Barnabrow, Cloyne, Co Cork – accommodation (22 bedrooms)
https://www.barnabrowhouse.ie/
The website tells us: “Barnabrow Country House: in idyllic East Cork is discreet – it is like a secret garden that beckons. Visitors may happen upon it nestled in the rolling hills of East Cork with distant but tantalising glimpses of Ballycotton Bay. At first glance it appears contained – its banqueting hall, high on the hill, is not obvious, the twenty-two bedrooms are tucked away in various courtyards and the cottages are not apparent.
“The meandering passages entice the curious to explore, its various decks with their pleasing views invite others to relax while the menagerie of animals offers solace. Combined, these elements make Barnbrow Country House an atmospheric, intimate setting where memories, that last a lifetime, are created.
“Barnabrow Country House in East Cork is one of the most idyllic locations for romantic weddings, corporate events, special celebrations and group gatherings.
“The family and staff at Barnabrow are proud to act as caretaker of this lovingly-restored manor house and 30-acre estate which dates back to the 17th century. A recurrent comment of our guests is an appreciation of the relaxed and warm atmosphere here. Primarily we wish to share this great house with you.
“For the past four years, Head Chef, Stuart Bowes, who is Michelin Star-trained, has ensured a new level of excellence in our food: jus is prepared over three days, handmade sweets are on the pillows, herbal aromas pervade the air.
“Mary Russell’s discerning eye adds an artistic dab here and there to enhance the visual feast that Barnabrow has gradually become. Liam Irwan, our steadfast gardener, preserves its organic nature and tends to the donkeys, goats and fowl that so add to its ambiance.“
Cloyne, Midleton, East Cork, Ireland.
info@barnabrowhouse.ie
+353 21 4652534
Mark Bence-Jones writes in A Guide to Irish Country Houses (1988):
p. 32. “A three storey 3 bay double gable-ended C18 house with single-storey 2 bay C19 wings. Wyatt windows in 2 lower storeys of C18 block. In 1814 the residence of Timothy Lane; in 1837, of J.R. Wilkinson; in recent years, of Lt-Cmdr and Mrs Whitehouse.”
Detached double-pile three-bay three-storey former country house built c. 1750, with two-bay single-storey slightly projecting wings with pitched slate roofs attached to east and west gables, and having flat-roofed single-bay two-storey extension to rear (north) of east wing, and lean-to single-bay single-storey extension to rear of west wing. Now in use as house and guest house. Pitched slate roofs with rendered end chimneystacks render eaves course and recent rooflights. Rendered walls with render quoins and render string courses to wings, render removed to rear elevation of main block. Square-headed openings with timber sliding sash windows to main block, two-over-two pane to second floor, to porch, and to rear and side elevations, tripartite with two-over-two pane flanked by one-over-one pane to ground and first floor front elevations. Square-headed window opening to lean-to extension with small pane fixed timber window. Round-headed window openings to east and west wings with two-over-two pane timber sliding sash windows with bipartite overlights. Square-headed door opening with half-glazed timber panelled double-leaf doors with one-over-one pane timber sliding sash windows as sidelights to porch. Square-headed opening with double-leaf half-glazed timber panelled doors within porch. Square-headed door openings to rear with half-glazed timber panelled door and double-leaf doors. Two ranges of converted outbuildings to rear of house, having pitched slate roofs with dormers, rendered and rubble stone walls, square-headed openings with replacement timber fittings. Recent restaurant building to rear of house. Dressed limestone steps with rubble limestone retaining walls to west of site. Remains of walled garden to east. Rubble stone entrance walls and square-profile piers with pointed arch niches, and wrought-iron double-leaf gates. Four-bay single-storey gate lodge, having hipped slate roof, rendered walls with render quoins, and pointed arch openings with fixed windows with Y-tracery and timber battened door.
Appraisal
Combination of simple geometric forms creating large imposing structure. Timber sash windows add depth and texture to façade. Main block flanked by lower wings, all with pitched roofs, reminiscent of other houses in the locality such as Ballyannan House, Bridgefield House and Kilbree House. Makes interesting group with converted outbuildings, incidental features such as steps, walls and gates, and the gate lodge.
Irish Historic Houses 