Harbour views, hidden gardens, and period charm in this €595k Victorian Cobh home
We've all been there — obsessively clicking ‘refresh’ on a tracking page, hoping for a glimmer of progress on our latest delivery.The owners of Wilmount House B in Cobh, however, took ‘real-time updates’ to a whole new level. Scouting the horizon using binoculars, they watched container ships entering the harbour, tracking their deliveries with their own eyes.One half of the couple who own this three-bed Victorian house was born in London to parents from Cobh so, after many years living overseas, they decided to come ‘home’.“The views of the water and over Cobh are gorgeous and I got interested in shipping traffic while living here. Then, when waiting for a shipment from Australia, I tracked the ship on the VesselFinder app and was able to use binoculars to see our furniture actually arriving.”This semi-detached house built in c 1870 sits on enviable gardens. At the front are trees and shrubs but in the private side patio and ‘hidden’ garden beyond you’ve got a bright mix of vegetables and flowers: “We’ve grown sweet corn, broad beans, and rocket, and have bulbs and flowers at the front.”Back inside there’s a sensitive merge of original features and modern comforts: the original front bay windows have been restored and double glazing added. Ornate plasterwork and decorative coving has been maintained and original fireplaces are in situ, with a contemporary solid fuel stove in the one in the living room. The roof has been retiled with period Spanish slate and ridge caps, and the main bathroom has been renovated and features a freestanding clawfoot bath.The high-ceilinged kitchen has an AGA-style range as well as a gas cooker. “It’s toasty warm in there and the whole house is heated from this.” Of course with a house of this age, there were several families calling it home over the years. Among these was Dr Denis Wilson, opthalmic surgeon and father of Killing Eve and Harry Potter actress, Fiona Shaw.“Fiona Shaw never came to visit while we’ve lived here but we did welcome a member of the Broadhead family who lived here in the early 60s who called to see if they could have a look at their former home.”Wilmount House B is on the market now — with a €595k guide price — as the current owners are downsizing.“All the hard work has been done here and this heritage house — it’s listed on Buildings of Ireland as being of architectural and artistic interest — is ready to live in. A family could be very happy here.”The house is in a “setting of rare charm”, according to Fiona Waldon, of DNG O’Connor Finn, who points out the quiet approach avenue and cul-de-sac, and the fact that it’s within walking distance of Cobh town.
VERDICT: Modernity and history in one package... with impressive, and useful, views.
