The White House, Main Street, Castletownshend, Co Cork, P81RK02

CHARMING GEORGIAN RESIDENCE AND WALLED GARDEN LOCATED WITHIN THE SCENIC COASTAL VILLAGE OF CASTLETOWNSHEND The White House occupies one of the most perfect village locations in Ireland sitting adjacent to the famed pier and slipway within the picture-postcard heritage village of Castletownshend. The house is full of original features and designs. The property is in immaculate condition and is beautifully presented. The elegant and graceful reception rooms have wonderful proportions and tall windows to maximise light. With an ideal balance between formality and family relaxation, this is a house in which to entertain in style, enjoy at leisure and make the most of throughout the seasons. SPECIAL FEATURES • Elegant reception rooms. • Bespoke kitchen / dining area. • Four charming bedrooms with two balconies and sea views. • Landscaped gardens set within original stone walls. • Pier and slipway within a short stroll. • Boathouse / garage. • Exceptional West Cork coastal village location. HISTORY David Gray, a prominent American diplomat in Ireland, who served as US Ambassador to Ireland from 1940 to 1947, had a long association with Castletownshend from the 1930s. It was said that official correspondence would pass from the White House in Washington to the White House in Castletownshend where Gray resided for a time. The earliest recorded use of the name, ‘White House’ is in a sale notice by the renowned author, Edith Somerville, and her sister, Lady Coghill who were selling the house in 1940. The ‘White House’ likely dates to around the first decade of the 19th century and was known as ‘Gate House’ up until the name changed in the 1930s. ‘Gate House’ implies a link to the nearby castellated dwelling and may indicate an initial usage of the house. The earliest recorded occupiers are caretakers for the Rev. Robert St. Lawrence who was a brother-in-law to Rev. M.F.S Townsend who held the Castletownshend estate at this time. There has been a long list of interesting residents including a Tipperary native, Miss Minnie Sandys, remembered as a glamorous and friendly gentry lady from c.1887 through to 1928; the celebrated Irish actor, Geraldine FitzGerald; the aforementioned diplomat, David Gray and Lt. Geoffrey Plunket Conyngham Greene who served as a pilot in both the first and second World Wars. THE WHITE HOUSE An elegant entrance hall greets you. With its period style door, polished tile floor and original staircase, it opens to a lounge and sitting room at the front of the house. These reception rooms are fitted with fireplaces and period style detailing. The impressive kitchen with an attractive dining room, utility and guest washroom lie beyond the reception rooms. The kitchen is a feature of this fine property with its bespoke period style hand painted units, Belfast sink and polished granite worktops. Patio doors from the conservatory open onto a marvellous raised patio and enclosed gardens. Upstairs the four bedrooms, three ensuite, are all generous in size and enjoy harbour and street views. The bedrooms and various bathrooms combine luxury and modern comforts with original design features. The master suite on the top floor has a balcony taking full advantage of the scenic vista of Castletownshend’s harbour. This suite epitomizes elegance and style, and benefits from a walk-through closet with ample storage. The ensuite bathroom is styled with luxury in mind and has a beautifully crafted free-standing bath and gas fire. The property’s central heating is gas fired and the home benefits from numerous gas fires over the three floors. There is solid wood flooring throughout the house and recessed lighting. GARDENS AND GROUNDS The White House is a completely private enclave. The patio and landscaped gardens sit behind an original high stone wall at the street side. There is a boat house / garage at the end of the garden. LOCATION Castletownshend is a unique and scenic coastal village noted for its charm, attractive street scape and access to one of West Corks finest sailing harbours. This picture-perfect village is positioned south of the market town of Skibbereen, adjacent to the villages of Union Hall, Glandore and Baltimore. The village itself has picturesque pubs, restaurants and guest houses. There is also a local national school nearby and a leading Secondary School in Skibbereen. The area enjoys excellent sailing and has many beautiful swimming spots. • 10 minutes approx. to Skibbereen. • 1 hour 30 minutes approx. to Cork City. • 1 hour 30 minutes approx. to Cork International Airport. SERVICES • Gas fired central heating • Mains drainage • Mains water • Excellent Broadband