A spectacular property that is steeped in history and renowned for producing some of the finest racehorses in the world has just gone on the market in Co Fermanagh.
Aghavea Glebe in Brookborough is home to two gold cup winners, including 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Bobs Worth.
Dating back to 1825 and originally a rectory, the elegant Georgian residence sits in 33 acres of grounds with a stable yard, woodland and a quaint gate lodge. It is expected to fetch around £1 million.
It has been home to Roland Eadie, of Eadie McFarland & Co Estate Agents, and his wife Lois, who has been a horse breeder and artist for the past 33 years.
Now planning to retire, the couple are heartbroken to be leaving their beautiful home, but they feel it is time to downsize and allow someone else to enjoy its many splendours.
Lois is a breeder of great renown, but after a lifetime of producing champions she is ready for a break. “I have won beyond one’s wildest dreams and more,” she said. “It’s always one’s dream to breed a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, and I’ve achieved that. I’ve had two Hennessey Gold Cup wins with Bobs Worth and King’s Road and 15 individual winners in umpteen races.
“I only have one mare now, Danali, who won the final mare’s point-to-point series in Tipperary this year by seven lengths, and I am looking forward to following her progress.
“It will be sad to leave Aghavea because it is paradise – that’s what I have always called it. But one comes to a stage when you have to downsize. We do plan to stay in Fermanagh.”
The grand ivy-clad period property was built in the 19th century as a rectory, and during their three decades in the house the Eadies have enjoyed restoring the property and bringing it back to its former glory.
Roland said: “When we bought it we did a massive amount of restoration to it.
“There was some pretty nasty Victorian stuff added on, which we took away and put it back to what it was originally.
“We will be extremely sad to leave but you’ve got to be practical about these things, and we are getting on a bit and need something smaller.”
The house itself enjoys an elevated position and offers great privacy as well as an elegant and comfortable interior.
The period gate lodge is currently let at £75 per week.
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Caption: Aghavea Glebe country estate in Brookeborough, Co Fermanagh
