Easy to lead a horse to water at €1m East Ferry home with floodlit arena

Irish Examiner

29-05-2025

THE sons of a couple who bought a home with the scope to develop an outdoor equestrian arena have been going gangbusters at showjumping ever since: One lives in the US, where he continues to show jump, along with advising clients on the best horses to buy; the second stayed closer to home, in East Ferry, where he remains professionally involved in showjumping and producing horses to compete. Both sons have competed at home and abroad.
The sons grew up at Seaview Stables, bought by their parents in the late 1990s, when the property consisted of a cottage on seven acres.
'We bought the cottage and land and some outhouses,' the mother says. 'The plan was to build a sand arena for the boys, so that they would have the facility to ride, to produce ponies, and to compete.'
Mane attraction at Seaview Stables
The fringe benefit was the view. The land, in Jamesbrook, all but grazes the water near the tranquil, navigable inlet that separates East Ferry from Great Island. To the west is the green canopy of Marlogue Woods, to the south is Cork Harbour.
Site almost grazes the harbour
'The view is stunning and it's south-facing across the harbour,' the owner says.
Upon acquiring the land, she and her husband drafted in an architect to design a new home. The original cottage remains and is used for storage, but the main house is a contemporary-looking, four-bedroom dormer.
Out front, a patio next to the sunroom faces south west.
The grounds are expertly landscaped and there's plenty of room to park up.
Just west of the house is a paddock, and, beyond it, four stables, and the sand arena, which can be floodlit.
The remaining six acres are to the rear of the property, in the form of grazing land for horses or ponies. It's an ideal set-up for a family of horsey types whose children are mad keen to road test their efforts to become the next Cian O'Connor or Bertram Allen or Eddie Macken or any other colossus of Irish international showjumping.
The owner says her sons 'did well over the years'.
The stables were built for their own use, but, in more recent years, the son who remained in East Ferry has grown his business — training horses for showjumping and sale — and requires more space for his venture. With their sons grown up and pursuing their own interests, the parents have decided to downsize.
They hope to stay local, having enjoyed the benefits of this tremendously scenic location, which is known for its picturesque waterside walkways and its suitability for water activities.
'When the winds are too high at beaches like Inch, you'll see the windsurfers around the inlet, because it's more sheltered here,' the owner says. Kayaking is popular locally, too, and there's a marina where SailCork sailing school has its main base.
The nearest primary school is in Saleen, less than two miles away, while secondary schools are plentiful in the busy town of Midleton, 10 minutes away by car.
Less than a mile down the road is a bird sanctuary.
Jointly selling this waterfront property are James Colbert, of Colbert and Co, and Mallow-based auctioneer Liam Mullins. Mr Colbert says it's a 'superb property in an unbelievable location'.
'Where else would you find a property with an outdoor floodlit arena next to the water?,' the agent says, adding that for equestrian enthusiasts 'this property is a rare gem, offering a flood-lit sand arena, purpose-built stables, paddock and a variety of outbuildings that offer both storage and conversion potential'.
The agents believe it's an ideal spot for a family with children keen to get in to showjumping or who already have an interest in equestrian sports.
If new owners didn't need the entire seven acres, they could always consider the possibility of letting out the land to a farmer for grazing, the agents add.
The house itself is generously proportioned and extends to 2,500 sq ft.
Accommodation includes two generous large living areas, four bedrooms, and a kitchen/dining room.
A sunroom, 'perfect as a dining area or additional sitting area, captures the panoramic views', the agents say.
The attic was insulated and floored last year and a new boiler was installed.
Mr Colbert says it's a 'must-see' for house hunters seeking a country escape, or a family home with space to grow, or an equestrian haven in one of East Cork's most picturesque settings'. The guide price for Seaview Stables is €1m.
VERDICT: Perfect set-up for horsey family keen on showjumping. Waterside setting is a major bonus.