This Sunday sees Matthews auctioneers of Oldcastle sell by public auction the contents of one of the most interesting houses Ireland — The Elms, Portarlington's grandest Georgian house, the contents of which reflect its ownership by just three families over 220 years.
This sale will also include the contents of Julianstown Lodge, Co Meath, property of the Hoey family.
Built circa 1790 by Captain Thomas Stannus and his wife Catherine, the interior of The Elms is a rare survivor of this age. Captain Stannus and his son Thomas jr were both members of the Irish parliament for Co Laois, while another descendant held the office of justice of the peace for Laois. The Stannus family sold the house in 1908 to the Odlum family, who lived in the property until the 1940s. It was then purchased by the Sweeney family for £500, and they in turn have sold the property this summer. The contents are now being sold for Mrs Sweeney (nee Dunphy ).
The house will be open to the viewing public from 11am this Friday until Sunday at 2pm, when the auction will commence in a marquee set up especially for the auction in the two acre walled garden to the rear of the house.
For more information see www.matthewsauctionrooms.com
