Anyone who fancies owning their own mansion will have the opportunity to purchase one in Laois shortly.
This is after the Council executed a Compulsory Purchase Order on a derelict mansion in Abbeyleix recently.
Originally a workers house in the late 1800s, Millbrook House is located on the Abbeyleix to Ballacolla road.
Described as a detached five-bay two-storey Victorian house with dormer attic, located on a 4.2 acre site and extending to 9,000sq. ft over three floors, it has fallen into serious disrepair.
Laois County Council engaged with the owner to have improvement works carried out but they were unsuccessful.
The house has not been lived in for many years and a Compulsory Purchase Order was executed and came into force in early May.
Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Laois County Council, CEO John Mulholland said that they will now do up the house before selling it.
He said: “It is now open to the council to offer the premises for sale by public tender, subject to conditions that include price and a timeframe for completion of essential weatherproofing and restoration works.”
Abbeyleix Cllr John Joe Fennelly welcomed the news.
He said: “I look forward to somebody buying this property and restoring it.
“It is an absolutely beautiful house but unfortunately it has gone beyond the scope of a normal person to repair it.”
While Cllr John King said that he knew of a few interested parties already – something which Chief Executive John Mulholland welcomed.
Mr Mulholland said: “It will be very good value for money and we will set a price when we engage an agent.
“The price will be in the public domain after we appoint a sales agent.”
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