Speaking to the 'Journal' yesterday, James Herdman, great grandson of the founder of Herdman's Mills said it was time to move on as the home was simply "too big" for them.

"The property is too large for myself and my wife Penny as all of our children have grown up and are living elsewhere.

"We're downsizing, there are over 30 rooms and 9 bedrooms in the house, it's too big for just the two of us..., the time feels right to move on, we need to do it now before we get to old to move on." Mr Herdman said.

Carricklee House, located in Urney between Strabane and Sion Mills dates back to the 1790s when it was built as a Presbyterian Manse. It has seen a number of changes over the years, most notably with the addition of a large Victorian extension in the 1860s. The Herdmans have owned Carricklee House since 1842, passing through four generations of the family.

Current owners, James (58) and Penny (60) Herdman have operated a Bed and Breakfast business for the past three years, welcoming visitors from all over the world to their "unique" home.

Tony O'Connor, from Belfast based auctioneers, O' Connor Kennedy Turtle is handling the sale along with an international auctioneer firm, Knight Frank.

Mr O' Connor said they were confident that the property, which could be converted into a country house hotel, will sell despite a recent downturn in the market.

He said: "Quality always outs, there is still money in this country for a unique property like this. It has only gone on the market this week but we are confident that there are people in the North and South of Ireland that will snap it up because there is no other property like it in Northern Ireland.

"Although the property impresses by its grandeur it very much feels like a home."

Seventeen acres of landscaped gardens, woodland and two paddocks make up the family estate with a separate tudor styled stable yard, which was recently renovated into a stable cottage with kitchen and bedroom facilities.

Some 30 years ago the home had its own golf course and was also formerly used as a fox hunting base with kennels for the hounds kept in the courtyard.

Mr Herdman said that he hoped to move to a smaller property nearby in Sion Mills.

Viewing is strictly by appointment only. For further information contact O' Connor Kennedy Turtle on (028) 90248188.