EVEN the very best properties can take a long time to shift in the present difficult market. It was something of a surprise, therefore, that Navan estate agent Raymond Pottertonhas taken only three weeks to find a buyer for the vast Palladian-style mansion, Newberry Hall Demesne, on 444 acres near Carbury, Co Kildare.

The big country mansion, in need of very extensive restoration work, was bought by a neighbouring farmer, Wesley Carter, who already owns more than 2,000 acres. The 90-year-old owner of the estate, Richard Robinson, was in the happy position of having two offers on the table at around the €7.5 million guide price but in the end he plumped for the Carter bid on the understanding that he would carry out urgently needed restoration work on Newberry Hall.

Carter, a single, highly successful Co Kildare beef farmer, has already taken advice from conservation architect Paul Arnoldand plans to move into the mansion when it is upgraded.

Potterton’s carefully orchestated marketing campaign ensured that only serious punters were allowed to view the large 1760s house joined to two pavilion wings.

To quality, interested parties had first to provide a letter from their bank showing that they had the capacity to spend at least €7 million.

No fewer than 14 businessmen and farmers – most Irish, but some from the UK and US – complied.

Who said there is no money left in Ireland?