luxury house with panoramic view for sale Kenmare, Ireland

Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty and Charles McCarthy’s Estate Agents are delighted to present Glebe House, Aughadown, Skibbereen, West Cork. Originally built in 1784 by Rev. Joseph Wright as the Church of Ireland Rectory for the adjacent parish church of Aughadown, this remarkable waterfront mansion house has evolved over the centuries into an exquisite country home. Approached via a sweeping waterside drive, this exceptional property is set within a secluded 9-acre (3.84-hectare) sanctuary of natural beauty. Commanding a spectacular position on a bend of the Ilen River estuary, it boasts direct private shoreline access, as well as convenient access to Baltimore Harbour and the renowned sailing waters of Roaring Water Bay and the Carbery Hundred Isles. The grounds have been beautifully landscaped in recent years, with the addition of a variety of flowering plants and shrubs, enhancing the property's natural charm. Described as 'handsome and commodious' in Samuel Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837), this meticulously maintained nine-bay period residence continues to exemplify those qualities today. Retaining the elegant proportions, grandeur, and symmetry of the Georgian era, it has been thoughtfully adapted into a comfortable five-bedroom, four-bathroom family home with ground floor guest cloakroom, spanning approximately 9,000 sq. ft. (825 sq. m.) Classical styling and contemporary design blend seamlessly, creating a functional and open living space. Superior-quality materials are evident throughout, complemented by bespoke features that enhance both character and comfort. The principal rooms are generously proportioned, with soaring ceilings, exquisite period details, and large sash windows that frame breathtaking views of the river, islands, and rolling countryside. Notably, recent energy-efficient upgrades, including the installation of PV panels, have contributed to an impressive C1 rating—remarkable for a property of this age. In addition to the main residence, two beautifully restored cottages frame the courtyard, providing an additional three bedrooms. This self-contained accommodation is ideal for guests or staff. The property also features a dedicated yoga room, gym, tennis court and walled garden enhancing its appeal as a private retreat. A separate entrance is also available at the rear. West Cork is renowned for its cosmopolitan community, attracting many acclaimed artists and writers who are drawn to its unique charm. The area offers an exceptional quality of life, with a wealth of leisure opportunities and sporting facilities, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Sailing enthusiasts will find some of the finest waters along the entire south coast, while golfers are well catered for with courses in Skibbereen, Clonakilty, and Bantry. Excellent Fishing is available on the Rivers Ilen, Argideen, and Bandon. For beach lovers, pristine Blue Flag beaches can be found at Inchydoney, Rosscarbery, and Tragumna. The region is also celebrated for its vibrant food scene, with numerous fine dining establishments along the coastline, including two Michelin-starred restaurants. Glebe House, located just ten minutes from Skibbereen and approximately eighty minutes from Cork Airport, is a truly rare and private offering. Widely regarded as one of the finest properties on Ireland’s south coast, it presents an exceptional opportunity to enjoy both luxury and tranquillity in this remarkable setting.

Ravenscourt House, located on the prestigious Well Road in Cork, is one of the most distinguished and elegant period residences to come to the market in recent years. This breathtaking sevenbedroom five-bathroom Georgian home built c. 1790, exudes historic charm while offering all the comforts of modern luxury. Set on approximately 1.4 acres of mature, private grounds, Ravenscourt House is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Cork’s architectural heritage. This magnificent home is perfectly positioned to capture panoramic views due south over the Douglas River Estuary and the lush greens of the local golf course. The views from the principal rooms are simply spectacular, offering a serene and timeless backdrop to everyday living. From sunrise to sunset, natural light floods the interiors, thanks to the home’s thoughtful orientation and expansive sash windows, which have been faithfully preserved. The house has undergone a meticulous restoration in recent years, with every effort made to retain its original character and period detailing. Decorative cornicing, ceiling roses, working fireplaces, timber flooring all remain in superb condition. Listed for its architectural significance, the home offers a perfect blend of old-world elegance and contemporary convenience. The heart of the home is its bespoke kitchen, designed by renowned kitchen designer David Kiely. This room, which faces due south, is bathed in natural light throughout the day, making it both a practical and beautiful space for cooking, dining, and entertaining. High-quality cabinetry, topend appliances, and thoughtful detailing make it a standout feature of the property. The accommodation is extensive, with generously proportioned reception rooms, seven spacious bedrooms, and five luxurious bathrooms. The layout offers both flexibility and privacy, making it ideal for families of all sizes or those who wish to accommodate guests with ease. Whether it’s formal entertaining or everyday living, the flow of the house is seamless, with elegant hallways and impressive staircases connecting each level. Outside, the property is equally impressive. The grounds, extending to approximately 1.4 acres, are fully enclosed with mature hedging and accessed through electronic gates, ensuring complete privacy and security. Sweeping lawns, flowering borders, and mature trees create a sense of tranquillity rarely found so close to the city. To the side of the property there is an outdoor pavilion with limestone paving which makes for an incredible entertaining space with fitted retractable roof for hot summer days and facing directly south, and high-end outdoor heaters for year-round use. There is ample space for outdoor entertaining in the garden, with play areas, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Ravenscourt House enjoys a prime location on the Well Road, just minutes from Cork city centre, Douglas village, and the vibrant Blackrock Marina. The area offers a superb lifestyle with easy access to local restaurants, cafés, boutique shops, and sporting clubs. For families, the location is second to none, with excellent schools nearby including St. Anthony’s, Crab Lane National School, and Eglantine National School – all within easy reach. Transport links are excellent, with immediate access to the South Ring Road network, making commuting in and around Cork effortless. Despite its convenient location, the property remains a sanctuary of peace and seclusion, tucked away from the bustle of daily life. In summary, Ravenscourt House is not just a property – it is a statement home of rare quality and distinction. It combines rich historical heritage with modern refinement, making it one of Cork city’s most desirable residences. For those seeking a truly special family home in an exceptional location, Ravenscourt House represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Set in the heart of the spectacular Cork coastline between Crosshaven and Kinsale, this remarkable semi-detached home—once a Coast Guard station dating back to the 1860s—offers a rare fusion of historic character and refined modern coastal living. Positioned on approximately half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, the property has been meticulously and thoughtfully renovated by its current owners, transforming it into a serene and distinctive retreat in one of Ireland’s most desirable seaside settings. Originally built to house the Coast Guard personnel who safeguarded the shoreline and deterred smuggling throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the home retains a deep sense of heritage while embracing a contemporary, open-plan design. The ground floor is centred around a bright and welcoming kitchen, where natural light pours in and flows effortlessly into a generous dining area. Large windows frame views of the west-facing front garden, creating an inviting space that is equally suited to relaxed family living and stylish entertaining. To the rear, a spacious double reception room enjoys panoramic views across the sea and the verdant garden beyond, offering a calm and ever-changing backdrop shaped by the tides and seasons. Upstairs, three beautifully appointed double bedrooms provide peaceful sanctuaries. The principal suite is particularly impressive, featuring an en suite bathroom, a dedicated dressing room, and direct access to a private balcony—an idyllic vantage point from which to take in the dramatic coastal scenery. A well-appointed family bathroom, complete with a classic roll-top bath, adds a touch of timeless elegance to the upper level. The outdoor spaces are equally captivating. The west-facing front garden has been carefully designed as a traditional ‘pottage’ or kitchen garden, enclosed by stone walls and sheltered by an Elaeagnus hedge. A charming archway draped in wisteria and climbing roses leads to a sunset patio, while vegetable beds, flowering shrubs, and espalier plum and cherry trees create both beauty and productivity. To the rear, the garden unfolds in a series of gently sloping, naturalistic layers. Tall grasses sway in the coastal breeze, while gravel pathways wind through fragrant plantings of rosemary, thyme, and sage. A robust greenhouse yields strawberries, tomatoes, and seasonal salad vegetables, while generous flower beds offer year-round interest through a thoughtful mix of herbaceous perennials, grasses, and shrubs. Mature olive trees and established hedging lend structure and privacy, while early spring rosemary blossoms give way to bulbs and cottage garden planting that attract pollinators throughout the seasons. Further along, a nature-friendly rewilding area introduces a small orchard of apple and pear trees, complemented by blueberries, rhubarb, and both summer and autumn raspberries. Bursts of lavender and poppies bring vibrant colour and attract birds and butterflies, all accompanied by the soothing, ever-present sound of the sea. Located less than 25km from Cork City, the property benefits from proximity to a selection of quiet beaches, including the sheltered sands of Robert’s Cove, known for its year-round sea swimming community and opportunities for kayaking just beyond the garden. Scenic coastal walks along the nearby headland offer breathtaking views stretching to Ballycotton Lighthouse, the Old Head of Kinsale, and Roche’s Point while Tracton Woods lies close by for further exploration. The vibrant towns of Kinsale and Carrigaline are easily accessible via picturesque country roads. This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a coastal home rich in history, beautifully reimagined for modern living, and immersed in the natural beauty of Ireland’s rugged southern shoreline.