Cork City Period Home – Shakey Bridge – €1.45m
Mount Vernon: A Cork Gem That Time Forgot
Table of Contents
A Riverside Retreat of Enduring Elegance
Mount Vernon, a distinguished period home nestled on teh north channel of the River Lee, presents a captivating dichotomy. While its exterior boasts a dual personality – one side a familiar, ornamental façade with brick-framed windows facing the Mardyke, the other a stark contrast – the interior remains a harmonious testament to its history. This is a property that has been cherished, meticulously maintained, and largely untouched by significant alterations, embodying a philosophy of preservation akin to a vintage car that has always been expertly serviced and garaged.
Stepping Back in Time
The entrance to Mount Vernon, a modest portal from the street, leads into a small, glazed porch. Here, encaustic tiles underfoot hint at the period charm that awaits. The home is cleverly situated, with a lower-level rear service yard tucked into the hillside, a characteristic feature of riverside residences in the Sunday’s Well area.
A Symphony of Space and Light
The entry-level floor is home to three principal rooms.Two of these are substantial, featuring wide window bays that flood the spaces with natural light. Each room boasts a fireplace, a hallmark of classic homes. The third room currently serves as a library or home office, complemented by a well-appointed bathroom on this level.
The house’s layout, with stairs running east-west towards the rear, aligns with a 1840s floor plan that remains remarkably relevant for a home oriented towards southern views.The lower ground floor reveals a functional kitchen, characterized by unpretentious design and abundant wood panelling.Adjacent is a dining room, offering direct access to a south-facing terrace, perfect for al fresco enjoyment. A bedroom with garden and terrace views and a utility room with external access complete this level.
Upstairs Grandeur and Tranquil Gardens
Ascending to the top floor, one discovers three bedrooms. The central bedroom is particularly striking, featuring three sash windows set within a wide bay and a ceiling adorned with intricate patterns. A shower room on this floor, with its old tiled floor and William Morris-style wallpaper above wainscoting, further enhances the home’s period appeal.
Throughout mount Vernon, original wood panelling gleams, most notably in the stairwell. Here, an ornate, tall arched window, featuring nine panes of coloured glass, adds a touch of artistry on a return. These details collectively contribute to an atmosphere were time seems to flow at a more leisurely pace, offering a true retreat from the outside world.
A Verdant Sanctuary
The mature gardens of Mount Vernon are an integral part of its charm, cascading down to the banks of the River Lee. Winding paths meander through the greenery, leading to a delightful glasshouse. This space,ideal for plant propagation,promises future occupants the joy of growing their own vines,tomatoes,and strawberries,adding a touch of self-sufficiency to this idyllic setting.
VERDICT: Mount Vernon stands as an exquisite example of Cork’s architectural heritage,offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of history that has been lovingly preserved. It is, quite simply, as exquisitely Cork as it gets.