Rathcoursey House reveals its hidden charms

FOR the majority of people, buying a house is one of the most important decisions they will ever make, and it takes time and deliberation to find the right house in which to put down roots.

When Beth Hallinan heard that Rathcoursey House, near Midleton in East Cork was for sale, she immediately travelled from London to investigate.

“I viewed it at 11am and by noon the deal was done,” says Beth, originally from Lakeview outside Midleton. A little impulsive, to say the least.

Effectively, Beth swapped her Fulham home in London for the romantic 17th century demesne in 1998.

“I remembered the house as a child,” says Beth. “I often passed it with my mother when we were horse riding. It was like something out of a fairytale.

“I call it my ‘sleeping beauty,’ because it was a house that was known about but never seen.”

Beth has lovingly restored the house, originally owned by the sea-faring Smith family, into a fairy tale estate and has magically transformed it into a castle fit for a King. Indeed Beth has entertained members of European families on a number of occasions.

Beth says what she likes most about the house is the natural light. And it is true that every room is sunlit by the morning, afternoon and evening rays.

Alan Moroney is the skilled builder who oversaw the conservation of the stately home, which was achieved in an amazing time- frame of seven months.

“I used to wake up during the night and think; “what have I done,” says Beth with a shudder.

Constructed in a U shape, the original house was built in the 17th century with later additions. Accommodation includes a drawing room, a dining room, library, a study, a garden room, kitchen and boot room. It has obvious guest house appeal with eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms and two stone cut farmyards.

Highlights of the interior include the Victorian staircase, the eclectic character of the reception room and the extensive wall to wall shelving in the library.

Beth’s most radical modification was to move the front door to the South side, creating in its place a restful garden room with beautiful plants and wicker chairs. One of the most beautiful features in the garden room, are the plant murals which Beth’s daughter-in-law, Ginny created.

“She is extremely talented,” says mother-in-law.

Beth has created a Chinese room in the old hallway- a space which had no purpose. A dragon is draped around the walls, courtesy of another talented artist who Beth knows.

“The grandchildren love this room,” says Beth. “They will miss playing here. But the house is much too big for me and I want to spend more time with my family,” say this sparklingly alert presence with four children and eight grandchildren.

The kitchen at Rathcoursey is Beths’s favourite room where the Aga merrily buzzes away. She kept the decor very much in the old fashioned mode and re-produced the same blue shelving complete with cup hooks that were there in the sea-farer’s day.

“Would you believe we stripped off 57 layers of paint and wallpaper? says Beth. “I left one corner reserved with the original blue and yellow paint, which each of my grandchildren autographed.”

Each bedroom is conducive to relaxation, and the colour themes are simple and easy on the eye. Each bedroom has an adjoining bathroom.

“I like to have a desk and chair in each bedroom for people who wish to write,” says Beth, who occasionally keeps guests.

And looking out at the magnificent view of East Ferry and great Island in Cobh harbour, it is easy to see where inspiration would come from, if one were so inclined.

There are 31 acres attached to the property and apart from the view, the best feature is the privacy afforded by the 20 acres of native Irish woodland, with the house and gardens at the centre.

Beth has planted 5,000 trees to replenish those which were dying and she has planted an orchard yielding pears, apples and tangerines. The South facing 10 acre meadow, which slopes down to the sea provides cover for wild birds and animals. Rathcoursey House is a house filled with wonder, both inside and outside.

The property has an outline planning agreement with the local authority for two more residences on the site, a factor which should add considerable investment potential.

Agent Michael H Daniels is marketing Rathcoursey House, seeking over €1.45 million, and interest in recent weeks has come from the UK and Irish viewers.