Charm and history await at The Rest in Rushbrooke
Intrinsically linked to the Victorian era development of Great Island, Cobh and Rushbrooke in Cork harbour is this home called The Rest – so called, because its original builder owners had decided it was to be his last build project, and then his home.
Dating to 1860, this detached home now on a half acre in Rushbrooke is a bit of a charmer, especially for its age, consistently appreciated and cared for: in fact, it has been in the same family’s ownership now for almost one full century.
The man who built The Rest also did a number of well-regarded Victorian homes, semis and more a century and a half ago and also built Norwood Villas among his construction output.
The Rest was built on lands acquired from the Smith Barry family of Fota House fame, as man homes round Rushbrooke and Cobh/Queenstown took up the mantle of accommodation military and naval personnel, given Cobh’s then port primacy on the Atlantic.
In stirring times, around 1920, The Rest was bought by a Lieutenant Commander Richard Scanlon and his wife, Bridget and the family lived there all their married life until her death in 1973.
Up to now, it has remained in Bridget’s family hands, says estate agent Liz Hannon, who guides the very attractive detached property at €495,000, noting its private half acre site with patio, double garage and drive: the fact it has a newly-done drive, and up to three entrances to the half acre.
The current owners got planning permission for a two-storey extension to the rear, if any new owners want more than the current c 1,80 sq ft of space, and current layout sees it with three first floor bedrooms, one of which is en suite, with chestnut timber floor.
In fact, the bedrooms tally of just three might even give The Rest a special, niche appeal: many of Cobh’s Victorian homes are three storeys tall, with up to six and seven bedrooms, and modern families sometimes find they’ve not got enough members to fill them all.
According to Cobh agent Ms Hannon, The Rest’s in a secluded and peaceful location in Rushbrooke, and was extensively renovated in the 2000s, being rewired, re-plumbed and it had its insulation upgraded, while period features were retained.
It’s in excellent condition, she adds.
Accommodation includes a front entry hall with part-vaulted ceiling and hardwood floor, two fine reception rooms with period fireplaces, kitchen with painted units, granite tops and Belfast sink, and a breakfast rooms with retained old brick feature alcove.
There’s also a utility, guest WC and rear yard access, with one of the entrances to hand, and beyond a parking area is a raised garden section.
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