Although there is almost a month to go before the business will be auctioned, there is already considerable interest in Moorhill Country House Hotel, in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

It has been put up for sale by its owners, Oliver and Jean Toner, who developed the Victorian house into a thriving businesses over the past two decades.

Moorhill House, built in the 1870s, stands on 2.5 acres of woodland, including a number of oak trees which are over 200 years old. It is near the local industrial park and the town's main shopping and business district.

According to Oliver Toner, who has lived all his life in Tullamore, he and his wife, Jean, will be sorry to part with the property. "We originally were involved in toy manufacturing and then we purchased the old house with a view to setting up a restaurant. The rooms followed and now we have 12 bedrooms," he said.

"It is a lovely property because it is a kind of haven so close to the centre of one of the most vibrant towns in the country. Over the years, we had great times here and great support from local people." He recalled celebrity visitors. His favourite guest was the former US Ambassador to Ireland, Mrs Jean Kennedy Smith, who spread Moorhill's fame far and wide. There were others too - Jack Charlton and movie star Aidan Quinn. The hotel was also used by many Dublin embassies and EU officials.

The Toners plan to take six months off to determine what they will do next. But whatever it is, it will be in Tullamore where they plan to stay.

William J Keegan, who is handling the sale with John P. Younge, said a reserve price of £1.2 million to £1.5 million has been placed on the property, which will be auctioned on September 29th.