Victorian Residence For Sale in Co. Donegal

Key Features
– Landmark Victorian residence dating from 1895 with original period features
– Substantial and well-balanced accommodation
– Mature and private site of about 1.4 acres with landscaped gardens
– Excellent lifestyle offering
– Prime coastal location in Burtonport along Wild Atlantic Way

Foirnis, formerly known as Atlantis House, is a distinguished Victorian residence occupying a prominent position within the coastal village of Burtonport. Long established as a local landmark, it combines classical architectural elegance with a uniquely compelling cultural heritage.

Dating from 1895, this substantial home extends to well-maintained grounds of about 1.4 acres and retains a wealth of original features, including sash windows, high ceilings, decorative coving and period fireplaces.

The accommodation is elegant and well-balanced. A feature double-door entrance porch with stained glass panels opens to a grand reception hall, complete with timber flooring, ceiling coving and a staircase rising to the first floor. To either side, two bay-fronted reception rooms provide excellent symmetry. The family room to the right and the living room to the left both feature high ceilings with centrepieces, timber floors, large sash windows and open fireplaces, offering well-proportioned and versatile living spaces.

From the hall, the layout continues through to an inner hallway with under-stair storage, leading to a ground floor bathroom. To the rear, a well-proportioned dining room with open fireplace, sash windows and decorative coving connects naturally to the kitchen. The kitchen/breakfast room is fully fitted with granite worktops and tiled flooring, and benefits from a traditional half-door opening to a sheltered patio. A generous utility room, rear hallway with access to the back door, guest WC and fully tiled wet room complete the ground floor.

Upstairs, the main staircase rises to a series of bright landings with timber flooring and feature sash windows, including a decorative stained glass panel over the stairs. There are four well-proportioned bedrooms, all retaining original character. The master bedroom includes a separate dressing room area with its own fireplace and independent access. A compact studio/office with stained glass door and large sash window overlooks the front gardens. A spacious main bathroom with bath and separate shower serves this level, while one bedroom also benefits from an ensuite.

A secondary staircase leads to a further wing comprising four additional bedrooms, one of which enjoys views towards Arranmore Island. These four bedrooms are served by a family bathroom.

Externally, the property is approached via a tarmac driveway with wrought iron pedestrian access and is surrounded by mature gardens to the front and rear. A large detached shed, recently re-roofed and serviced with electricity, offers further flexibility for a variety of uses.

History
Constructed in 1895, Foirnis was originally conceived as a substantial late Victorian residence, reflective of the confidence and prosperity of the period. Built with an emphasis on symmetry, proportion and refined detailing, the house embodies the architectural character of its time, with a quality of construction and presence that established it early on as a notable property within the locality.

The advent of the railway extension to Burtonport in 1903 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the house. Responding to increased activity and demand in the area, the property was extended and adapted to provide guest accommodation, a change which was carefully integrated with the original structure, ensuring that the architectural integrity of the 1895 residence remained intact.

Throughout the 20th century, Foirnis continued to evolve in response to changing uses, while retaining the essence of its original design.

Today, Foirnis stands as a beautifully restored example of Victorian architecture, its original features carefully preserved while sensitively adapted for contemporary living. Few properties offer such a compelling blend of architectural distinction and cultural provenance, ensuring Foirnis remains one of Burtonport’s most notable and individual homes.

Local Information
Foirnis enjoys a prime setting in the coastal village of Burtonport, a highly regarded destination along Donegal’s renowned Wild Atlantic Way. The village itself offers a strong sense of community alongside an excellent range of day-to-day amenities including a medical centre, local shops, cafés, traditional pubs and well-known seafood restaurants centred around the harbour.

Burtonport Harbour provides regular ferry boat access to Arranmore Island, with its stunning beaches, walking trails and watersports, while the surrounding coastline offers exceptional opportunities for sailing, sea fishing and kayaking. The area is also popular for shore angling and deep-sea fishing trips, with some of Donegal’s most scenic coastal landscapes on the doorstep.

A wider range of services and amenities can be found in nearby Dungloe (7km), including supermarkets, schools, medical facilities, restaurants and leisure facilities. The neighbouring villages of Kincasslagh and Annagry further enhance the offering, with a selection of lively pubs, cafés, local shops and acclaimed dining options.

For outdoor pursuits, the region is particularly well catered for, with numerous blue flag beaches, surfing at Cruit Island and Rossnowlagh (82km), and golf available at Cruit Island Golf Club, widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most scenic courses. Walking and cycling routes are abundant throughout the area, with the very popular 7 kilometre Burtonport Railway Walk and other railway walks close by, while nearby lakes and rivers provide additional fishing opportunities.

The property is also well positioned for access to Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn, located approximately 12 km away. The airport provides regular services to Dublin, with onward international connections, making the area particularly accessible for both full-time residence and holiday use.

There is a good choice of educational facilities within easy reach, including a number of well-regarded primary schools in Burtonport, Kincasslagh and Annagry, as well as secondary schooling available in Dungloe.

Additional Information
The property combines period character with a selection of practical modern upgrades, including CAT 5 full fibre broadband with speeds of up to 2GB. Heating is oil-fired, with the boiler in place, while a large detached shed, recently reroofed, provides additional storage and utility space. The house is fully connected to mains sewer and mains water supply.

BER Details
BER E1
BER No.111274288