Former mining exec's house makes fine quarry for high-end buyers

Co Meath/€2.7m: One of the best presented houses to come on the market in Co Meath in recent years, Ardbraccan Lodge near Navan, has an AMV of €2.7 million prior to auction through Raymond Potterton on September 26th.

The former Glebe House stands on over four acres of gardens and paddocks in a delightful setting about 2.5 miles from Navan. It will be even closer to the planned intersection of the M3 motorway that is due to reduce commuting time to Dublin to less than half an hour.

The 18th century house overlooks the ancient fields and woodlands of Ardbraccan House, the former palace of the Bishops of Meath. The upgrading of Ardbraccan Lodge in 1991 and in 2001 for the former chief executive of Tara Mines Eero Laatio has left the house oozing with luxury. The sale has been prompted by Laatio's decision to return to his native Finland. He is leaving behind a charming home, one that is manageable unlike many country houses which come on the market. Every room has great style and the period details have been preserved.

There is a large hall opening into three interlinking reception rooms. The diningroom is to the front while the drawingroom and livingroom at the rear have large windows overlooking the gardens. Most activity centres around the livingroom where one of the three windows has been replaced by a French door to give access on to the rear lawn. The kitchen-diningroom has floor and wall units with integrated Miele appliances. There are five bedrooms and a main bathroom. The basement has been largely turned into a leisure suite.