PROPERTY WATCH: Laois birthplace of Rotunda Hospital founder up for sale

A historically important Portlaoise Georgian house is up for sale as a commercial office space.

Annefield House, on the Dublin Road is Portlaoise was once a family home of the Mosse family, and the birthplace of Dr Bartholomew Mosse, founder of the Rotunda maternity hospital in Dublin.

Built some 300 years ago, it is for sale at just €350,000 albeit without its former rear gardens.

Auctioneers DNG Kelly describe the sale as "an extremely rare opportunity for the right investor to acquire commercial office spaces in the heart of Portlaoise town".

The two storey over basement property has tarmac parking space at its front, and a small outside space to the rear of the building.

In the basement there are three large storage rooms, a canteen and two large offices.

The ground floor has three more offices, a storage room and a meeting room. There are also two small canteens.

The first floor offers a further two office spaces.

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage describes it thus: "A fine well-proportioned Early Georgian house set back from the road which retains its dignified presence.

"Detached three-bay two-storey over concealed basement former house, built c. 1705, with pair of single-bay single-storey extensions added to either endand two-storey extension added to rear c.1960, renovated c. 1990, now in use as offices.

"Pitched artificial slate roof, cement ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks to gable ends, uPVC rainwater goods. Painted pebbledash rendered walls with smooth rendered plinth course, square-headed window openings with stone sills, central round-headed door opening with rendered Gibbsian-style surround and original door frame. uPVC windows and timber panelled door with timber fanlight.

"Door opens onto two limestone steps to tarmacadam front area, enclosed to west by rubble stone wall and to road by low concrete wall and steel railing c. 2000.

Dr Mosse recently had a roundabout in Portlaoise named after him. 

"The house was built by Rev. Canon Thomas Mosse who was Rector of Maryborough between 1691-1731. His son Dr. Bartholomew Mosse, founder of the Dublin Rotunda Hospital, was born here in 1712, attributing additional historic importance to it," the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage states.

The property is on the market for €350,000.