Residential Land : A company linked to property developer Paddy Kelly has emerged as the purchaser of Diswellstown House, a large 17th century mansion and 17 acres of residential zoned land at Castleknock, Dublin 15.

Mr Kelly's company, Red Quartz Boundary, is believed to have paid over €25 million for what is one of the most attractive housing sites to have come on the market in west Dublin in recent years. The sale was handled by Coonan Real Estate Alliance.

The two-storey house stands on stunning gardens and is listed for preservation along with the handsome entrances gates. The estate, formerly owned by a Scottish family, the Kennans, has a number of outstanding reception rooms, including a drawingroom, diningroom, music room and function room. It is in impeccable condition and has six bedrooms and six bathrooms.

Under the Fingal County Council's 1999 development plan, the land is zoned to provide for new residential communities "in accordance with the approved area action plan".

One developer who looked at the property said he believed the new owners might get planning permission for over 25 units per acre. There has been substantial housing development in the immediate area, including a scheme on part of the grounds of Castleknock college.

Diswellstown is located directly opposite a 24-acre field recently acquired for playing fields and a sports campus for local residents. It is also located opposite the newly developed Castleknock Hotel and golf course at Somerton. Both Luttrellstown Castle and golf club and Westmanstown golf club are located close by.