One of Fermanagh’s most historic country estates, owned by Princess Diana’s cousin and complete with four private islands, has been sold.
The Belle Isle Estate, situated on the banks of Lough Erne, boasts 18 homes on 448 acres with 6.5 miles of waterfront and four private islands.
One of the 18 homes is a historic stately castle that can fit in the equivalent floor space of 15 average family homes.
While the final price was not disclosed, the property was listed last for sale earlier this year with a guide price of £5.9 million.
Property advisor Savills Ireland announced the sale, confirming that the Crawford family would be taking stewardship of the historic estate.
Belle Isle estate
Located on the northern tip of island-dotted Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle Castle dates back to the 17th century.
The island where the estate stands was formerly the McManus clan stronghold where the famous Annals Of Ulster were compiled, outlining the history of Celtic Ireland from St Patrick up to the late 15th century.
Ownership was later transferred to Elizabethan soldier Paul Gore.
Since 1991, the stately home and grounds were owned by Lord James Hamilton, the Duke of Abercorn.
The estate had previously placed on the market by the Duke early last year and a sale had been agreed by year’s end, but it later fell through.
In recent decades, it has become one of Northern Ireland’s most popular and upmarket country house hotels.
Under the Duke’s guidance, significant renovations took place, including the 1992 refurbishment of the Hamilton Wing, followed by the conversion of the Victorian farmyard in 1997.
In 2004, Belle Isle School of Cookery was established, becoming Northern Ireland’s first dedicated culinary school.
Belle Isle estate
In 2017, further refurbishments overseen by Lord Nicholas Hamilton, and saw the estate achieve the accolade of Small Wedding Venue of the Year 2024 at the All-Ireland Hotel Awards.
James Butler, director at Savills Country Agency, said: “With such a diverse range of assets in a renowned setting, Belle Isle Estate represents an extraordinary opportunity for its new owners.
“While we conducted viewings with parties based in the USA, Asia, Europe, and the UK, the sale provides a locally based family, as new custodians, with the chance to further enrich the estate’s historic legacy.”
Neal Morrison, director at Savills Northern Ireland, added: “It is rare to find a property that combines such heritage, scale, and natural beauty.
“The Belle Isle Estate is an irreplaceable asset that will allow the Crawford family to preserve a piece of Northern Ireland’s history while contributing to its future.”
The sellers were represented by Neal Morrison and James Butler of Savills, Raymond Duddy of Davidson McDonnell, and Glenn Breen of Shean Dickson Merrick.
News Catch Up – Tuesday 12th November