Antarctic explorer’s family home commands stunning views
Keohane was 30 when he joint Scott’s 1910-1912 Terra Nova expedition to the Antarctic.
He is remembered fondly as the holder of the “much to be avoided record” of falling into crevasses eight times in 25 minutes during the team’s slog to the South Pole.
It was Scott’s second expedition to the Antarctic and a further attempt by the explorer to be first to the South Pole.
On the way, he was informed that the Norwegian Roald Amundsen was on the same quest.
Scott dismissed part of his crew in December 1911, including Keohane, and they a perilous retreat to base camp while the explorer forged on with a four-man group to reach the pole on January 18. Amundsen pipped him to the post by a month.
Tom Keohane was one of a number of Cork-born Antarctic explorers and he was born and brought up on the family farm in Barry’s Point, Courtmacsherry.
The property is still in family hands and now, the two-up farmhouse is being sold with an acre of land on one of the best vantage points of the promontory. Stunning views of Coolbawn, Broad Strand and Courtmacsherry Lighthouse come gratis with the elevated pastureland that surrounds the cottage.
“The views are amazing, just amazing,” says Majella Galvin of DNG Micheal Galvin, who is looking for offers in the region of €350,000 for the two to three-bed cottage.
Three miles south of Courtmacsherry and within commuting distance of Cork city, the house would make an ideal first, second, final, or holiday home.
Because of the location, which has high scenic amenity and high visibility, there could be problems getting permission for an alternative dwelling on this site, but an extension/renovation of the existing cottage might be looked on favourably by the planners.
As it stands now, it comes with a kitchen/dining room, a living room, bathroom and a bedroom.
The upper floor has two bedrooms and the house comes with private services.
In a picturesque west Cork location, DNG Galvin should see a lot of interest in this historic and potential-loaded property.
