A striking Georgian stately home in Banbridge that was subject to a potential £2 million of investment less than 10 years ago has entered the property market with an asking price just shy of half of that proposed investment.
The historic – and sadly now derelict – Brookfield House is a familiar sight to many in Banbridge.
Today, nature has almost entirely reclaimed the once pristine home of the Smyth family, whose roots in the industrialisation of the town spanned some 200 years.
Sitting in the centre of a sprawling site of mature woods and lawns on the Scarva Road, the home was originally built for Brice Smyth, founder of Brice Smyth & Sons of Brookfield, a prominent name in the linen industry.
The original family home – known as the former Linen Baron estate – dates back to around 1760, tucked in at the end of a long driveway, flanked at its ends by two gatelodges, also sadly in a serious state of decay.
Adjacent to the old Brookfield Linen Weaving Factory, the home remained in the Smyth family until 1993.
In 2011, the building suffered significant damage in a blaze that broke out on May 23. Left gutted and derelict, the repair costs were later estimated at around £800,000.
It has since fallen prey to a number of less significant fires and vandalism.
Then in 2019, permission was granted for the restoration of the original family home alongside the creation of five new properties.
Two outbuildings are also approved for demolition to allow a further six houses to be built adjacent to Brookfield House.
Previously granted, full planning permission for 30 units was also approved, though never progressed.
The property has now become available for purchase with an asking price of £900,000 under the agency of Savills.
The lot comes with 10.1 acres of development land with access available just off the Scarva Road.
Savills regard Banbridge as a “vibrant town” in County Down, celebrated for its “natural beauty and rich historic heritage”.
The redevelopment of Brookfield House and its lands could see a number of high value homes created in the growing commuter town and a long vacant hotspot for anti-social behaviour reinvigorated to the betterment of the local community.
Interested parties should contact Savills directly for more information.
