Coastguard Lodge

Set in the heart of the spectacular Cork coastline
between Crosshaven and Kinsale, this remarkable semi-detached home—once a Coast
Guard station dating back to the 1860s—offers a rare fusion of historic
character and refined modern coastal living. Positioned on approximately half
an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, the property has been meticulously
and thoughtfully renovated by its current owners, transforming it into a serene
and distinctive retreat in one of Ireland’s most desirable seaside settings.

Originally built to house the Coast Guard personnel who
safeguarded the shoreline and deterred smuggling throughout the 19th and early
20th centuries, the home retains a deep sense of heritage while embracing a
contemporary, open-plan design. The ground floor is centred around a bright and
welcoming kitchen, where natural light pours in and flows effortlessly into a
generous dining area. Large windows frame views of the west-facing front
garden, creating an inviting space that is equally suited to relaxed family
living and stylish entertaining.

To the rear, a spacious double reception room enjoys
panoramic views across the sea and the verdant garden beyond, offering a calm
and ever-changing backdrop shaped by the tides and seasons. Upstairs, three
beautifully appointed double bedrooms provide peaceful sanctuaries. The
principal suite is particularly impressive, featuring an en suite bathroom, a
dedicated dressing room, and direct access to a private balcony—an idyllic
vantage point from which to take in the dramatic coastal scenery. A well-appointed
family bathroom, complete with a classic roll-top bath, adds a touch of
timeless elegance to the upper level.

The outdoor spaces are equally captivating. The
west-facing front garden has been carefully designed as a traditional ‘pottage’
or kitchen garden, enclosed by stone walls and sheltered by an Elaeagnus hedge.
A charming archway draped in wisteria and climbing roses leads to a sunset
patio, while vegetable beds, flowering shrubs, and espalier plum and cherry
trees create both beauty and productivity.

To the rear, the garden unfolds in a series of gently
sloping, naturalistic layers. Tall grasses sway in the coastal breeze, while
gravel pathways wind through fragrant plantings of rosemary, thyme, and sage. A
robust greenhouse yields strawberries, tomatoes, and seasonal salad vegetables,
while generous flower beds offer year-round interest through a thoughtful mix
of herbaceous perennials, grasses, and shrubs. Mature olive trees and
established hedging lend structure and privacy, while early spring rosemary
blossoms give way to bulbs and cottage garden planting that attract pollinators
throughout the seasons.

Further along, a nature-friendly rewilding area
introduces a small orchard of apple and pear trees, complemented by
blueberries, rhubarb, and both summer and autumn raspberries. Bursts of
lavender and poppies bring vibrant colour and attract birds and butterflies,
all accompanied by the soothing, ever-present sound of the sea.

Located less than 25km from Cork City, the property
benefits from proximity to a selection of quiet beaches, including the
sheltered sands of Robert’s Cove, known for its year-round sea swimming
community and opportunities for kayaking just beyond the garden. Scenic coastal
walks along the nearby headland offer breathtaking views stretching to
Ballycotton Lighthouse, the Old Head of Kinsale, and Roche’s Point while
Tracton Woods lies close by for further exploration. The vibrant towns of
Kinsale and Carrigaline are easily accessible via picturesque country roads.

This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a
coastal home rich in history, beautifully reimagined for modern living, and
immersed in the natural beauty of Ireland’s rugged southern shoreline.