GUINNESS IS GOOD FOR THEM..THE pounds 2m PROOF

Sunday Mirror, Jan 18, 2004 by EXCLUSIVE By DEIRDRE O'DONOVAN

THE Guinness family is continuing its slow exodus from Ireland by seeking stout offers on a EUR2.15 million stately pile in Castleknock.

The family, known throughout the world for its famous brew, was once one of Ireland's most prestigious landowners, but the family has been slowly selling up and retreating from the Republic.

Rambling mansions, plush town properties, lush farmland and even a castle have all gone under the hammer in recent years as members of the family have headed off.

Supermodel Jasmine Guinness, 27, daughter of Desmond, grew up in Leixlip Castle, but now lives in a modest terrace house in West London.

In 2000 the family's Iveagh branch sold their last three houses and land on the edge of the Phoenix Park at Castleknock, Co Dublin for EUR32million.

The current Earl of Iveagh, Edward Guinness, moved out of Farmleigh in 1992 and now lives in England.

Then followed the 1999 sale of Farmleigh - a magnificent mansion and 78-acre farm also at the Park - chief home of the Iveagh's since the 1880s.

Built in Georgian style using Portland stone, it has 20 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a spectacular ballroom and a wood-panelled library and is now the government's own B&B for visiting dignitaries.

There are six houses in the grounds, two gate lodges, courtyards, farm buildings, a coach house and an eight-acre lake.

It was the family's last main house and its sale to the Government for EUR29 million marked the end of an era.

Other former choice Guinness family properties which have been sold include the stunning Iveagh House in St Stephen's Green, Dublin - bought as the HQ for the Department of Foreign AffairsSprawling St Anne's house in Clontarf on the northside of Dublin was demolished in the 1940s and the site became a public park.

And the family's West of Ireland retreat and hunting lodge Ashford Castle, in Co Mayo, was sold in 1949. It has since become one of the world's finest hotels.

Ronald Reagan stayed there in 1984 while he was US president and it has since become the most popular place for the rich and famous to get hitched.

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan and Westlife star Shane Filan both had their weddings there.

Desmond Guinness lives at Leixlip Castle, which he bought in 1965, and he also rescued Castletown House.

But the rest of the family have reduced their long-held links with Ireland to a 700-acre farm at Kilrue, Co Meath, and a handful of small properties.

The latest property to hit the market is the 19th-century gothic style house at Castleknock.

It stands on about 3.27 acres and comes with an extra cool price tag of EUR2.15m - but buyers don't seem in a rush to put many offers on the 3,250-sq-ft house.

So far the highest bid is EUR1.85million, and estate agent Peter Kenny of Jackson Stops says his clients aren't in any hurry to sell and won't settle for anything less than EUR2m.

He said: "The property went up for auction before Christmas, but it was withdrawn because they didn't get the price they wanted.

"There were about four people bidding. At the moment we have two firm offers, one of EUR1.8million and for EUR1.85million - but the family are looking for EUR2million and are willing to wait for that."

The house is owned by Kieran Guinness, brother of Des Guinness and son of the late Lord Moyne.

It has been rented out for the past 30 years and now the family say they have have no use for it.

Peter said: "They are selling because the house is surplus to requirements."

Any new owner would enjoy views over the Liffey across woodland towards the Dublin mountains.

The house at Knockmaroon in Castleknock, has been substantially refurbished and the original cornicing, architraves, picture rails, windows and shutters have all been preserved.

Peter said: "They've re-wired and replaced the heating, but they have retained many of the original features and it is a beautiful property."

There is a reception hall, inner hall, drawing room, morning room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor. And there are three bedrooms, a utility room and guest loo.

The master bedroom has an en-suite.

Outside there is a substantial sun deck looking over a lawn which slopes down to the Liffey.

Kieran's brother Desmond is now one of the only Guinness family members still living full-time in Ireland.