Posted online: Apr 4th, 2011

A FAMOUS Derry house which was the location for historic talks between the IRA and the British government has been put up for sale.

The house at Beragh Hill Road in Ballyarnett has been owned by the McCorkell family since it was built in 1845.

Now, the family’s link to the building looks set to be broke after the house was placed on the market.

As well as being one of the most impressive houses in the local area, it also has significant historical interest.

In 1972, the owner of the house, Aileen McCorkell, hosted a meeting between representatives of the IRA and the British government.

It was the first meeting between the IRA and British government since the 1920s.

The talks are believed to have eventually led to the short-lived IRA ceasefire in June 1972.

It’s understood the IRA delegation included a young Gerry Adams.

Aileen McCorkell passed away on Christmas Day last year at the age of 89.

She was particularly well known in Derry for her lengthy involvement with the local branch of the Red Cross.

Mrs McCorkell settled in Derry in the 1950s after marrying Michael McCorkell, who was Lord Lieutenant of Derry from 1975 to 1980.

The couple, who had four children, lived in the McCorkell ancestral home.

The 11 bedroom house is set in eight acres of land which includes a large fish pond and a tennis court.

It has been described as a building of significant architectural importance and there is expected to be widespread interest in the property.

An adjacent dairy house is also included in the sale, although the two buildings are available to buy separately.