When it comes to dream homes, it’s hard to find many as impressive as Ardeevin House.
The sale of this magnificent Victorian residence which dates back to circa 1860, is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Irish heritage.
Steeping history this idyllic West Cork hideaway sits on approximately 16 acres (6.44 hectares) of rolling countryside in one of Ireland’s most picturesque regions, along the famed Wild Atlantic way.
Built upon the grounds of an historic Georgian estate, the Victorian residence at Ardeevin House is rich in period details that add timeless beauty, such as intricate cornicing, full height wainscoting, architraves, window trims, ceiling roses, wallpapering and antique fireplaces.
Nestled alongside the historic main residence is a charming period guest house known as Ivy Cottage, a beautifully appointed single storey cottage which offers comfort and flexibility for extended family or visiting friends.
Surrounded by mature gardens, lush pastures and panoramic views, Ardeevin House enjoys a sense of tranquil privacy, while being ideally situated just 1.8km from the vibrant coastal town of Bantry and its picturesque harbour.
Described as a slice of West Cork history, Ardeevin House was built in the 1860s by Arthur Newburgh, a former British Army captain.
Its name, Ardeevin, from the anglicisation of the Irish Árd Aoibheann meaning “beautiful height”, is fitting given its position overlooking undulating pastureland, the local harbour waters of Bantry Bay and its surrounding rugged hinterland.
Home to the same family since 1967, the addition of Ivy Cottage and its 68sqm of living space gives the new owner endless options.
The main house extends to 239sqm (2,573sq ft) and was once used as a B&B. It is on the list of protected structures due to its special architectural significance. Its appraisal listing on the National Built Heritage Service website says: “An elegantly composed 19th-century house, which retains much original fabric such as carved bargeboards and render detail.”
The entrance hall of Ardeevin House sets the tone for the rest of the property. Upon entering the glazed panelled timber front door with over light, you are greeted by the intricate Victorian encaustic floor tiles, floor to ceiling effect wainscoting, ornate cornicing and ceiling medallion which leads to the striking feature staircase.
The ground floor in this stunning home is an entertainer’s delight, featuring a beautiful drawing room with a bay window, an antique fireplace and a large overmantel mirror, which leads to a sun-drenched double-height sunroom.
Across the hallway, there is a formal dining room with bay window, featuring an antique fireplace with a large stove.
The dining room connects to a well-equipped kitchen with an oil-fired Rayburn at its heart. The kitchen opens to a charming east-facing conservatory which provides a wonderful dining area.
A cosy back sitting room, which would be perfect for other uses such as a study or office, and a utility room with a guest WC complete the downstairs accommodation.
Up the stairs, there is a stunning two metre high landing window, which brings plenty of light to the five beautifully proportioned bedrooms, each of which offers tranquil views of the grounds and surrounding landscape. The accommodation is completed by a bathroom and shower room.
Ivy Cottage takes its name from the original house which stood on the site prior to the building of Ardeevin House. Pre-dating the main residence, the 19th century guest cottage is a unique single storey home full of charm.
This charming cottage features an open plan living and dining area, kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms with large patios at the front and rear.
The outbuildings, meanwhile, create an enclosed courtyard to the back of Ardeevin House and Ivy Cottage and can also be accessed by a separate five metre wide gated entrance from the public road. There are two buildings here.
Firstly, ‘The Loft’, a long stone built outhouse which predates the main residence. It has double doors and a large loft space featuring a feature gothic arched gable window and beautiful stone arches over the ground floor door and windows. This 200 year old building is brimming with potential for conversion into additional guest suites, a music/art studio or gym.
Then there is ‘Fin’s Workshop’ – a substantial garage/workshop measuring 120sqm with a large 3.5m x 3.5m roller door entrance. The main area has a clear-span floorspace of 11.5m 8.5m, making it ideal for car and boat storage or a state of the art workshop with its three phase electricity supply. There is also a separate office, WC and storeroom.
In the gardens and grounds mature trees, specimen shrubs, hedging and landscaped lawns envelop the house in lush privacy from the public road. The existing tennis court could be revived or reimagined into a private recreation hub.
The tennis court is overlooked by one of Ireland’s tallest and oldest Ash trees. The lands comprising 15 acres of gently rolling pastures are bounded on two sides by the public road and woodland to the west. The lands are ideal for use as a hobby farm, rewilding project or future development, subject to a grant of planning permission.
Whether you’re seeking a private country residence, a luxurious holiday home or a distinctive investment in Ireland’s scenic south west, Ardeevin House promises and unmatched lifestyle in a truly exceptional setting.
Find out more about Ardeevin House on MyHome at www.myhome.ie/4968749 where you can contact selling agent Roseanne De Vere Hunt of Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes for further details. The home is also being jointly sold with Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill at www.myhome.ie/4968748 and you can contact selling agent Raymond O’Neill at 023 883 3995.
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