The auction of a Dutch-style barn on around 50 acres within the Clonmannon demesne in Ashford, Co Wicklow, provides an opportunity to create an unusual home on a private estate. Ganly Walters expects a price in the region of £1 million for the property, which is owned by Princess Frances Di Stigliano Colonna, the Irish-born wife of an Italian prince. It adjoins the grounds of Clonmannon retirement village.
The property will be sold in three lots. The barn on 2.5 acres has a guide price of £250,000-plus. Two other parcels of agricultural land of 30 acres and 17 acres are also being auctioned with guide prices of £450,000 and £300,000.
The barn is a large stone structure measuring 3,700 sq ft. Standing on an elevated site, this period building is believed to be the only one of its kind in Ireland. Designed on Flemish lines and built over 300 years ago, it is a two-storey building with a vaulted timber roof. It is rumoured that the roof timbers came from a vessel shipwrecked off Clonmannon in 1808. It was used to house the family carriages, carts and horses.
Architect Stephen Manina of Manina Design was commissioned to offer some designs to illustrate how the building could be transformed into a family home by retaining the existing walls and roof, both in excellent repair. He envisages a large home with ground-floor accommodation comprising library/ante-room, main lounge, dining room, sun lounge, kitchen, utility and family room.
On the first floor there is ample accommodation for a bedroom with dressingroom and ensuite bathroom, a lounge, four more bedrooms, three of them en suite, and a family bathroom. Maximising the potential of the west-facing rear to take advantage of the stunning afternoon and evening views, provision is made for a balcony and sun terrace. An office annexe would make modern use of the single-storey stable section. The elevated site would lend itself well to the construction of a swimming-pool.
Manina Design estimate conversion costs in the region of £700,000 (including swimmingpool) which, with the original £250,000, in theory adds up to an exceptional home for £1 million. Planning permission has not been sought.
Lot 2 of 30 acres is part of the original parkland, with stud fencing on two sides, and is bounded on one side by a river known as the Lazy Stream. Lot 3 of 17 acres has mature trees, is fenced in on three sides and has lands going down to wetlands. Each lot offers an opportunity for building a residence in rural privacy and seclusion. Right-of-way in each case is through the main gates and along the main avenue of the demesne.
The Princess, who was born Frances Loftus from Co Galway, lives on the estate in a Queen Anne house dating from the 17th century. She moved to Clonmannon in 1968 and has bred horses successfully for many years.
