Former home of Catriona Carey sells for 'a little less than expected' at €340,000
Gordon Deegan
The ‘exceptional’ four-bedroomed Carlow home formerly owned by financial advisor and ex-Irish hockey international, Catriona Carey, has sold for “a little bit less than expected” at €340,000.
Last November, the home at 3 Rochford Manor, Leighlin Road, Graiguecullen, Carlow was put on the market with an asking price of €365,000.
Now, a new entry on the Residential Property Price Register confirms that the sale was completed on April 3rd with a sale price of €340,000.
Selling agent for the property, Harry Sothern of REA Sothern on Thursday confirmed the €340,000 sale price.
The sales blurb attached to the property did acknowledge that “although this property would benefit from some cosmetic upgrading” it added that “the potential is evident from the moment you walk through the door”.
Mr Sothern said on Thursday that the property “wasn’t in very good condition. There was mould on the ceiling and a few holes from leaks that had to be repaired".
The Carlow-based auctioneer said that the home is located in a very good area and if it was in good condition “it would have sold for around €400,000”.
Mr Sothern commented that potential buyers “may have found off-putting the history associated with the property”.
Last year, Everyday Finance DAC took control of charges on both the Carey home and the land surrounding.
Ms Carey bought the property in Rochford Manor in June 2006, but she failed to make any repayments on the mortgage loan account for several years, eventually racking up arrears of more than €370,000.
Mr Sothern confirmed that he put the property up for sale on the instructions of a receiver.
Mr Sothern said that there was no bidding war for the property and the home has been purchased by an individual working in the construction industry.
Mr Sothern said that the new owner will be able to carry out the required renovation works to bring the house up to a liveable standard and has the means to do so on a cheaper basis than anyone outside the building industry.
Mr Sothern said that the property currently “is liveable but not comfortable”.
He said: “It is good to see that the property is going to be renovated as it has a strong visual impact because the home is located at the front of the estate.”
Asked has he had any contact with Ms Carey in relation to the sale of her former home, Mr Sothern replied: “None whatsoever.”
The online sales brochure, which described the property as 'exceptional', boasted that “this stunning property boasts spacious, light-filled interiors that offer a warm and inviting atmosphere”.
It states that “the expansive gardens both in the front and rear provide a serene outdoor retreat. We invite you to explore this remarkable home and envision your future here”.
Ms Carey and two former business associates are currently before Dublin Circuit Court accused of multiple offences in connection with UK-based company, Careysfort Asset Estates.
Ms Carey (46), formerly of Rochford Manor, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow, faces three counts under section seven of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. The offences are alleged to have been committed from 2019 to 2021.
It is alleged that over each 12-month period Ms Carey engaged in converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing and using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
The case was recently returned to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after Books of Evidence were served in the case.
