light touches… The London penthouse for sale that will make you feel like a kingThe Observatory in London’s Fulham boasts 360-degree views of the capital.
-
This converted mill is the epitome of bucolic beauty and its grounds were masterminded by one of the finest garden designers alive todayHunworth Mill is the very picture of bucolic bliss, with exquisite gardens created by Arne Maynard.
-
Yes to padel, no to swimming pools: How to attract a new generation to the countrysideYoung parents are leaving the city earlier than in previous years, according to new research. What are they looking for?
-
A country house for sale that's had a century and a half of blood, sweat and tears poured into itGeneration after generation has lovingly restored Little Onn — and their efforts have paid off in fine style.
-
Papple your wick at this elegant Georgian home in Nottinghamshire which used to be part of an Augustine MonasteryThe Grade-I listed estate is on the market with Strutt & Parker — set in more than 10 acres, it comes with four cottages and a rather grand spiral staircase.
-
Hide from your hay fever in a larch-clad Passive House in Surrey designed by an award-winning architectHeron House might cost more than a pack of Piriteze, but it does come with three bedrooms and you'll save a fortune on bills.
-
This Cornish country home comes with barn, a burial mound, a piggery and a 700-year-old cottageHelland House is a wonderful country home in one of the most sought-after spots in Cornwall, and it's for sale for only the fourth time in the last 300 years.
-
So you want to buy a ruined castle? Here's what you need to knowBuying a property that includes a ruin — whether it be a castle, ancient priory or a crumbling Roman villa — carries undoubted romance, but there are caveats.
