Description:
Detached five-bay two-storey over basement house first built by the Hutchinson family in the early eighteenth century. Since then, the house has grown considerably, particularly under Richard White, 2nd Earl of Bantry in the mid-nineteenth century with a six-bay two-storey bow-ended addition over basement and a pair of four-bay three-storey bow-ended wings to the south being added in 1845. Despite the many phases of additions and extensions, the structure displays architectural unity through the pilasters and stone balustrade. The original structure displays a Queen Anne style with later Georgian and Victorian elements also present. The architectural designs of the phased construction draw on classical architecture, exhibited in its ornate porticos, columns and pilasters. The retention of original features enhances the building’s appearance with each element working together to give it greater architectural significance. The interior retains much fabric of great interest, including Pompeii tiling, Venetian glass and Italian plasterwork. The building is an outstanding example of the evolution of large country houses through time and its forms part of an interesting complex of demesne related structures with the outbuildings, gate lodges and extensively landscaped gardens.
Grants Awarded:
2022: €4,000 grant through the IGS London Chapter towards repairs of the balustrades. Conservation architect, James Howley.
2024: €6,000 grant through the IGS London Chapter and the Homan Potterton Grant Fund towards roof and door repairs. Architect, Lucy O’Connor.
NIAH Listing:
https://www.buildingsofireland...
References in IGS Bulletins & IGS Journals:
‘Irish Georgian Society’
Irish Georgian Society Bulletin XIII 1970 Issue 1
https://search.igsjournal.ie/single-search?rule1=and&terms1=bantry&field1=all&from_pub_year=1958&to_pub_year=2024&pdf_type=Select+publication+type&pdf_id=389
‘Houses Open to the Public’
Irish Georgian Society Bulletin XI 1968 Issue 2
https://search.igsjournal.ie/single-search?rule1=and&terms1=bantry&field1=all&from_pub_year=1958&to_pub_year=2024&pdf_type=Select+publication+type&pdf_id=384
‘Visiting Georgian Ireland’
Irish Georgian Society Bulletin VIII 1965 Issue 2
https://search.igsjournal.ie/single-search?rule1=and&terms1=bantry&field1=all&from_pub_year=1958&to_pub_year=2024&pdf_type=Select+publication+type&pdf_id=374