History
Welcome to Rosanna Estate
A most distinguished early 19th -century Irish country house positioned on the Lee Valley
A most distinguished early 19 th -century Irish country house positioned on the Lee Valley
One of the finest houses in Cork has just come on the market for sale,
Rosanna House is a five bedroom house has been the home of the Murphy family for the last 82 years, but they are moving to a new build on the a-joining land.
The house has been beautifully maintained throughout the years. Many of the original features have been restored, though the house would benefit from being modernised in parts.
Rosanna House is full of character and is an ideal home for a large family. It is also a perfect house for entertaining.
Make no mistake, Rosanna House is the Real Deal, It’s simply Heaven on Earth.
Rosanna House is of the 6 Cork Merchant Houses on the Lee Road. (Millboro, Kitsborough, Ardnalee, Leemont house, and Mount Desert being the others)
These houses formed part of the Lee Road landscape since the early 1600’s. They were built due to their Proximity to Cork City and picturesque location overlooking the magnificent Lee Valley
The original Rosanna House was built in 1612. It was a Georgian mansion of over 9000 square feet. This house was burned down in early 1733 and the second Rosanna House was built. It was a smaller house of similar design. At this point, the Bell Tower, (Still standing) the Lodge and the magnificent Limestone entrance on the Lee Road was added. This is the same entrance that is used today, giving access to Rosanna House.
In 1939 the second Rosanna House was burned down, and the existing house was built. Con Murphy bought the completed house in 1940 and the Murphy family have lived there since. The house is an American design, but it incorporates some of the original architecture of the original house, including the magnificent limestone steps leading up to the front door. To the rear of the house, there is also an underground well and hand pump that was used in times past, the entrance to this well is made of the same limestone as was used in the original house. Rosanna House has had many famous owners and visitors including an infamous English General, who used to hunt in the woodlands nearby.
Rosanna House has a quite unique setting in mature woodland just off the Lee Road. The southerly aspect offers breathtaking views, with a panorama from Grange to Ovens. Rosanna House enjoys a simply idyllic country setting. The house is sheltered with mature trees providing an absolute suntrap, and creating a Mediterranean atmosphere, taking advantage of the precious Irish sun. The gardens are an oasis of seclusion and peace. The nearby pond has a stream passing through keeping the water fresh; it is a total retreat and escape from a busy working day. Views of the river and beautiful valley below are simply breathtaking. Nature is busy here and the wildlife enthusiast will never be bored. The outdoor life beckons.
It is a perfect hideaway from City life, and yet, remarkably, this charm and seclusion is only 10mins (and only 2 traffic lights!) from Cork City centre, Hospitals, Universities, Apple Computer, and Ballincollig are also only 10 mins, and Blarney, Bishopstown, and EMC are only 15 mins. The main South Link Road is 10 minutes away with direct access to Cork International Airport, Ringaskiddy ferry terminal and all main routes North, East and West. The beaches of West Cork are less than an hour’s drive. Easy access to most schools either in Cork City, Ballincollig, and the beautiful village of Kerry Pike is only 1km away. This village has an excellent National School, a lovely Country Pub and a vibrant Gaa Club. The Anglers Rest, the well known Restaurant/Pub is only 1Km away
Access to Rosanna House is approached through a pair of magnificent wrought-iron single- and double-leaf gates. (Forged in nearby Millboro in the 1830) These are flanked by rendered walls with limestone copings, and limestone square-profile piers. This entrance makes a handsome addition to the road side, and would have been intended by its original designers and builders as an indicator of the grandeur of the main house within. The piers are expertly carved, with an avenue leading to a spectacular setting of views over the surrounding verdant countryside and river giving total privacy. The winding driveway of the old house climbs above the tree line of the Lee Road and opens onto a wide pasture with a few unobtrusive driveways opening along its length. At the top of the avenue, electric gates form the entrance to Rosanna House.
Kitchen
Dining Room
Sitting Room
2nd Kitchen
Pantry
Toilet
Main Bedroom
2nd Main Bedroom
Bedroom 3
Bedroom 4
Bedroom 5
Bathroom
Shower Room
Toilet
additional Flat Bedroom
additional Flat Bathroom
Site size: c.3.2 acres (Including the Avenue which is c. 1.22 acres)
Adding to this estate, there is an exclusive option to buy adjoining land consisting of c.1.373 Acres, which also bo
asts amazing views of the lee valley and the river.