Wednesday 13 March 2013

Killeavy Sale

I am very glad to learn that Killeavy Castle has been sold at auction to a new owner.

I have written about Killeavy and its previous owners here.

I gather that the new owner does not live in Northern Ireland, though having paid almost £2 million for Killeavy, is eager to restore the house to its former glory.

Garry Best, of Best Property Services, added,

"He has said he will take a long-term view, about five to ten years, and is keen to restore it. It's very much a one-off type of property and in a very scenic spot. It also comes with 130 acres so it's not too surprising that it went for more than the guide price."

The building started life as a farm house, built in a gothic style by the Foxall family between 1810 and 1820.

In 1836, four stone towers, outbuildings and Tudor-style windows were added and the house became known as Killeavy Castle.

By 1881, the 4,000 sq ft castle was the home of the Bell family, who owned it until recently.

3 comments :

Anonymous said...

Excellent news! Did you catch the Dan Cruickshank programme on Ulster country houses - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01r3m8b/Dan_Cruickshanks_Written_in_Stone_Country_Houses/ VC

Timothy Belmont said...

Alas, I missed it.

Anonymous said...

You should watch it on the iPlayer. Very interesting interviews with the Earl of Belmore and William Montgomery of Greyabbey. VC