A well-known American politician and billionaire racehorse owners from the Middle East are amongst the potential buyers of the luxurious St Cleran’s Manor House in Craughwell, which has officially gone on the market with a price tag of €3.7 million.
But it is unlikely that the landmark Georgian mansion will ever operate as a hotel again – the selling agents believe it will either be a private residence or a luxury guesthouse and function venue.
Already, the selling agents are confident the property will be sold within six months.
The 18th century estate – which was described by its former owner, Hollywood director John Huston as “the most beautiful house in Ireland – is attracting huge interest through agents Coldwell Banker Estates in Ireland and in Beverly Hills.
Viewings with several international potential buyers are being arranged for the 18th century property, which was operated as a boutique hotel until last year by its most recent owner, the late Merv Griffin, American TV talkshow host.
Nick Hughes if Coldwell Banker told The Connacht Tribune: “The property was very briefly on the market last year, but was taken off again right away. This former boutique five-star hotel is now on the market with a price of €3.7m.
“Coldwell Banker in Beverly Hills are dealing with a number of enquiries at the moment, and we have been asked to schedule viewings for international viewers.
“One or two very well-known names are interested, including a particularly well-known name from American politics and other businesspeople who would have connections to Ireland either through family or through business,” said Mr Hughes.
It’s understood that a number of people have already had ‘previews’ of the property, while more will be scheduling private viewings in the coming weeks.
Mr Hughes added that Coldwell Banker – which has a network of thousands of offices worldwide – are also expecting interesting from the Middle East and Australia.
“In the Middle East, there would be clients who are involved in horseracing that may see St Cleran’s as an ideal home for when they are in Ireland. That could be just a couple of times a year. The Shannon air access is a huge benefit here,” he said.
Mr Hughes said he is confident the estate – which spans 45 acres – will be sold within six months.
“A huge amount of money has gone into restoring this property to its former glory, multiples of what the asking price is. It’s imperative that it is sold because it is [held by] a trust, so it can’t go on forever. I’m confident of selling it in six months,” he said.
He added that because hotels are facing severe pressure in the current market, it is unlikely to be operated as a boutique hotel again.
“I don’t believe in the present market it would be a hotel. A luxury guesthouse maybe, but all the trappings and overheads of a five-star hotel would be a huge cost. It could be a case of offering accommodation and a function venue for weddings and other special occasions,” said Mr Hughes.