Irish Castle With Four Private Islands Lists for €7.5 Million

A 17th-century Northern Ireland castle with four private islands as well as 17 cottages and apartments has just been listed for the suggested price of €7.5 million (US$8.27 million).

The 448-acre Belle Isle Estate is about 8 miles from Enniskillen, the largest town in County Fermanagh. It was listed by James Butler, director of Savills Country Agency, in mid-July.

The colossal country estate, which since 2006 has been rented out as a venue for weddings and other events that have accommodated up to 200 guests, is the home of 44-year-old Lord Nicholas Hamilton, whose father, James Hamilton, the 5th Duke of Abercorn, bought it for him in 1991, according to published reports and the Savills sales brochure.

The property, which is on the banks of the River Erne, has come up for sale because the lord, the duke’s younger son, and his young family have relocated to the U.S., Butler said.

“Belle Isle Estate is truly unique, with its extent of land, water frontage, views, habitat, islands and range of residential properties,” Butler said. “No other estate compares with it in the country.”

The duke’s family has British royal connections: Diana, Princess of Wales, was a great-granddaughter of the 3rd Duke of Abercorn.

(The interior architecture features arched doorways and extremely thick walls. Savills)

Over the decades, the family extensively renovated the 15,524-square-foot castle, adding two wings that feature grand spaces for entertaining. Interior designer David Hicks redecorated the rooms.

In addition to the castle, which is surrounded by parkland and reached via a drive lined with mature trees.

The dining hall, which seats 50, includes a mezzanine; there are 13 bedroom suites, and the library features a wood-paneled fireplace.

The property has a walled garden with a cottage; eight apartments and a pair of semi-detached coach houses arranged around a central courtyard that serves as a parking area; a single-story reception building; a two-story cottage called the Bridge House; a pair of two-bedroom detached bungalows; a pair of semi-detached cottages; a two-story old post office that serves as a cottage; a bistro that has a dining room, a bar, a kitchen and a prep kitchen, an office and baths; and various modern outbuildings.

(The rooms have recently been decorated. Savills)

Ref: Irish Castle With Four Private Islands Lists for €7.5 Million (mansionglobal)