Latest news with #Norman-style
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fancy owning a regal Cork property that is reputed to have once slept King James II?
Carrigacunna Castle is a breathtakingly-restored Georgian abode set alongside a beautifully-preserved Norman-style tower house, both commanding a spectacular position overlooking the meandering River Blackwater in North Cork, and once reportedly hosted King James II. The Castle is situated just off the L1224 road, between Killavullen and Ballyhooly, right in the heart of the Blackwater valley and only a few minutes down the road from nearby Mallow. It had previously been put up for sale in 2024 under online auctioneer 'Auctioneera' at €2.7 million, but has now been placed back on the market at a slightly cheaper asking price. This property, part of which was originally built by Henry Foott in 1826, boasts an unrivalled elevated position, offering panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley, extending toward the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains. The house comes with 7,500 square feet of space, the historic Norman tower house next door, as well as an indoor swimming pool. However, with a €2.5 million price tag, only a royal bank account will be able to afford this magnificent old building. One of the estate's most remarkable features is its tower house castle, a superbly preserved 16th-century structure built by the Nagle family. This Anglo-Irish stronghold stands as a testament to the area's medieval history. Sir Richard Nagle of Clogher, a key figure in the Irish Parliament of 1689, was among the prominent members of the family. The castle which has been fully restored, offers a rare glimpse into Ireland's feudal past and provides a stunning contrast to the modern elements of the estate. The Nagle family have a Norman lineage that established a stronghold in the area. Among the most notable figures in the family was Sir Richard Nagle, who served as private secretary to King James II. Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1692, Sir Richard Nagle forfeited the estate. According to legend, King James II spent a night at Carrigacunna during his retreat. In the 19th century, the Footts undertook extensive enhancements to the estate. The Georgian residence was expanded to include a three-bay extension, and the grounds were landscaped to incorporate a grand 1 km-long beech-lined avenue, rising parallel to the river and leading to the main house. Over the past two decades, Carrigacunna has undergone an exceptional transformation, blending historical elements with striking contemporary design. The property also features two double-height glazed atriums, seamlessly linking the traditional architecture with modern elements. The residence includes four main reception rooms and three luxurious bedroom suites. Additionally, the first-floor offices could easily be converted into extra bedroom accommodation if required. There is also a one-bedroom annex located in the Fisherman's cottage adjoining the main house which would be ideal for guests. A notable feature is the indoor swimming pool, which Estate Agents Lisney Sotheby's says, 'adds an element of leisure and sophistication'. Meanwhile, the estate itself spans approximately 18.2 hectares (45 acres), with 5 acres dedicated to pasture, 37 acres of woodland, and the remaining 3 acres comprising gardens and amenity spaces. On the estate is a walled garden spanning approximately one acre. Within this enclosed space lies a refurbished Victorian glasshouse, alongside carefully cultivated vegetable, flower, and rose gardens. An orchard and soft fruit areas provide seasonal produce, while a chicken run and potting shed enhance the estate's self-sufficiency. Lisney Sotheby's says that Carrigacunna is not only a 'remarkable private residence' but also a 'historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored to honour its past while embracing modern luxury. 'With its commanding views, extraordinary architecture, and extensive lands, this property represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's rich heritage in one of the country's most picturesque and desirable locations' says Lisney Sotheby's. In 2019, the site sold for €1.485 million, but since the restoration the property is now on the market at a whopping €2.5 million, making it the fifth most expensive property for public sale in Cork at the moment.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fancy owning a regal North Cork property that is reputed to have once slept King James II?
Carrigacunna Castle is a breathtakingly-restored Georgian abode set alongside a beautifully-preserved Norman-style tower house, both commanding a spectacular position overlooking the meandering River Blackwater in North Cork, and once reportedly hosted King James II. The Castle is situated just off the L1224 road, between Killavullen and Ballyhooly, right in the heart of the Blackwater valley and only a few minutes down the road from nearby Mallow. It had previously been put up for sale in 2024 under online auctioneer 'Auctioneera' at €2.7 million, but has now been placed back on the market at a slightly cheaper asking price. This property, part of which was originally built by Henry Foott in 1826, boasts an unrivalled elevated position, offering panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley, extending toward the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains. The house comes with 7,500 square feet of space, the historic Norman tower house next door, as well as an indoor swimming pool. However, with a €2.5 million price tag, only a royal bank account will be able to afford this magnificent old building. One of the estate's most remarkable features is its tower house castle, a superbly preserved 16th-century structure built by the Nagle family. This Anglo-Irish stronghold stands as a testament to the area's medieval history. Sir Richard Nagle of Clogher, a key figure in the Irish Parliament of 1689, was among the prominent members of the family. The castle which has been fully restored, offers a rare glimpse into Ireland's feudal past and provides a stunning contrast to the modern elements of the estate. The Nagle family have a Norman lineage that established a stronghold in the area. Among the most notable figures in the family was Sir Richard Nagle, who served as private secretary to King James II. Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1692, Sir Richard Nagle forfeited the estate. According to legend, King James II spent a night at Carrigacunna during his retreat. In the 19th century, the Footts undertook extensive enhancements to the estate. The Georgian residence was expanded to include a three-bay extension, and the grounds were landscaped to incorporate a grand 1 km-long beech-lined avenue, rising parallel to the river and leading to the main house. Over the past two decades, Carrigacunna has undergone an exceptional transformation, blending historical elements with striking contemporary design. The property also features two double-height glazed atriums, seamlessly linking the traditional architecture with modern elements. ADVERTISEMENT The residence includes four main reception rooms and three luxurious bedroom suites. Additionally, the first-floor offices could easily be converted into extra bedroom accommodation if required. There is also a one-bedroom annex located in the Fisherman's cottage adjoining the main house which would be ideal for guests. A notable feature is the indoor swimming pool, which Estate Agents Lisney Sotheby's says, 'adds an element of leisure and sophistication'. Meanwhile, the estate itself spans approximately 18.2 hectares (45 acres), with 5 acres dedicated to pasture, 37 acres of woodland, and the remaining 3 acres comprising gardens and amenity spaces. On the estate is a walled garden spanning approximately one acre. Within this enclosed space lies a refurbished Victorian glasshouse, alongside carefully cultivated vegetable, flower, and rose gardens. An orchard and soft fruit areas provide seasonal produce, while a chicken run and potting shed enhance the estate's self-sufficiency. Lisney Sotheby's says that Carrigacunna is not only a 'remarkable private residence' but also a 'historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored to honour its past while embracing modern luxury. 'With its commanding views, extraordinary architecture, and extensive lands, this property represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's rich heritage in one of the country's most picturesque and desirable locations' says Lisney Sotheby's. In 2019, the site sold for €1.485 million, but since the restoration the property is now on the market at a whopping €2.5 million, making it the fifth most expensive property for public sale in Cork at the moment.
Chicago Tribune
29-03-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
‘Buildings like to be used': Indiana Landmarks moving to Linwood House in Valparaiso
Indiana Landmarks Northwest Field Director Blake Swihart now occupies an office first used by former Valparaiso University President O.P. Kretzmann. Linwood House, which formerly housed VU presidents and their families, is becoming Indiana Landmarks' new Northwest field office. Linwood House was built in 1959 to move the president and his family to what was becoming the new part of the campus. The Chapel of the Resurrection, which opened the same year, was also designed by Park Ridge architect Charles Stade. The 2,900-square-foot home was 'pretty big for that era,' Swihart said. In leasing Linwood House from Valparaiso University, Indiana Landmarks plans to restore the structure and work with VU on getting it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Linwood House easily qualifies for inclusion on the national register, Swihart said. It has large oak beams, birch around the windows, and a distinctive brick architect Stade had specially produced at a now-defunct brickyard. The long, skinny Norman-style brick is a 'Valpo amber matte' color. It was also used at the chapel. 'The university has done a really good job of maintaining this over the years,' Swihart said. There's some cosmetic and deferred maintenance ahead, but overall, it's in very good condition, he said. There are large casement windows throughout the home that have single-pane glass, original to the home built 66 years ago. The storm windows don't prevent heat loss as much as modern windows do. A nifty feature is an intercom system throughout the home, allowing the president and his family to talk with each other throughout the home. The radio system is still in the kitchen wall. There's also a cabinet that opens up to a cinderblock cavity in the kitchen. Swihart doesn't know what was originally there but hopes to find out someday. Bedrooms have been converted to offices. Swihart pointed to a wall that will be removed to create a conference room from two smaller spaces. The house had three or four bedrooms originally. 'All the bedrooms are south-facing, so they must have gotten really good light,' Swihart said. From another room, he pointed out the window to the lawn, where dirt and sand hide a patio added in the 1970s. The office Swihart is moving into has stained glass blocks and bricks that appear to have had votive candles on them, based on stains on the bottom of some bricks. An original plan for the home included an altar in the office – it's a Lutheran university, after all – but Swihart doesn't know if it was ever built. From above, the building resembles a cross, but Swihart hasn't seen physical proof that the shape was intentional. After it was built, the president wanted the carport to be converted into an enclosed garage. The garage has since been converted into a main entrance, shifting the entrance 90 degrees away from its original frontage on Linwood Road. A large living room with a fireplace was used for faculty meetings and even student gatherings, Swihart said. The university president often gathered freshmen into his home to welcome them to VU. In the early 1980s, VU's president decided to live in a private home rather than at Linwood House. That makes sense as a way to meet the family's needs, including the added benefit of giving the president's spouse more privacy, Swihart said. Since then, it has been used as office space. A sign still in place at Linwood House refers to the Project on Civic Reflection and the Lilly Fellows Program. VU moved out of the building last year and quickly entered into talks with Indiana Landmarks. 'Buildings like to be used,' Swihart said. This isn't the first time Indiana Landmarks has moved into a historic structure. It's leaving the former Illinois Bell Telephone building on Lake Street in Gary's Miller neighborhood, where it has been housed for more than a decade. Indiana Landmarks quickly found a new owner for the Lake Street building, which also houses the Nelson Algren Museum. The Miller Beach Arts and Creative District needed the space for administrative offices and artists, Swihart said. Linwood House is bigger than Indiana Landmarks needs, so Swihart is hoping to find tenants for the extra space. They likely would be nonprofits with a mission generally aligned with Indiana Landmarks' aims, he said. From Linwood House, Swihart and his team will focus on properties in Porter, Lake, Newton, Jasper and White counties.
