The former family home of the last Prime Minister of Northern Ireland - Brian Faulkner - for sale

The 7-bedroom house, which is less than 10 minutes from Murlough and Tyrella beaches and the majestic Mourne Mountains in Co Down includes 7 stables, a tack room and large barn plus 8 acres of gardens, woodlands and paddocks.

It has been reported that the former UUP leader and Lucy Forsythe met and married in 1951 through their common interests of politics and hunting.

They went on to have three children – two boys and a girl.

Lady Faulkner had worked as a Belfast Telegraph journalist before her marriage and she was also the first national governor of BBC Northern Ireland.

Sadly Lord Faulkner – UUP leader from 1974-6 – was only raised to the peerage as Lord Faulkner of Downpatrick, on February 22, 1977, but he was killed in a hunting accident soon afterwards on March 3, 1977.

Lady Faulkner died much later in 2012.

Now their former home – a Grade B1 Listed detached residence which was built in 1840 for the Land Agent of the Seaforde and Hollymount Estates – is on the market for sale for £1,475,000.

A description of the home on Propertypal, focuses on its ‘sweeping driveway’ and how the house is ‘surrounded by 8 acres of woodland, grazing paddock, and gardens’.

‘The magnificent beech, oak and chestnut trees are home to many species of birds, including a well-known colony of rooks,’ it adds.The description adds: ‘The imposing reception hall features the original staircase, while the main rooms retain their original high ceilings with moulded architraves, cornices and original glass.

‘The drawing room in particular is elegant and bright, facing south onto the gardens, and with adjoining sunroom.

‘The large country style kitchen with ash working surfaces, and glass double doors lead directly out to an extensive flagstoned, sheltered patio area’.