A house ‘from a good family’

THE chronology and joys of family life are catalogued on the walls of this house, at Almorah Villas, on Spy Hill, Cobh.

A clutch of kids filled this big semi to the brim and the feeling of happy home life remains — it’s that kind of house. The Victorian was built in 1835, reputedly for a German princess, and was occupied by the American envoy to Cork during that country’s civil war.

It was the Loane family of jewellers who lived here for the longest period — they occupied the house from 1869 to 1969, when it was purchased by its present owners. Now with their children in middle age, and with adult grandchildren, the owners are selling, after due consideration.