It’s all in the name really. How often do the whimsical, or even downright ridiculous, handles some developers attached to the properties, make one laugh in disbelief, the Sycamore Groves with not a tree to be seen; the Bay Views with a distant glimpse of a patch of water; the plainer the property, often the fancier and more meaningless the name attached.
Not so with the latest offering to be auctioned on September 25 next by Property Partners Maxwell & Heaslip. Corrib House is on the Corrib, at the weir, in the heart of Galway city. The location is absolutely second to none. Occupying a larger corner site, virtually every room has ravishing views directly onto the weir, with flocks of swans, mallard, and waterfowl gently gliding by. Anglers casting their lines for the salmon on the world famous stretch of Corrib fishery provides endless interest, and the whole scene is framed by the beautifully restored flowers beds in a riot of colour on the banks of the river.
In close proximity to Courthouse Square and the Town Hall Theatre, Corrib House is just removed enough to avoid traffic and most passing pedestrians are tourists snapping the gorgeous surroundings and leisurely locals strolling the bank river bank.
The interior of the house is imposing, with fine reception rooms and 12 feet ceilings. Original fireplaces are in situ, as are shutters and sash windows. The only modernisation carried out has been the re-roofing of the house approximately 10 years ago. Parts of the house, which extends to c3,150sq ft, are in need of fairly major renovation and the whole property has wonderful potential for restoration either as a substantial family home, or possible commercial use, or even combination of both. A side entrance gives access to an enclosed walled garden with several outbuildings.
The property dates from the early 19th century and was lived in continuously by the Cooke family from 1926. Charles Cooke filled the house with nine children, many of whose descendants went on to prosper in their professions in many parts of the world.
Property Partners Maxwell & Heaslip, on the instruction of the executor, will offer Corrib House for sale by public auction on September 25 at 3pm in the recently refurbished Imperial Hotel, Eyre Square, with an AMV of €850,000. James Heaslip, who is handling the sale, is confident of an excellent interest even in these difficult times in the property market. “It’s a unique property,” he said. “It’s full of history, has great potential, and is in a location second to none.”
Open viewings will commence on Sunday next between 2pm and 3pm, and private viewings can be arranged by contacting Property Partners Maxwell & Heaslip at (091 ) 565261.
