Middleton Park mansion back on market at €1.4m guide price

One of Westmeath’s most distinctive country houses, Middleton Park in Castletown-Geoghegan, is back on the market and is set to go under the hammer later this month with a guide price of €1.4 million.

The 19th-century mansion will be offered for sale by BidX Auctions on Thursday September 24.

Set on approximately 17.3 acres, the substantial property extends to around 3,250 square metres and includes the main mansion, Bell Tower Wing, Oratory Wing and extensive lower gardens and ancillary accommodation.

The property has had a colourful history, having previously operated as a private residence, hotel and boutique wedding venue before returning to residential use.

The main house extends to approximately 1,022 square metres and features four reception rooms, a ballroom, snooker room and mezzanine library. Among its notable architectural features is the historic Turner Conservatory.

Accommodation includes a formal dining room, sitting room, drawing room, morning room, kitchen and breakfast room, as well as four bedrooms, each with its own en-suite.

The adjoining Bell Tower Wing extends to approximately 371 square metres and contains 12 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.

The unfinished Oratory Wing, measuring approximately 350 square metres, provides further potential, with space that could accommodate up to 10 en-suite bedrooms, subject to planning permission.

The lower garden level includes a games room, two gym rooms, wine cellar, bar-room, sauna and showers, alongside practical facilities including workshops, storage and boiler rooms.

Middleton Park has a particularly colourful place in Westmeath history.

The original owner, George Boyd-Rochfort, was a descendant of the Earls of Belvedere. His grandson, also George, was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915, while his brother Cecil received the Croix de Guerre for his actions during the Battle of the Somme. Cecil later became a trainer of the Royal Family’s horses.

The house also became associated with racehorse trainer and gambler Barney Curley, who famously raffled the property in the 1980s. He was later sentenced to jail for promoting an illegal lottery, although the conviction was overturned on appeal.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Middleton Park also welcomed a number of high-profile visitors, including Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth.

In 2023, plans to accommodate 240 International Protection applicants at the 15-bedroom property were withdrawn.

Antiques from the mansion subsequently went under the hammer in 2024, when almost 800 lots were sold.

The latest sale will offer a new owner the opportunity to acquire one of the most substantial historic residences in the midlands, with vacant possession available.

A refundable bidder security of €20,000 applies to prospective purchasers.