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RONAN McGREEVY
A HOUSE which Michael Jackson was refurbishing as an Irish retreat is to be launched as a self-catering holiday mansion.
Bishopstown House in Co Westmeath was bought in trust for Jackson in 2006 by the well-known entrepreneur Paddy Dunning who owns the nearby Grouse Lodge Studios which are popular with artists such as R.E.M, Manic Street Preachers and Snow Patrol.
Jackson spent time in Ireland in
The house was being renovated just before Jackson’s death last year and was left in limbo.
It was while recording demos of his new album in 2006 that he decided to look for a more permanent home in Ireland before discovering Bishopstown House which is in Rosemount.
In 2008, Dunning applied on his behalf for planning permission to Westmeath County Council to refurbish the house and add a number of maisonettes. There were also plans for an indoor swimming pool. At the time the fact that the work was being done for Jackson was kept secret from the public.
All restoration work was stopped on Jackson’s death, but Dunning decided to finish the job having got permission from the Jackson family to do so.
The renovated house has six spacious bedrooms, most of which feature four poster beds, and it can sleep 13. Most of the rooms are en suite with large bathrooms on a new wooden wing all featuring outstanding views of the surrounding countryside.
Bishopstown is on offer at €1,200 per three-night weekend stay, with mid-weeks for €600.
BISHOPSTOWN HOUSE NEW SITE LAUNCHING MONDAY, 7TH JUNE
bishopstownhouse.ie
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2010/0605/1224271881507.html
BISHOPSTOWN HOUSE
Holiday Homes Rosemount, Westmeath, Ireland
Approached by a long private driveway Bishopstown House is completely secluded and hidden away from the outside world.
The splendidly restored Georgian mansion includes 6 spacious bedrooms, 5 ultra-modern bathrooms, a comfortable sitting room with open fireplace, a living/dining room, a traditional country kitchen with an attached scullery and a stunning 4th floor rooftop terrace. The bedrooms are a mixture of old world charm and modern comfort, and they consist of one triple room and five double rooms - 4 of the bedrooms are en-suite and all feature king-sized beds.
The living/dining room is the deal room for dinner parties, receptions and get togethers. Its large circular dining table can seat up to 20 people and it is flanked by French doors leading to the grounds and offering guests stunning views of the countryside.
The kitchen features an Aga Oven, and its large central island makes it the ideal place for warm suppers and cosy breakfasts. There is a washing machine and dryer in the adjacent scullery/utility room. Large patio areas make the ideal spot for outdoor entertaining and dining.
The house is heated by an eco-friendly gas heating system, and it also features eight fireplaces – firewood and turf for these is provided daily. All ESB & heating charges are included in your rate. Cots and Highchairs are available on request. Bed Linen and fresh towels are provided. A large Australian BBQ is provided to give you even more dining options, and special meals can also be arranged and served by request.
Local Amenities A myriad of sights, attractions and activities are on your doorstep and we will be happy to point you in the right direction. Bishopstown is 2 miles from the nearest shop, pub and church in Rosemount village and 8 miles from the nearest town, Moate. The buzzing towns of Mullingar and Athlone are just 20 mins away by car and every conceivable amenity is in both.
Facilites on site include:
Shared Indoor 45 foot Swimming Pool with Sauna and Jacuzzi, Badminton, Croquet, Children’s swings, bicycles, clay pigeon shooting, archery, helicopter rides, horse riding and lessons.
http://www.selfcatering-ireland.com/holiday-home-Bishopstown-House-in-Rosemount-Westmeath-14119.cfm#
The Journal agricultural land price survey 2006
160-acre farm at Bishopstown House , Rosemount, Moate, made €2.3 million (€14,375/acre) in trust for local businessman/farmer.
http://www.farmersjournal.ie/2007/0113/farmbusiness/business/property.shtml
Strong price for farm near Moat
Tuesday October 10 2006
BISHOPSTOWN House, a 160ac residential farm near Moate in Co Westmeath, exceeded all expectations when it sold for €2.3m on Thursday.
Guiding at €1.5m prior to auction, the 160ac neglected drystock farm has no road frontage and is only accessed by a right of way across an adjoining farm.
Auctioneer Dillon Murtagh from Murtagh Bros Real Estate Alliance said the €2.3m selling price was a real surprise but it was driven by two very strong bidders on the day.
Bidding on the farm opened strongly at €1m, with a crowd of around 40 people in attendance.
There were four bidders in the running initially, but hard-hitting bids from two of these pushed the others out in the early stages. There was just one local man in the running and he dropped out early on.
The two main bidders quickly drove up the price in bids of €20,000 and €80,000 each to €2.1m.
The farm was knocked down a short time later at €2.3m to a Waterford solicitor acting in trust for a client. The underbidder was also an agent and is believed to be from Co Meath.
The new owner will have the option of buying an extra portion of land from an adjoining farmer which would give access directly from the road.
The land has been rented out for a number of years, for both sheep and cattle. While the external boundary is in good repair, the internal fencing is in a poor state.
There are no sheds or handling facilities and the house is a derelict two-storey house which is in need of complete renovation.
http://www.independent.ie/farming/strong-price-for-farm-near-moate-72618.html
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