€1.3m for west Cork lodge

A former hunting lodge in Durrus, west Cork, built for Lord Bandon and with an interesting link to the McCarthy clan is on the market with a price tag of €1.3 million, writes Kate McMorrow

For sale through Skibbereen agent Charles McCarthy, Durrus Court dates from 1841 and stands on five acres of wooded grounds across the fields from the sea.

The land contains the remains of Coolnalong Castle, a fortified house built by Tadgh McCarthy Scairte following the Battle of Kinsale and before the 1641 Rebellion. Although not a listed monument, the ruined castle is visited by historical societies.

In more recent times. the owners have used the nine-bedroom Durrus Court as a guest-house. Having lived here for around 20 years, they are now downsizing in the locality.

The house is in reasonably good order on the ground and first floors, although a new owner will probably opt to upgrade the windows and wiring, instal more bathrooms and revamp the top floor rooms.

Original features have been well-maintained and the interior has a surprisingly cosy feel.

The house nestles amidst deciduous trees and has views southwards towards Dunmanus Bay. A stream with waterfalls runs through the grounds and there are greenhouses, a gazebo and flagged terrace. Durrus Court is about 1.5 miles west of Durrus, around seven miles from Bantry and an hour's drive from Cork Airport.

Inside, the entrance hall is floored in polished wood, with a timber staircase enlivened by a red runner. Ceiling cornicing is picked out in gold against a pale pink background. Light spills down from a tall curved window edged with blue glass on the half-landing.

Both diningroom and drawingroom have period fireplaces and decorative ceiling coving, with a butler's pantry off the diningroom. A big country kitchen includes oak units, with a utility room, storerooms and a back staircase.

Four bedrooms on the first floor are a good size, with fireplaces in two of these and an en suite bathroom off the largest room.

Up a level are two double bedrooms and a store room, while three double bedrooms, two with fireplaces, are tucked into the top floor.

Outside, the grounds are mostly in lawn, with a variety of mature specimen trees, hedgerows and natural woodland.

There is the requisite orchard and extensive vegetable gardens, with the stream flowing through the grounds and along one boundary. Dunmanus Bay can be seen across the tree-tops from the upper windows.