Ernst & Young is selling Ashford Castle, the five-star resort frequented by celebrities, in County Mayo, Ireland, for €25m (£20.2m).
The castle, which has hosted stars including Brad Pitt, Oscar Wilde and John Lennon, dates from the 13th century. It comprises 83 bedrooms, a dining room, bar, drawing room, private dining rooms and a spa.
The resort hotel and estate, which is set within around 365 acres, includes a nine-hole golf course.
The castle was a Guinness family home from 1855 until 1939, when it became a luxury hotel. It is now a member of the Leading Hotels of the World affiliation group.
The property is available free from management agreement.
Tom Barrett, head of hotels at Savills Ireland, which is acting for Ernst & Young, said: “Ashford Castle is the jewel in the crown of Irish hospitality, featuring among top-tier hotels worldwide, and is particularly favoured by guests from the US who made up more than half of visitors over the summer. The business trades exceptionally well, proven by its STR Global ranking in terms of average room rates and RevPAR, and enjoys very positive guest feedback and strong customer loyalty. It offers enormous opportunity to an investor.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
