Woodview House, Church Hill, Glanmire, Co. Cork for sale June 2025 courtesy Downey McCarthy

T45X972

€1,450,000

5 Bed4 Bath310 m²

Welcome to Woodview House – a truly exceptional and most elegant period house set amidst beautifully landscaped and mature gardens, on an elevated and private 0.6 acre site, with wonderful woodland views, nestled at the edge of Glanmire village. This special property has been tastefully and sensitively extended and renovated over the last 30 years, and now provides the height of luxury and comfort one comes to expect from a modern home. With extensive upgrades, both inside and out, several rooms were reimagined with architectural input, while thoughtful interior design choices were made throughout to honour the home’s period character. Over the years, this residence has been carefully enhanced, with every effort made to preserve its original charm and timeless appeal. The grounds and gardens have also been meticulously maintained and cared for, with leading garden designers consulted on the creation of a magnificent sunken garden with a water feature as well as a multitude of impressive specimen trees and plants. Offering a rare sense of privacy and space, Woodview House is a serene retreat just minutes from everyday amenities and conveniences. Accommodation The front of the property is accessed via secure, private gates with an intercom system, opening onto a spacious gravel area, double garages/storage areas, and a newly renovated fully serviced office. A sweeping driveway, complete with additional internal gates, leads you gracefully to Woodview House. Framed by stone walls, mature trees, manicured lawns, and expansive gardens, the setting is both grand and tranquil. The grounds are rich with colourful planting and flowers, and dotted with thoughtfully positioned patio areas – ideal for enjoying a quiet coffee while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Equipped with a premium Hydrawise irrigation system, the gardens benefit from smart, efficient watering all year round. The gardens are also floodlit, offering gentle lighting and a pleasant ambience in the evening. The property can accommodate on site parking for numerous vehicles. Rooms Reception Hallway – 5.49m x 3.08m Limestone steps lead to a beautiful Georgian doorway, framed by a feature fanlight with glass panelling overhead and to the sides, which opens into the grand main reception hallway. This impressive space sets the tone for Woodview House, with high quality wooden flooring, a magnificent feature fireplace, attractive décor, and a feature centre light fitting. Drawing Room – 5.18m x 3.48m This formal drawing room has a feature bay window to the front of the property which floods the area with extensive natural light, a beautiful marble gas fireplace, one centre light fitting, and luxury carpet flooring. Two sets of double doors allow access to the spectacular sunroom. Sunroom – 6.12m x 3.57m This magnificent room is awash with natural light, owing to large windows on all sides which overlook the beautiful grounds. It features solid wooden flooring, two wall mounted light fittings, two large radiators, and beautiful décor throughout. A door leads directly to the exceptional surrounding gardens. One of the room’s most striking features is the hand-painted floral detailing on the walls and ceilings, which adds a truly unique and elevated touch. Lounge – 5.3m x 3.66m The spacious lounge has a feature bay window overlooking the front of the property, offering views of the stunning landscaped garden. The room has high quality carpet flooring, attractive neutral décor, a centre light fitting, a recessed spot light within the pelmet of the window, and a large gas fired stove. Rear Hallway – 2.0m x 10.0m The rear hallway has a continuation of the high quality wooden flooring, and a glass ceiling which floods the area with natural light. Guest Bedroom – 2.44m x 4.26m Located on the ground floor, this double bedroom has one window to the side of the property, high quality carpet flooring, attractive neutral décor, and one radiator. Guest W.C – 1.39m x 2.91m The beautifully appointed guest w.c. features a three piece suite, including a built-in shower cubicle with a mains powered shower. Additional features include one lantern window, high quality timber flooring, one radiator, and two wall-mounted light fittings. Cloakroom – 1.35m x 2.27m This area is ideal for storage and features extensive hanging and shelving space, timber flooring, centre light fitting, and rails for shoe storage. Pantry – 1.37m x 2.35m The pantry has quality timber flooring, worktop counter, and ample storage space. Utility – 2.39m x 3.61m The beautifully finished utility room features tile flooring, a window to the side, fluorescent light fitting, radiator, and extensive built-in storage space. There are two worktop counters with tile splashback, a fitted sink, washing machine, dryer, freezer, Quooker boiling water tap, and dishwasher. A door provides convenient access to the rear and side of the property. Kitchen/Dining Room – 5.4m x 9.96m The heart of the home at Woodview House, this truly spectacular open plan kitchen/dining area is dual aspect, with one large window to the front of the property, an additional window overlooking the side, and double glass doors open out onto a beautiful private patio area. The area has a superb chandelier light feature suspended from a magnificent double height vaulted ceiling with feature lantern window, solid wooden flooring and recessed spot lighting throughout. Flooded with natural light, this room feels warm, bright, and welcoming. The kitchen boasts a bespoke handmade fitted kitchen with modern units at eye and floor level, extensive worktop counter, feature island unit, built-in microwave, induction hob, electric oven, integrated fridge, integrated dishwasher, an electric AGA range oven, a double ceramic Belfast sink, and a stunning larder cupboard. The room is finished with attractive neutral décor, two radiators, and offers extensive dining space. Stairs and Landing – 3.85m x 9.12m An elegant curved cantilevered staircase leads you to the first floor. The landing area has luxury carpet flooring, attractive neutral décor, one centre light fitting, one window to the front of the property, one radiator, built-in display unit, and solid doors lead to all rooms. Additionally, a Stira staircase leads to the floored attic. Master Bedroom – 5.65m x 3.93m This superb dual aspect master bedroom is flooded with natural light, with one sash window overlooking the front of the property and two additional sash windows to the side, framing stunning views to the woodlands across the river. The room is finished with quality carpet flooring, three radiators, attractive décor, and built-in wardrobe units for storage. Doors provide access to a fantastic walk-in wardrobe, and a beautifully appointed en suite bathroom. Walk-In Wardrobe – 2.9m x 3.97m This is a spectacular walk-in wardrobe which has extensive floor to ceiling hanging and shelving space for storage. The area has one sash window to the side of the property, carpet flooring, and one radiator. En Suite – 2.04m x 3.71m The en suite bathroom features a three piece suite, including a built-in shower cubicle with a mains powered shower, one frosted window to the rear, high quality amtico tile flooring and tiling to the shower area, recessed spot light, radiator, attractive décor, and a hot press which has extensive storage space. Bedroom 2 – 5.24m x 3.75m Another spacious double bedroom that has a sash window to the rear, carpet flooring, centre light fitting, radiator, built-in bookshelf, and an open arch allows access to second walk-in wardrobe area which also has a radiator, a Velux window, a window to the side, and built-in units for storage. Bedroom 3 – 4.48m x 3.9m This large double bedroom is also dual aspect with one window to the front of the property, and one window to the side. This bedroom features built-in wardrobe units for storage, radiator, centre light fitting, carpet flooring, and attractive neutral décor. Bedroom 4 – 3.73m x 3.41m This generous sized double bedroom has a Velux window to the rear of the property, and another window to the side, built-in wardrobe units for storage, radiator, centre light fitting, carpet flooring, and attractive neutral décor. Main Bathroom – 1.72m x 3.76m The beautifully appointed main family bathroom features a four piece suite, including a bath and separate shower cubicle with a mains powered shower, a window overlooks the front of the property, high quality amtico tile flooring and décor, radiator, wall-mounted light fitting, a heated towel rail, and a centre light fitting. Office – 4.68m x 4.37m Located at the entrance of the property, this newly renovated and fully serviced home office offers a bright, well-appointed workspace. A timber sliding door reveals a feature floor to ceiling window, and a glass door that leads into the main office area. The space includes a solid wooden floor, a generous built-in desk area, fitted storage presses, timber ceiling with recessed spot lighting, a large window to the front of the property, one radiator, Quooker boiling water tap, and a smoke alarm. Garage/Storage Unit 1 – 3.36m x 3.38m An arched doorway allows access into the first storage space. The area has concrete flooring, one light fitting, fitted storage presses, one radiator, and access to a guest w.c, which has tile flooring, recessed spot lighting, a contemporary feature w.c. with integrated basin, and a Dyson hand dryer. A door from here allows access to the second garage/storage unit. Garage/Storage Unit 2 – 5.16m x 4.27m This area is ideal for storage and it has two light fittings, concrete flooring, and an arched doorway to the front. Features Absolutely spectacular detached period home Private 0.6 acre elevated site Surrounded by beautiful landscaped garden areas Approx. 310.04 Sq. M. / 3,337 Sq. Ft. Originally built in 1829 Completely renovated over the last 30 years Georgian doorway with fanlight and limestone steps Cantilevered staircase Sash windows Large entrance hallway with magnificent period fireplace Stunning conservatory with hand painted floral murals on the walls and ceilings Designer light fittings and curtains Recently renovated home office A host of specimen trees and plants including; – Magnificent copper beech and lime tree – Flowering Cherry tree – Cornish controversa ‘Variegata’ / Wedding Cake tree – A mixture of Japanese maple and Silver birch trees – Chinese parroter BER E1 Five spacious bedrooms Bespoke handmade kitchen made by Toby Hatchett in West Cork Solar panels Dual gas boilers housed in a stone built shed located on the grounds Electric AGA range oven in the kitchen EV charger Super gravel driveway leading up to the property Electronic gates and high stone walls Quiet residential location just a 5 minutes’ drive from all essential and recreational amenities.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/arid-41650271.html

Ecumenical blend of classic and contemporary at Cork’s €1.45m Church Hill Georgian gem:

PROPERTY EDITOR TOMMY BARKER REPORTS PICTURES:  RYAN LYNCH

THU, 12 JUN, 2025

WONDERFUL Woodview House does exactly what its name suggests — the pristine period Georgian gem, on lushly landscaped and immaculate gardens, has views of woodland, with much of the visible greenery as old as this almost 200 year old period home, in a recognisable yet secret setting.

We’re talking a location at the foot of Church Hill, just under the 1780s Church of Ireland St Mary’s and All Saint parish church in Cork’s Glanmire: 

these two elegant structures, one sacred, the other secular, are at the very heart of a community that started with 19th century gentrification, and today is a fast-growing city suburb of over 10,000 souls, in a folded green and wooded valley setting on the tail end of the Glashaboy River.

Woodview House dates to c 1830, sort of the glory years when wealthy Cork families continued the move to villas and mansions east of the city, along the Lee, past Montenotte and Tivoli, wrapping around the hill toward the Glashaboy valley and then the fledgling Glanmire settlement, as it added more wealth through a variety of substantial milling enterprises: Woodview followed in the 18th century steps of the even grander Ballinglanna House (1730s) and Dunkathel House (dating to the 1790s) soon to have 21st century houses snuggle up even closer to its protected curtilage.

Around the same time as Woodview was built on its sloping site, 100 metres under the landmark spire of St Mary’s, it was being joined by other substantial homes for Cork’s gentry and merchant classes, such as Lota Lodge — now the Vienna Woods Hotel — Lauristan, Glanmire House (now Colaiste an Phiarsaigh) and Janeville, now Glenmervyn House with its trio of nearby old, latticed windowed almshouses.

So, we are talking deep roots and good company for Woodview House, still a private residence unlike some of the aforementioned other period compatriots which have had to go work for their living.

Woodview House has been a very private family home for the past 30 years, coming for sale now as the professional couple who’d worked in the Cork city and who reared a family here prepare to right-size.

They are selling with a move in mind and in charge of the sale is Michael Downey of ERA Downey McCarthy, who guides from €1.45m.

In terms of quality, accommodation, finish, features and feel, as well as its stand-out gardens, privacy and security, it’s possibly the best Cork family house offer of the year. It’s going to top the wish-list of local and wider Cork hinterland families of means looking to trade up to a prize property, as well as to relocators who’d be picking up a substantial yet manageable period home of stand-out quality.

The vendors Edel and Gerard O’Connor bought at auction 30 year ago, when it had been the home of the O’Gorman family of famed hat makers since 1901 in Cork and Shandon, a niche business now in third generation of O’Gorman family hands.

Woodview House’s own ‘crowning’ glory is a magnificent copper beech tree on the gravel apron in front of the house’s asymmetrical façade: Gerard O’Connor reckon it’s about as old as the house itself, certainly dating to the 19th century, with its girth supporting the belief, while he says it’s in such good health because it has had the occasional, judicious care of a tree surgeon to prolong its longevity.

The O’Connors are now passing on Woodview House too in possibly the best shape it has ever been, with commensurate gardens of 0.6 of an acre, after a series of upgrades, and period-appropriate extensions by O’Shea Builders, overseen by Edel, with an architect’s input at the time and personal, knowing care and décor upgrades and enhancements ever since to the gleaming c 3,300 sq ft home.

Most notable addition was the current gable sunroom, some 20’ by 11’ with hand-painted floral detailing on the ceiling, overlooking the grounds, along with a rear enlarged kitchen/dining/living room, some 32’ by 17’.

This ‘heart of the house’ multi-use area, great for entertaining, has a raised glazed roof lantern in a part-vaulted ceiling with repousse metal leaf chandelier, large island/breakfast bar with underset microwave, there’s a broad, black Aga range, and a wide ceramic Belfast sink, with square bay window plus glazed door access to very sheltered courtyard garden, with sunken pond and water feature.

While there’s some formal grandeur (yet, not too imposing or overly grand) to the front, where main reception rooms plus the hall have very fine fireplaces (including in the reception hall) there’s a very considered rear run of rooms off a long corridor with glass roof: this yields access to a superb pantry with shelving and wraparound chunky timber counter tops; a cloakroom; a guest bathroom with power shower, and a ground floor bedroom (ideal for  guests, done originally for an older family member.)

‘Good’ rooms are to the front, meanwhile, including a drawing room with coved ceilings and access to the sun room, fine white marble fireplace and bay window, left of the hall. Across is a lounge with a deep bay window, unfussy coved ceiling and white marble chimneypiece, with inset wood-burning stove.

One of Woodview’s most elegant features is a distinctive cantilevered staircase, up to a bifurcated split, with a double aspect master bedroom to the left, complete with fully shelved and railed dressing room/walk-in robes and large en suite private bathroom with shower.

Views from this double aspect bedroom suite are over gardens to dense woodland across the valley on the Dunkettle facing hillside, as well as down into Glanmire’s entry point by the Glashaboy estuary to ‘old’ Glanmire at the foot of Church Hill.

Across on this wide home’s ‘other’ wing are three further bedrooms, all equally immaculate with filled bookshelves and varied but ever-verdant views, along with a main family bathroom with separate bath and shower, and marble sink surround.

There’s an overall internal calm and serenity, plus high comfort factor (windows are all double glazed sliding sashes in painted hardwood frames) as well as the certainty that this has been well conceived and cared for over three decades (Edel gets given all the credit for this by the family.) 

Externally, credit is given to the landscape designers Ned Kirby and Cork’s legendary Brian Cross. Their work here, over more than a quarter of a century, plus professional visiting gardening maintenance men to keep up the exacting standards over the entire e0.6 acre of planted grounds, result in the presentation seen today, very much the complete prized property package for those with a certain wherewithal, or bank withdrawal capacity.

Specimen trees and plants abound, in full and robust health: you know someone who knows their business has overseen it all, and includes the previous mentioned copper beech, lime trees, flowering Cherry tree, Cornish controversa ‘Variegata’ / Wedding Cake tree (a perennial Brian Cross favourite), and mixes including Japanese maples and silver birches and ironwood or Chinese parrotia for blazes of autumn colour.

Woodview is very much a private remove and world away from day-to-day stresses: if next owners have to work for a living, and can remote work, there’s an option to hand with a high-quality home office with architectural elan, behind sliding timber doors and glass curtain walling by the main entrance: alongside are two othe good-sized store rooms, for bikes, golf bags and garden gear.

That office and stores set-up (with parking) is sort of set in a lower courtyard on Woodview House’s mature and well-screened grounds, bookended by not just one but two sets of electric gates, so access to visitors/clients can be controlled to work areas, whilst the family home beyond the next, higher-up gates, retains its serene privacy with secure side gate too in the high stone boundary wall to Church Hill itself for easy yet code guarded pedestrian access.

ERA Downey McCarthy’s offer from €1.45m comes just after as sale terms are agreed on Glanmire Poulacurry House, a c 300 year old original (now needing updating) of 5,500 sq ft above Glanmire and on very extensive gardens of c five acres, likely to be selling in the c €1.6m+ price bracket, having gone to market back in June 2023 with a €1.75m guide.

ERA agent, Michael Downey says the 1830s Woodview House is even closer to everyday amenities and conveniences, with ongoing public cycle and walkway improvements to Glanmire and that this family home “is very special, it has been tastefully and sensitively extended and renovated, and now provides the height of luxury and comfort one comes to expect from a modern home.”

VERDICT: Tasteful mix of curated classic and contemporary features , in a home with great bones and more than skin-deep beauty. One to watch…….