Set in the heart of the spectacular Cork coastline between Crosshaven and Kinsale, this remarkable semi-detached home—once a Coast Guard station dating back to the 1860s—offers a rare fusion of historic character and refined modern coastal living. Positioned on approximately half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, the property has been meticulously and thoughtfully renovated by its current owners, transforming it into a serene and distinctive retreat in one of Ireland’s most desirable seaside settings.
Originally built to house the Coast Guard personnel who safeguarded the shoreline and deterred smuggling throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the home retains a deep sense of heritage while embracing a contemporary, open-plan design. The ground floor is centred around a bright and welcoming kitchen, where natural light pours in and flows effortlessly into a generous dining area. Large windows frame views of the west-facing front garden, creating an inviting space that is equally suited to relaxed family living and stylish entertaining.
To the rear, a spacious double reception room enjoys panoramic views across the sea and the verdant garden beyond, offering a calm and ever-changing backdrop shaped by the tides and seasons. Upstairs, three beautifully appointed double bedrooms provide peaceful sanctuaries. The principal suite is particularly impressive, featuring an en suite bathroom, a dedicated dressing room, and direct access to a private balcony—an idyllic vantage point from which to take in the dramatic coastal scenery. A well-appointed family bathroom, complete with a classic roll-top bath, adds a touch of timeless elegance to the upper level.
The outdoor spaces are equally captivating. The west-facing front garden has been carefully designed as a traditional ‘pottage’ or kitchen garden, enclosed by stone walls and sheltered by an Elaeagnus hedge. A charming archway draped in wisteria and climbing roses leads to a sunset patio, while vegetable beds, flowering shrubs, and espalier plum and cherry trees create both beauty and productivity.
To the rear, the garden unfolds in a series of gently sloping, naturalistic layers. Tall grasses sway in the coastal breeze, while gravel pathways wind through fragrant plantings of rosemary, thyme, and sage. A robust greenhouse yields strawberries, tomatoes, and seasonal salad vegetables, while generous flower beds offer year-round interest through a thoughtful mix of herbaceous perennials, grasses, and shrubs. Mature olive trees and established hedging lend structure and privacy, while early spring rosemary blossoms give way to bulbs and cottage garden planting that attract pollinators throughout the seasons.
Further along, a nature-friendly rewilding area introduces a small orchard of apple and pear trees, complemented by blueberries, rhubarb, and both summer and autumn raspberries. Bursts of lavender and poppies bring vibrant colour and attract birds and butterflies, all accompanied by the soothing, ever-present sound of the sea.
Located less than 25km from Cork City, the property benefits from proximity to a selection of quiet beaches, including the sheltered sands of Robert’s Cove, known for its year-round sea swimming community and opportunities for kayaking just beyond the garden. Scenic coastal walks along the nearby headland offer breathtaking views stretching to Ballycotton Lighthouse, the Old Head of Kinsale, and Roche’s Point while Tracton Woods lies close by for further exploration. The vibrant towns of Kinsale and Carrigaline are easily accessible via picturesque country roads.
This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a coastal home rich in history, beautifully reimagined for modern living, and immersed in the natural beauty of Ireland’s rugged southern shoreline.
