When keen sailors build their own holiday homes, you can usually expect exceptional sea views, and a great maritime location.
Coney Island, built by the late Michael Whelan and his wife Maureen, is no exception. Whelan was the founder of Aran Energy back in the 1970s, which would ultimately be sold to Statoil in 1995 for almost £198 million. Following the sale, Michael was able to pursue his passion for sailing in glorious West Cork.
The couple built Coney Island in 1977, and the terrace is the perfect place to sit and watch the sporting activity in Baltimore harbour.
“It was Michael’s dream,” says Maureen. “He loved sailing, and this was his baby.”
She remembers long and lovely summers spent outside and inside. “Yes, I’d be dishing up food and, later, drink at the kitchen counter, it’s such a people-friendly space,” she recalls.
There are also views to Sherkin Island. The Cove itself is a private spot with just 12 houses, it’s a short stroll to the village, but away from the tourist hustle and bustle. It would be impossible to get planning permission in the same location now.
At 186sq m (2,000sq ft), and with four bedrooms, the house sits on half an acre. It’s for sale with Charles McCarthy Estate Agents at a guide of €750,000, and Maeve McCarthy, agent for the sale, notes that there’s an additional 10 acres adjoining the property that can be negotiated for separately. The rugged rocky outcrop runs down to the water, and you can see the appeal of ownership.
The house itself was built to a very high spec at the time, but it needs modernising. Currently the BER is D2. Back in the day it won an An Taisce award for its architect Neil Hegarty.
There are sloping wood ceilings, mezzanine balconies, and a split-level open-plan layout. The kitchen and dining area opens on to the livingroom, which then flows round to a sun room, and on to the bedroom wing. There’s a separate sittingroom and study, plus balcony on the mezzanine level.
It’s a rare holiday home that can also function brilliantly as a year-round house so for someone looking to change their life entirely – here’s your chance.
