10 bed detached house for sale

Saddle Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man IM2

Kirby Park is a distinguished country house of considerable historical and architectural significance, having played a central role in the life of the Isle of Man for generations.

The house is approached via a long, tree-lined drive, with an attractive Gate Lodge standing guard at its entrance. The grandeur of Kirby Park is immediately apparent on entering the reception hall, which leads through to the impressive staircase hall. The principal reception rooms are particularly magnificent. The drawing room flows seamlessly into the library/study and dining room, creating an exceptional suite of entertaining spaces. High ceilings, fine fireplaces and glorious south-facing views across the parkland combine to create rooms of remarkable character and elegance. The kitchen and breakfast room, together with a range of domestic offices, are situated within the west wing, while a conservatory opens directly onto the terrace and gardens beyond.

There are extensive cellars beneath the house, including the original kitchen, now adapted as a billiard room, together with workshops, a wine cellar fitted with 27 bins, various store rooms and access to a service Courtyard.

The first floor provides three well-appointed bedroom suites, including a splendid principal suite comprising a dressing room and en suite bathroom. The second floor offers four further bedrooms, a playroom, two bathrooms and two additional rooms currently utilised for storage. We are advised that a new oil-fired boiler was installed in 2026, while the private drainage system was replaced in approximately 2011. The main house and west wing were re-roofed, and the conservatory replaced, in 2018/19. More recently, the chimneys were comprehensively refurbished in 2025. Externally, the parkland was re-landscaped and a new bridge constructed in 2020. Kirby Park presents a rare opportunity to acquire an historic country house of exceptional character and significance, offering considerable scope for sympathetic modernisation and enhancement, subject to the necessary consents.
Outbuildings

Attached to the house is an integral double garage with an electrically operated door. Beneath this is a service yard providing two further double garages and a range of useful storerooms. Set apart from the main house is a substantial stonebuilt former coach house. The upper floor was originally designed for the storage of boats used on the river, while the ground floor has more recently been utilised by the current owners as stabling for two horses. Further along a track leading towards the fields is a timber yard with covered log stores and additional storage space.
Entrance lodge

An attractive two-bedroom entrance lodge stands beside the main gates, providing a fitting introduction to the estate. The property is currently occupied under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

Gardens, parkland and river
The parkland grounds provide a magnificent setting for the house, creating a beautiful and protective green buffer from the town. The estate is home to a number of exceptional mature specimen trees, which contribute greatly to its character and privacy. The grounds descend to the River Dhoo, which meanders through the estate and offers double-bank trout fishing. In addition to their natural beauty, the parkland and pastureland provide excellent opportunities for those wishing to keep horses, cattle or other livestock. Combining elegant landscaped grounds, productive pasture, river frontage and outstanding privacy, the estate offers a rare balance of rural seclusion and convenience close to the heart of Douglas.

Kirby Park enjoys the rare advantage of being within walking distance of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, with its extensive business, social and recreational amenities, while offering the privacy and tranquillity of an exclusive 48-acre mature parkland setting.

The Isle of Man lies in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland, at the heart of the British Isles. Home to a thriving population of approximately 86,000, the island combines an exceptional quality of life with a sophisticated business environment.

Extending some 30 miles in length and 12 miles at its widest point, the Isle of Man is large enough to offer residents an enviable balance of accessibility, privacy and space-qualities that are increasingly rare among leading low-tax jurisdictions. The island is also recognised as one of the safest places in the world to live, with exceptionally low crime rates contributing to its reputation as a secure and welcoming place to call home.

The Island is remarkable for its variety of landscapes – a beautiful coastline, unspoilt glens and mountains rising to over 2,000 ft. There are over 100 miles of coastline, covering an area of 227 square miles, with water warmed by the Gulf Stream. As a result, the Island enjoys an equable climate with mild winters. Palm trees are common throughout the Island and wild fuchsias abound.

The Isle of Man is the only country recognised by the un as a Biosphere with zero noise, light or air pollution. The Isle of Man hosts some of the most visible marine life with giant basking sharks, dolphins and minke whales. Often seals can be spotted sunbathing on the beaches, as well as a mix of rare coastal birds such as puffins and shearwaters. Birds of prey include: Falcons; buzzards; goshawks; hen harriers; sparrow hawks; kestrels and owl. No foxes, snakes or deer are found on the Isle of Man. Wallabys roam freely in the north of the Isle.

The climate is not dissimilar to Cornwall with mild winters and delightful summers. The quality of fresh organic produce from the Manx farmer is abundant and the fish, lobster, scallops, and Dublin Bay prawns straight out of the Irish Sea are plentiful.

The Island has never been part of the UK and is a self-governing state outside of the European community. Particularly famous for its thriving financial services sector, the Isle of Man's national taxation strategy has seen the introduction of very favourable tax treatment as follows:
• Zero Corporation Tax (excluding banks and a few other exceptions).
• Zero Capital Gains Tax.
• Zero Inheritance Tax.
• Zero Stamp Duty; Land registry fees approx 2% (lower than UK Stamp Duty).
• Income tax is set at the lower of 20% or £200,000 pa Tax Cap.
• Zero Charge for Street Parking and no ulez/Congestion Charges.
Transportation links

Communications to the United Kingdom, Europe and Ireland are excellent, with up to 20 flights daily to 14 airports including Gatwick, Heathrow and London City in 60-70 minutes, and Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin in 30-40 minutes. The time saving connections through Dublin to America, with immigration speedily cleared in Dublin airport in advance of boarding, are a well-kept secret.

There is a modern Private Jet Centre offering business travellers and wealthy residents the opportunity to save time and travel anywhere with a fleet of jets flying in and out across the world.

The Island has recently taken delivery of one of the greenest, most up to-date and luxurious ferries operating anywhere in the UK. Services run from Heysham and Liverpool, with additional seasonal routes to Larne and Dublin during the summer months.