Zwena ploughs a new furrow

Rose Martin reports on St Anne’s Hydro which has a rich history.

ONE of the first spas in Western Europe, the Hydropathic Baths at St Anne’s, Blarney, was founded in 1843 just as spa-mania hit the western world. Taking to the waters was the big health kick of the Victorian period and today the benefits of hydrotherapy are evidenced by the boom in spa treatment centres all over the country.

The Hydro at St Anne’s was founded by Dr Richard Barter, who created Turkish baths, swimmings pools and treatment baths form visitors from all over. The family farm, which they had owned since the 17th century, provided all the food for visitors and at one stage the Hydro was the largest employer in this area of Co Cork. The spa was purchased by the Quigley family in 1950 and ceased to be a treatment centre in 1952.

Now the second generation of Quigleys, Zwena McCullough, has her sights set on a development along the same principle, but on different lines. The woman who came second the world and was Ireland’s Horse Ploughing Champion in 1996 is now hoping to build on the reputation of the Hydro as a place of peace and healing to create a retirement village around the old home farm. She has converted four original workers cottages on the estate into compact, easy to maintain residences, and these are now on the market with Donal Cronin of Thomas J O’Driscoll and Co with prices starting at €300,000

Painted in bright jewel colours, the cottages stand out against the low winter sky and are just off the main driveway from the Tower/Blarney road. Entrance is through electronic gates and the farm is sheltered by tall trees with paddocks surrounding the cottages.

The units range from one to two-bedroomed properties and none is identical; in fact all have quirky little touches which add to their cuteness. Finished in a country style, there’s ample scope for new owners to complete the cottages in their own way. With their own entrances and individual services, each unit also comes with its own gravelled garden to the rear. And there is the option to take on some allotments which are let on the farm.

This is the first phase in Zwena McCullough’s overall plan. Her vision includes the conversion of old stone stable in an existing courtyard and the provision of community facilitiesto provide a focal point for what will be an independent, retired community and one that would also suit separated people, she says.

Because the farm has a wood and parkland setting, it’s a healthy environment to be in, she says, and is still just 10 minutes from Cork city.