William Street, Birr, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42HF20

It is seldom that an opportunity arises to acquire a substantial holding, seeped in history, in the middle of Birr town centre. Donal Boyd Auctioneers are delighted to bring to the market this fantastic two storey residence on William Street, Birr. This house is the last remaining property of a terrace of houses that once graced William Street, one of Birr’s most historic streets. The house itself has a very important place in the history of the town having previously acted as a Freemason’s Lodge, from the mid 19 century until the year 1914 Freemasonry in Birr dates back to 1746 when the first Lodge Was founded in the town to coincide with the building of the doric column in Emmett Square (then called Cumberland Square). In its early years, the Freemasons met in The King’s Arms, now known as Dooly’s Hotel. When they acquired their own premises they moved to this house in William Street and many of the features from this period are still retained in this gem of a property. The Freemasons last operated here in 1914 when they moved to their current building in Green Street, having acquired the premises from the Society of Friends (Quakers). The Freemasons then adapted that meeting house to suit their needs and this building has been in private ownership for the last 111 years. Providing stunning views for Birr Castle, the extensive grounds extend to c.0.5acre and include the sites of several demolished properties. The property is zoned ‘Town Centre/Mixed Use’ in the Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029 which provides for ‘protect and strengthen the vitality and viability of the town centre, through consolidating development, encouraging a mix of uses and maximising the use of land, to ensure the efficient use of infrastructure and services.’ The property extends to c.1,500sq.ft and although in need of modernisation throughout it offers the discerning purchaser the opportunity to acquire an extremely spacious 2 bedroom property in the centre of Birr town steeped in history and character. This property is sure to attract a large audience and viewing is highly recommended to appreciate all this fantastic property has to offer. FEATURES *PROMINENT TOWN CENTRE LOCATION *ACCOMMODATION EXTENDS TO c.1500sq.ft *HIGH CEILINGS THROUGHOUT *SITE EXTENDS TO c.0.5ACRE *ZONED ‘TOWN CENTRE/MIXED DEVELOPMENT’ *SUPERB DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY (SPP) ACCOMMODATION ENTRANCE HALL (1.75m x 10m) Well proportioned with high ceilings, decorative cornices and coving and door to the rear garden. LIVING ROOM (3.55m x 3.87m) DINING ROOM (4m x 5.19m) With cast iron fireplace KITCHEN (3.87m x 3.55m) With stainless steel sink unit, storage presses, aga range and tiled flooring. UPSTAIRS LANDING BEDROOM 1 (5.26m x 9.18m) Extremely large and spacious with wooden flooring BEDROOM 2 (3.63m x 3.88m) OUTSIDE Set back from the road the front of the property is surrounded by a high stone wall with a gated vehicular side entrance to the rear garden. The extensive rear garden is in lawn and has an abundance of mature trees and shrubs alongside many outhouses and sheds. There is also a large workshop and and original stone coachhouse/outhouse. There are stunning views of Birr Castle from the rear of the property. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the potential that this property has to offer. Please call Donal Boyd on 0872554412 or email info@boydauctioneers.ie for more information. Donal Boyd Auctioneers Ltd PSR Licence No 001591