There are two parts to the property but they are one unit. In 1843 the Lighthouse Commissioners, responsible for the safety of those at sea, built Crookhaven lighthouse and the adjoining cottage. Perched over the entrance to the natural harbour of Crookhaven, for over 160 years the cottage sheltered the Lightkeepers' families. When the Lighthouse was first automated (it is still fully operational) the Commissioners no longer needed the accommodation provided by the cottage and ownership changed hands.
The new owners have fully refurbished the 1843 cottage and this part of the property now comprises 2 double bedrooms with an additional room containing a double pull-out bed and a stairway to a large living space converted from what had been the quarters of three families. This large living room contains extensive seating, satellite TV, DVD, and views in all directions. Also downstairs is a shower room, kitchen and dining area. The structural integrity of the 1843 cottage has been preserved with the layout of the downstairs rooms reflecting the original plan.
Across the small yard is the extraordinary light filled space that is the 'longhouse'. In 2008 the owners completed a radical design consisting of a rectangular glass walled cuboid resting on two new bedrooms and a second bathroom. This wonderful addition allows for spectacular views from the upper level through 270 degrees. In a feature article on visiting Ireland, US Airways Magazine (January 2012, page 38, available online) recommends the property as a fabulous place to stay and says that if you dream of ocean views, this property tops the list 'complete with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the Atlantic's hypnotic blue waves'!
The upper level contains a fully fitted kitchen, a dining table seating 8/10, a wood burning fireplace, a High Definition TV and Blu-ray disk player together with comfortable seating throughout. Along the length of this level is a balcony from which the views need to be seen to be believed, ranging from the natural harbour of Crookhaven past the world famous Fastnet Lighthouse 7 miles off-shore, to Baltimore, Cape Clear and Roaring Water Bay with its '100 isles'.
Although built on 'Rock Island', this is not a true island, at least for the past several hundred years. Access is along a beautiful stone-walled 'lighthouse' roadway which undulates across the fields of heather and gorse for a mile or so. Just 2 miles away you will find Goleen with its shops, pubs and first class restaurant, Heron's Cove. Across the bay is the sailing village of Crookhaven, which for centuries was the first port of call for vessels arriving from the New World destined for the North West of Europe.
In winter there is always a welcoming fire awaiting you there in O'Sullivan's Bar and in summer a flurry of activity on the harbourside as sailors and boat people of all ages and nationalitiies set to sea or disembark in search of one of the mouthwatering seafood bars and restaurants on the seafront.
Around the next bay is the end of the Mizen Peninsula with its rugged coastline, the surfing mecca and golden sands of Barleycove Beach and at the end of the road a mile or two further on, the most south-westerly tip of Ireland. There you'll find a visitor centre and spectacular walks laid out along the rocky coastline leading to the recently re-built and re-opened pedestrian bridge over to the Mizen Lighthouse and Fog-Signal Station. Next stop America!
Owing to the location of the property on a cliff overlooking the sea, the property may not be suitable for small children, unless under constant adult supervision within and without the property.
Keywords: Ocean Front Lighthouse Dwelling
