RedevelopmentSite: One of the best known commercial properties in Enniskerry village in Co Wicklow - the Powerscourt Arms Hotel - is to go for sale next month.

Interest in the property is likely to be accentuated by the availability of a car-park and rear garden which cover an area of 1.25 acres and have redevelopment potential.

Hooke & MacDonald Commercial is guiding over €5 million for the property which is to be sold by tender on December 14th.

An architectural appraisal by Frank Crowley & Partners suggests that there is scope for 30 apartments and duplex units as well as three commercial units with a floor area extending up to 735sq m (7,911sq ft).

The famous hotel was built back in 1715 by Folliott Wingfield of Powerscourt and has been run over the years as a hotel, restaurant and bar business.

Interest in the business is not likely to be confined to hoteliers. It is just as likely to be bought by developers or investors - many of whom live within a few miles of it - not only because of the redevelopment opportunities, but also because of its location in one of the most attractive villages in Ireland.

The Powerscourt Arms is one of the focal points of the famous village and also overlooks the River Glencullen.

Powerscourt House and gardens is one of the great tourist attractions in Ireland.

The estate also has two golf courses and will shortly have a five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel.