Whether it’s the rugged landscape carved by glaciers and Atlantic ravages, the flora, fauna or indeed the inhabitants, the lure of west Cork has captivated visitors since Victorian times.
This unusual converted church started life in 1798, as a chapel of ease for the local protestant community. Situated equidistant between Glengarriff and Bantry – each is a 10 minute drive - the property was sold by the church in 1988 and converted for residential use. In 2005 it appeared on the market seeking €565,000, subsequently selling to the current owner Patrick McCarthy in 2015 for €215,000.
“It was totally unloved when I bought it, you couldn’t even get into the gardens they were so overgrown,” says McCarthy who is originally from the locality.
Having worked as a property search agent in London, and with a wealth of experience in renovation, McCarthy completely revamped the property.
With views to Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island, the picturesque location will be familiar to visitors of this jagged coastline which provides a haven for fishing and swimming in many sheltered bays.
Just across the road, flanked by saffron spikes of montbretia lies a slipway for a boat, and the beach of Snave is just a short stroll for sunset swims.
Despite being a church in a former life, the lack of a spire and simple interiors means it does not retain that overly ecclesiastical feel which some conversions find hard to shake. A remarkable stained glass window with a Star of David and climbing passiflora serves as a small reminder of its provenance, as do the oak beams and choir gallery – which is now a guest bedroom.
The gardens extend to almost three acres; 0.7 are planted, with a further two acres of wild gardens where local sika deer from the nearby Coomhola valley are regular visitors.
The property has two or threee bedrooms – counting the mezzanine, but for owners in search of more room, planning was granted in 2005 for a guest cottage and garage. Though expired now, there is precedence for same.
The location is idyllic and the proximity to the Gulf Stream allows for warmer waters than the rest of the country, while also permitting rare plants to flourish. There are miles of walking tracks to be explored, including those on the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas.
McCarthy, who describes his house as "the prettiest and most charming home", is relocating to the city, but he says he "would put it on wheels and take it with me if I could". He placed his little piece of heaven on the market last year with an asking price of €395,000 and has now reduced it to sell through joint agents Sherry FitzGerald Daly and Harrington Estates seeking €345,000.
