Globetrotters looking to hunker down overseas might find a 56-acre estate in Ireland’s coastal town of Kilbrittain to exceed expectations. Formerly owned by the politician Henry Boyle Bernard and, later, Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, an 18th-century castle anchors the expansive grounds in County Cork. Other notable figures who’ve owned the place include Irish novelist Donn Byrne and American photographer Bob Willoughby. David Ashmore and Eileen Neville of Sotheby’s International Realty hold the $8.46 million listing.
Dubbed Coolmain Castle, the nine-bedroom property sprawls out over park-like grounds with serene vantages of Courtmacsherry Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Its facade embraces duality, showcasing the original five-bay Georgian house alongside a rustic 19th-century castellated tower and battlemented parapet. More than its looks, the castle offers a host of entertaining amenities, too, ranging from a theater to a tennis court to direct beach access.
The Disney scion bought the property in 1989 and proceeded to restore and update the castle. It has remained in the family’s possession for the last 35 years but now affords a rare opportunity to own one of Ireland’s most distinguished residences.
In addition to the over 8,300-square-foot main residence, the estate features a three-bedroom guesthouse and one-bedroom carriage house, as well as a barn and stables. A stone archway at the front leads guests into a courtyard where the castle’s park-like settings begin to captivate. Walls dressed in a vibrant red hue welcome visitors into the reception hall, while a sitting room with a wood-burning fireplace and elegant crown molding provides a baronial formal setting.
Elsewhere are a combined kitchen and dining area, a separate dining room, a library with built-in shelving, a drawing room, and a sunroom. All nine of the bedrooms span the upper level, including the primary suite decked out with printed wallpaper and wall-to-wall carpeting. It also has direct access to the next-door study with a fireplace and the en-suite bath with a vanity, soaking tub, and sitting area. Most other bedrooms follow suit with private bathrooms and eye-catching wallpapers.
Next to the tennis court, a carriage house adds a striking contrast to the estate with its bold architectural style that mirrors a Japanese pavilion. A greenhouse set adjacent to the barn and stables is another standout feature, alongside Coolmain’s lush lawns, gardens, and bridges that trail across the property. Best of all, for those looking for a spontaneous move-in without all the hassles of unpacking and buying tons of new things, the castle can be acquired fully furnished, including all the garden tools and equipment.
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