Have you ever fancied owning your own Downton Abbey-style stately home?
Well, now’s your chance, because one of Northern Ireland’s finest Georgian country residences is up for sale.
It’s one of 59 properties and land worth £5 million which are due to go under the hammer at Belfast’s Europa Hotel later this month.
Both tenanted and vacant properties in Northern Ireland are included in the brochure but, undoubtedly, the main attraction will be Stranocum Hall, with a reservce price of £300,000.
The surveyor in charge of proceedings, Daphne Mahon, from commercial property agent, Lambert Smith Hampton, said it has been approved and rated by the Tourist Board for guesthouse use.
“Stranocum Hall is one of the most impressive properties we have brought to auction so far and we are excited to see what interest it generates,” she said.
“It is a fine period Georgian property set in the middle of the countryside, which really does come with the feel of an elegant manor.
“On the lower ground floor there are a number of cellar rooms which include the original servants’ kitchen, wine cellar, gun room and entertainment room.
“It isn’t very often that a property comes to the market in Northern Ireland with a stable block, store and one bedroom coachman’s house.
“We expect it to be popular, particularly with fans of Downton Abbey who are looking for their own rural retreat.”
The fine period Georgian residence is one of the most impressive properties in the Ballymoney area.
Its elevated rural setting, a short distance from the town centre, provides uninterrupted views over the River Bush Valley and miles of surrounding Co Antrim countryside.
Situated on Fivey Road, Sranocum Hall was fully restored 17 years ago, and also benefits from the possibility of using the coachman’s house as a detached residence. The portfolio on offer on November 20 includes sought-after residential, commercial and land lots across the province.
It’s a highly-anticipated auction, expected to attract some 400 bidders from the UK and Ireland, according to Lambert Smith Hampton.
Ms Mahon said there will be a number of prestigious properties up for grabs.
She added: “We have seen the popularity of our auctions grow in recent years.
“And the success rate has further cemented our auctions as an established means of property disposal in Northern Ireland. Often our buyers find exceptional lots for a very competitive price.”
If a property sells, an unconditional contract is signed on the day, a 10% deposit is paid upfront and the sale completes within four weeks.
Ms Mahon said there would also be a number of attractive properties for bidders who are seeking a commercial investment.
“For example, 14-16 Conway Square in Newtownards offers an excellent town centre retail opportunity with an estimated yearly rental value of £58,750 when fully let,” she said.
“The property occupies a very prominent location on Conway Square, which is the prime pedestrianised shopping area within Newtownards town centre.”
Ms Mahon said the company had enjoyed real success with its auctions over the last three years.
“There has been an increase in investment properties being sold through auctions since 2012,” she added.
“We expect that several of our properties will attract a competitive bidding process and we are looking forward to the next auction with great anticipation.”
View this article and more at the Belfast Telegraph.
