A slice of communications history and superb views on island retreat

BOUGHT in 1972 for the same amount as it cost to build, Number 6, Cable Terrace has been a much cherished home in the intervening 30 years.

Built by the Transatlantic Cable Company for its telegraph officers, Cable Terrace and its neighbours form a graceful introduction to the shorefront of the West Kerry island.

They are also testament to the importance of Valentia in the early days of telegraphic communication. Prior to the laying of the transatlantic cable in the late 1880s, communications between the Americas and Europe relied upon shipping to bring news across the Atlantic. The story of the laying of the cable is funny and fascinating and there are numerous websites dedicated to what was then an amazing feat according to the experts, this cross channel communication had the same effect as the discovery of electricity.

Valentia and Newfoundland were the major nodes for the new system and the companies involved built accommodation for this new breed of telegraph workers, which is why this small off shore island in Kerry has anomalous rows of urban, Victorian houses. There were two types of house built by the company, but Number 6 is one of the larger houses, running to 2,000 square feet of space.

The vendors have not interfered with the original layout, nor have they changed the sash windows to the front. A brave approach when Valentia can be blown by 90 mph winds in the midst of winter. Despite the exposure, the island has compensating charms, not least the bridge to the mainland. Cahirciveen is the nearest big town and Watervile and Caherdaniel are close by. Tralee is less than an hour's drive away.

The house has a sitting room and dining room, (both with antique fireplaces and a kitchen with Stanley Stove. A pantry, utility and guest cloakroom are off the kitchen and there's an outside store: the upper floor has four bedrooms and a bathroom. Surprisingly, for a terraced house, it sits on a site of a quarter of an acre which has been gardened organically by the vendors, and most likely since the house was built. In tip-top shape, the property is on the market with Dónal Culloty of Coyne and Culloty for offers in the region of €285,000. While it will certainly be viewed by holiday home purchasers, the accessibility to the Ivereagh peninsula could see the house being bought as a principal dwelling. Either way the new owners will be getting a slice of history and superb views into the bargain.