Description
Located just 2 miles west of the famous Castlemartyr Estate in the County of Cork lies the charming Ballintotis Castle, a fine, well preserved late medieval Irish Tower House, richly steeped in Irish history and tradition dating from the 15oos, most probably constructed by the Imokilly Fitzgeralds and later passed onto the Boyle Family branch, whose main house was at the Castlemartyr Estate. Situate on approx half an acre of land and gently tucked away down an avenue lined with native trees, Ballintotis is a Geraldine or Fitzgerald Family Castle, generally regarded as having been built as an outer defence for the nearby Castlemartyr Estate in the 16th Century. The Castle is about 15 metres in height, with plan dimensions of 6.5 metres EW and 6.2 metres NS, and a base batter rising to approx 1.5 metres from the ground level, presenting accommodation over three levels crowned with battlements. There are three main chambers with a number of stairwells and ancilliary intramural rooms. with walls approx 1.5 metres thick . Prepare to be Entranced! Extensive renovation of the Castle began in 2008 under the management of the present owner, and includes the following: Repointing the walls, installation of pyramid glass and leaded roof, window repair with bronze encasement and slim frame profiles, floor replaced in Oak, new plumbing and electrical installation, new doors, installation of septic tank, driveway, lawns, site planted with native trees. Property is offered for sale with the bulk of the Furniture excluding personal items. The Accommodation is laid out as follows; Ground Floor: Entry on to the ground floor level via an arched door near the north end of the west wall. Inside a lintelled passage leads straight through to the main chamber. There is an entrance to a straight flight of mural stairs on the south side of the doorway and further inter -mural spiral stairs providing access to the upper floors. First Floor: Large Elegant Bedroom, Four Poster Bed, Bath and closeted WC, Second Floor: Glass Roof, Kitchenette, wood burning stove, Dining Area and Study Area. Bed, Bath, WC., Stairs to the battlement walk. Battlements, Wall walk, Bellcote, Seated area, beautiful beaucolic views. New metal guard on the North West corner. Other points of note: Windows.There are three larger windows at the upper levels which allow more light into the principal living area. The majority of windows are small, splayed, narrow openings. These windows are wider on the inside so as to enable the archers to fire arrows out at the enemy when the castle was under attack. Stairs: The castle has three flights of stairs - both spiral and straight mural stairs, all of limestone and forming an integral part of the structure. There are 55 steps in total. The stairs survive all the way to the walkway at the original roof level of the castle. Renovations: The wall tops were consolidated in their current state and a new metal guard rail was constructed on the North West corner. A new glazed roof was concealed behind the existing parapets and lead flashing was used to weather the wall walks. This glass roof gives diffused light to the main living area on the second floor. A new floor was put in on this level over the original vault. On the first level, a new Oak floor was put in on the existing wall corbels to create a bedroom. There is a WC on both the first and second floors in the existing mural passages New bronze casement windows were inserted to all existing openings. The renovations have been done in a manner that has retained the building's historic character, integrity and charm. The General Area: Attractions Near By. The Castle is just in the neighbourhood of the luxury five star Castlemartyr Estate, with access to fine dining and a range of activities such as golf, spa experiences and horseriding. Less than half a mile to the North East of the Castle lies Loughaderry lake and wildlife reserve. Cork city, West Cork, is just 17 miles from the castle, offers a wealth of cultural events, fine dining, Galleries and Shopping. Fota House, Arboretum and Wildlife Park, 15 mins drive and well worth a visit. Cork Harbour, 25 mins away via the beautiful coastal towns of Kinsale or Youghal , with fabulous views of Cork's historic forts, seaside towns, meandering rivers and the host of marine wildlife. Ballycotton Bay, Cliffs and Lighthouse, and World Famous Ballymaloe House a mere 15 mins drive. The Jameson Distillery, located in nearby Midleton, offers tours and whiskey tasting experiences. The Blarney Castle and Rock are just 23 miles distant. Cobh , the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world, formerly known as Queenstown, the Titanic made its final fateful stop here, is 14 miles distant. . A short drive away is the Hunted Hog, a traditional Irish Pub in Castlemartyr. Fine Food and lively atmosphere. 45 Minute drive from Kinsale where you can begin a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. Just a 1 hour drive from the castle is the Rock of Cashel, where Ireland's High Kings, including the great Brian Boru, ruled. Cork Airport : half hr. Shannon International Airport: 2 hrs. Dublin Airport: 3 hrs. For further details and viewing arrangements please contact Joint Agents; John Hornibrook, Colbert and Co., Midleton, Co. Cork, Ireland. PSP Licence No:001352 www.colbertandco.ie 021/4639557 / 087 7708517 Helen Cassidy, MRICS B.A.(Mod)MSCSI, Auctioneer, Clonbur, County Galway, Ireland. PSP Licence No:002657 www.premierpropertiesireland.com 0035387 2463748 Viewers enter the property at their own risk. This is a Historic Property. Please take care. These particulars are intended to give a fair description of the property only and are in no way guaranteed, nor do they form part of any contract. They are issued on the express condition that all negotiations are conducted through Joint Agents John Hornibrook and Helen Cassidy. All properties are offered subject to contract and to being unsold.
