Period Farmhouse, Cottage & Castle For Sale in Co. Cork

The outline of Raheen Castle with the backdrop of Castlehaven Harbour is one of the most iconic vistas on the West Cork coastline made famous by the noted photographer Giles Norman.

This holding has been in the same ownership for over thirty years, it is a unique and rare offering to the West Cork property market. Consisting of main residence, guest cottage and castle (ruined) on c. 3.8 acres with direct access onto Castlehaven harbour.

Approached by a private drive which creates a wonderful sense of seclusion and privacy. The grounds are superbly landscaped and mature with a wide variety of specimen trees and shrubs. As you follow the drive, the grounds unfold with a summer house overlooking the main residence and its wonderful view of the bay.

Raheen castle was once the home of the O’ Donovan’s, an ancient royal family from Gaelic times. Built around 1560 as a tower house which was all about defence and therefore many of the features have much to do with an expectation of attack and little to do with comfort. This was all fine, of course, as long as weapons consisted of bows and arrows, swords and spears, and even muskets. But as soon as cannons appeared on the scene the tower house was doomed – even its thick stone walls were no proof against such a bombardment. As such, it was severely damaged by Cromwellian forces in 1641 after the Battle of Kinsale. Cannon balls are still lodged in the west wall.

The period farmhouse/residence with accommodation extending to circa 159 sq m (1,700 sq ft) has been restored and extended, with a great level of care and attention which has resulted in the preservation and improvements of one of West Cork’s most captivating homes. The sympathetic use of slate floors, tongue & groove panelling throughout ensures that the property has an authenticity which is quite special.

A most wonderful addition to the original farmhouse is the conservatory and dining room which wraps around the South & West of the house taking advantage of the glorious views over the grounds to the coastline, ensuring that one can sit and admire this sublime aspect in even the most inclement weather.

Across the courtyard is a substantial stone outbuilding which has been converted into a three-bedroom guest cottage circa 68 sq m (731 sq ft) with attached garage and store rooms.

The jewel in this crown is the private frontage to Castlehaven Harbour allowing easy access to the magnificent coastline, islands and waters of West Cork.

This area of South West Ireland is of outstanding unspoilt beauty. Leisure activities are well catered for; Castletownshend Victorian village is just across the Bay which provides a sailing/yachting club while Reen Pier is synonymous with kayaking and deep sea-fishing. The picturesque fishing village of Union Hall is approx. 2 miles with the idyllic Glandore Harbour village adjacent. There is an 18-hole Golf Course in Skibbereen approx. 20 mins drive. Other local recreational pursuits include walking, surfing, and horse riding. There are numerous cultural events held throughout the year, such as the Taste of West Cork Food Festival, Bantry Literary & Chamber Music Festival, Schull Fastnet Short Film Festival along with a thriving artistic and music scene. West Cork is also home to some exceptional restaurants and pubs. Cork International Airport is circa 75 mins drive.

Services
Mains water
Septic tank
Sewerage disposal
Oil-Fired Central Heating

BER Details
BER: F
BER No: 111263414
EPI: 424.26 kWh/m2/yr