Funding of €22,500 for historic Cork villa

A sum of €22,500 has been allocated towards conservation works at the historic Vernon Mount House in Cork which is on the World Monuments Fund list of the 100 most endangered sites in the world.

The funding was announced by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys.

Cork Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer said the house is a prominent historic structure visible across the city.

“Over the years it has fallen into disrepair. I very much welcome this funding that will help prevent further deterioration. Securing the future of significant buildings serves an important function in preserving our architectural and cultural heritage. As a late 18th-century villa of significant special interest it is appropriate that Vernon Mount has received funding.”

Vernon Mount was built for the Hayes family and designed by architect Abraham Hargrave. Ceiling and wall paintings by 19th century Cork artist Nathaniel Grogan remain in the house which dates back to 1784.

The property, owned by a US management company, has largely been left to the elements since planning permission for a hotel was refused in 1997.

The Irish Georgian Society nominated Vernon Mount for the monuments-in-danger list in 2007 due to its “desperate state of neglect”.

Residents in Douglas say Vernon Mount has the potential to be a major heritage site and tourist attraction.

Roof repairs were done by Cork County Council with grant aid from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This involved replacement of 60 per cent of the roof and repair of the remaining 40 per cent.

It is in an area being developed as parkland, linking to a larger park via a footbridge across Cork’s south ring road. The master plan for Tramore Valley Park suggests Vernon Mount could be a hotel, conference centre or corporate headquarters.