PICTURES: Unsold Irish ‘dream home’ holds a dark colonial past

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An 18th century manor on the east side of Tipperary has remained on the market since January 2024. 

The property featured on Selling Ireland’s Dream Home on RTÉ, and has a humble asking price of 4.5 million euro. 

The estate has a dark history in terms of ownership - it was bequeathed to Colonel Thomas Sadlier of Tipperary’s Sopwell Hall by the vicious Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.

Cromwell confiscated a huge amount of land owned by Catholics in Ireland.

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The “gentleman’s estate” features 250 acres of woodland, parkland and pastures - with two kilometres of water frontage to Lough Derg and a private harbour. 

Two main courtyards are situated on the grounds, alongside extensive stone buildings. 

The house is equipped with five bedrooms, a gym, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a steam room and a wine cellar. 

The listing states: “The house dates to circa 1750, when the estate was in the ownership of the Sadlier Family. The manor house is a detached seven bay, two storey house over basement, with three bay side elevations."

“An unusual feature of the house is the cut stone Ashlar limestone façade, with cut stone cornice, the remaining elevations being rendered. The house and property in general have undergone major restoration and refurbishment since being acquired by the current owner.”

The house's furnishings are to be negotiated on top of the asking price, or sold separately.