Dunkathel sale big prize for developers

WILL an out-of town developer move far enough south to take on the redevelopment of the Dunkathel estate - and to outbid the handful of locals keen to get their hands on a site for a c300 house scheme plus luxury hotel?

The historic house on 150 acres is a large prize by national standards, and could see a development similar to Waterford’s Faithlegg scheme, of impressive homes centred around a fine up-market hotel.

While it doesn’t have a golf course immediately on its doorstep, East Cork has a selection of courses to choose from (Fota and Little Island being just two of the better known), and the Jack Lynch tunnel puts further facilities within a few minutes drive, as well as having the Mahon Point €500 million mixed scheme within view across the River Lee.

The house is primely set for a niche five-star hotel - at present Hayfield Manor is the only such rated hotel in the southern city, and major new hotels set to come on stream include a 200-bed Clarion Hotel at Lapp’s Quay, while Radisson are looking for a suitable site close to the city centre.

Mahon might suit for a large hotel, and the An Post site by City Hall could also fit a Radisson bill: it is such a gateway site, planners may well allow a signature high-rise building here.

Dunkathel demesne, owned by the Russell family, has over half of its land now zoned for house building, some 80 prime acres behind the house.

All the city’s main players will look once more at Dunkathel, which had 80 acres on the point of sale three years ago, with buyers Bride View pulling out after Bord Pleanala controversially shot down their 327 house plans, leaving the development company well and truly out of pocket.

Sale price at the time was c €14 million for 80 acres, now the whole 150 acres and house have a price guide of €15 million with Roger Flack of CB Hamilton Osborne King.

O’Flynn Construction are already in control of land nearby, McInerneys may have an interest now, and others going to cast an eye might include Coleman Brothers, Fleming Construction and Frinailla.

Bord Pleanala’s criticism of the previous planning application may well serve as a blueprint for any future owner of the site, and a priority will be to give a clear ‘breathing space’ between the mansion home and any new building.

Glanmire is a fast-growing suburb a few miles east of Cork city, and the Lee tunnel and ring road network removes the old north/south of the river divide.

Apart from possible hotel use, Dunkathel House, which needs considerable renovations, may also have office potential. Retention as a statement-style private house is, at best, a remote possibility.

Details: CB Hamilton Osborne King. 021-4271371.