Tinsley rectory fit for modern living

The rectory in Portlaw, designed in 1849, has all the modern comforts. Trish Dromey reports

DESIGNED by a well-known Irish architect, Guilcagh Rectory near Portlaw in Waterford is an elegant 19th Century building which has now been beautifully equipped for 21st Century living.

Built in 1849, the cut stone property was designed by William Tinsley, a Tipperary architect responsible for several manor houses and churches who went on to design several universities in the US when he emigrated there after the famine.

A listed building, the rectory has preserved a huge number of its original features but was comprehensively renovated by current owners last year. Offering in the region of 2,500 sq ft of living space, it’s new to the market with a guide of €495,000.

Selling agents Shelly and Purcell say it’s a wonderful property which is full of character. It’s been carefully extended at the rear and has been rewired, plumbed and insulated, says auctioneer John Shelley explaining that the owners have fitted it with argon filled double glazed windows and a high efficiency condenser oil burner.

Designed to match the nearby Guilcagh Church, the rectory preserved its original facade. Its front casement windows have been fitted with cast iron diamond panels and timber shutters.

Entrance is through an arch leading to a porch with arched doorway which has an original door with decorative wrought iron hinges.

Inside there’s a large impressive hallway which has exposed stonework and a vaulted ceiling with reinstated original beams as well as a cut string staircase which leads up to a galleried landing.

Rooms with exposed stonework include a large office and a library which both have fireplaces with a stove and shuttered windows.

A brick archway from the hallway leads to the kitchen, a huge room with solid oak units with teak worktops, a Belfast sink and a partially vaulted ceiling.

Also at this level are a large oak-floored sitting room with a cut stone fireplace as well as a utility room and bathroom with a cast iron bath.

On the upper level there’s a shower room and four bedrooms including one en suite. The property also has an attic room with exposed beams.

Set on a site of half an acre, the rectory has lawned gardens, a gravel driveway and a patio/courtyard at the rear. It also has three stone outbuildings, including a garage.

Located three miles from the village of Portlaw, the Guilcagh Rectory is located three miles from Portlaw and from the main Cork-Waterford Road.

VERDICT A nice mix of two worlds, this combines the elegant design features of a bygone era with modern energy efficiency and creature comforts.