This Sunday sees Matthews Auctioneers of Oldcastle, Co Meath sell by public auction one of the most interesting house contents in Ireland.
The Elms is one of Portarlington’s most important and grand Georgian houses, the contents of which reflect the ownership of just three families over 220 years.
This important 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. Captain Stannus and his son Thomas Jnr 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 who 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 afternoon 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.
