Four-square grace in Clonakilty, Cork
Just opened in time for the Easter Rising’s 100th anniversary, at No 7 on the exquisite public square in the West Cork town, is the new Michael Collins Museum, another asset to one of the country’s top tourism towns.
The new museum recalls Collins’ hometown links in and around Clonakilty, his few years living on Emmet Square and in Clogheen, and across the square is a large bronze statue of The Big Fellow himself.
And, the reworking of the public part of the elegant Georgian square itself, done by County Council’s architects’ offices under Giulia Vallone along with Astna Square, won a 2014 RIAI ‘Public Vote’ award, adding further to its timeless cachet.
Now, one of the restored gems on the square, Glebe House or No 15 set into the south-western corner is back for sale.
We last covered it here in 2005, when it went for sale post-restoration by developer Bobby Hilliard of Hillback, who also developed an award-winning scheme of townhouses in its rear acre of gardens.
In March of ‘05, we noted that Emmet Square had had its own Easter Rising, with the work done at No 15 which was offered at that time at €950,000 and got bids in excess of €1m.
Now, it’s back for sale after a stirring and painful decade of market upheavals, and of uses for a period as a corporate let.
It’s listed with Andy Donoghue of Hodnett Forde, who guides at €450,000 and who had an offer already just at the start of this week, at the guide price.
Likely to be snapped up in coming weeks given the immediate interest, restoration quality with slate roof and redone sash windows, sheer internal space and exceptional location and aspect, “this is a rarity that only appears on the market once a decade, if even,” says Hodnett Forde’s Mr Donoghue.
Glebe House’s huge comforts includes superb reception rooms on the ground and first floor and four of its five bedrooms have quality en suite bathrooms, leaving open the possibility of guest accommodation.
Its kitchen is high-end, done by joiner Seamus Walsh, and opens to a decked terrace and raised back garden... with Emmet Square on its front door step, and Clonakilty all around.
A rare town centre offer, indeed, with history at its feet.
