House of two eras, home for all seasons

BUILT in 1801, Mount Eaton House in Cobh is a little like Gulliver in Lilliput. This big, 4,400 square foot house is surrounded by newer and smaller properties while its entrance is almost hidden between two bungalows at Eaton Heights.

Once you’re through however, none of that matters as the effect is impressive. Mount Eaton stands alone amidst its gardens and proudly faces south over the town.

This is a house of two halves: the earlier, built in 1801, part is distinctly Georgian in style and entrance is via the original door case, but the eastern half of the house is a Victorian addition in the classic, Cobh style.

Inside, the house feels more integrated and the greatest benefit of the later addition is a very attractive staircase that winds up to two floors behind the main drawing room.

This is a big house and will need some, but only some, upgrading as it’s a well lived-in property, which on superficial inspection, is in very good condition.

There are two main reception rooms, and both are huge. The formal drawing room, to the left of the entrance hall, is Georgian and has two windows overlooking the front garden: ceilings are 10ft high and the room is a gracious space at 22 x 18ft.

The Victorian side encompasses a large living and dining room of 30 x 20ft, a light filled room which includes an antique fireplace and a large, bay window. At the dining side there’s a door through to the kitchen, which in turn, leads through to the staircase hallway.

The kitchen is modern with white fitted units and has a separate utility/pantry to one side, while the old kitchen, with its cream tiled chimney breast, is now relegated to store room status. A big old stove sits in the centre.

This old behemoth ran the heating at one stage but is now redundant, thanks to an oil boiler.

Mount Easton was used as a B&B at one stage, so some of the bedrooms have en suite facilities, which means the plumbing is in place for an upgrade, if needed.

The master bedroom, which is in the older half of the house, has a full bathroom and walk-in dressing room and is flooded with light from back to front. It’s a most attractive room, with superb views of Cork harbour.

In all, there are six bedrooms here, with three on each floor. Those in the attic haven’t been used as frequently and may need upgrading.

Mount Eaton has lovely grounds on all sides with some great specimens, particularly the giant rhododendrons, now bursting into bloom.

The house is utterly private with a boundary screened by trees: it has a sunny sheltered spot, with some of the best views available.

This imposing property is on the market with Gillian Ryan of Property Partners Burke Wall for offers in the region of €850,000.