Eglantine: Historic Montenotte Home of Actress fiona Shaw Listed for €1.15M
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The historic home of acclaimed actress Fiona Shaw, known to many as Aunt Petunia Dursley from the Harry Potter films, is now on the market. Eglantine, a 200-year-old Georgian residence located in Montenotte, Cork, is listed for €1.15 million. Owned by the Wilson family for over half a century, the property offers a glimpse into Cork’s rich cultural and social history.Its elevated setting provides stunning views of Cork city, reminiscent of the vistas enjoyed by guests at the nearby Montenotte Hotel.
Eglantine, situated on approximately 0.7 of an acre, has been a landmark in the Montenotte area for generations. The property’s history is intertwined with the story of the Wilson family, who purchased it when the late dr. Denis Wilson, an ophthalmic surgeon, and his wife Mary moved from Whitepoint in Cobh. Dr.Wilson, a respected consultant at the Ear Nose and Throat, later chronicled the history of the Cork Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in his book, ‘De Iron Trote’, published after his retirement.
A Cultural Hub in Cork
Under the ownership of Denis and Mary Wilson,Eglantine became a vibrant cultural hub. The couple, with their lifelong passion for the arts, music, and theater, transformed their Montenotte home into a venue for poetry readings, operatic evenings, and musical recitals.The Wilsons raised their four children—John, Mark, Peter, and Fiona—in these stimulating surroundings. Fiona Wilson, now known globally as Fiona Shaw, honed her dramatic talents within the walls of Eglantine, putting on shows from a young age.
Even today, one of the formal reception rooms is known as the Piano Room, housing a baby grand piano and John’s double bass. John and mark now reside in France, where John plays in jazz combos.Tragically,the youngest son,Peter,died in a car accident in 1985 at the age of 18.
Denis Wilson passed away in 2011.Mary continued to live at Eglantine until last year. Now, the family is selling the cherished home, a process that involves sorting through decades of memories, from fine prints of Cork harbor to musical scores.
Property Details and Potential
Eglantine is a detached, three-bay home, largely hidden from view on its extensive grounds.The property is located a short distance from the Montenotte hotel, known for its viewing terraces and unique “treehouse” woodland suites. The grounds feature a working ornamental fountain, an old orchard, and woodland extending to the high sandstone bluff above the lower Glanmire Road.
The property includes a former coach-house and stables, offering potential for conversion. While the gate access is somewhat restricted,the addition of convex mirrors could easily address this. The house itself retains much of its original elegance, with minimal alterations over the past 50 years. While some PVC double glazing was installed, a new owner could replace these with energy-efficient timber sliding sash windows.
eglantine, while not a protected structure, has gas central heating and a suite of basement rooms suitable for various uses, including storage, a gym, or a home office. The main entry features an original porch with stained glass, leading to a hall with a curving staircase. The reception rooms boast original doors, floors, fireplaces, and decorative plasterwork.
One of the bedrooms, formerly Fiona Wilson’s, required a fire to combat the cold, according to her brother John. The main bathroom is described as a beguiling timepiece
that would not be out of place in a Hogwarts scene.
a rare opportunity of a considerable period property on extensive mature gardens of 0.7 acres has arisen.
Laura Pratt,Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty
laura Pratt of Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty,the estate agent handling the sale,describes Eglantine as a rare opportunity of a substantial period property on extensive mature gardens of 0.7 acres.
She highlights the mix of living and bedroom accommodation,the extensive grounds,and the unbeatable location just 2.5kms from Cork city.
A Lasting Legacy
Eglantine stands as a testament to the Wilson family’s legacy and their contribution to Cork’s cultural landscape. While the property may not need a heritage plaque to commemorate Fiona Shaw’s upbringing there, its history and architectural meaning speak volumes.
The sale of Eglantine marks the end of an era for the Wilson family, but it also presents a unique opportunity for a new owner to embrace the history and potential of this remarkable Montenotte home.
Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty has set a price guide of €1.15 million for Eglantine.
Unveiling Eglantine: A Cork Heritage Home and the Legacy of Fiona Shaw
Did you know that the childhood home of acclaimed actress Fiona Shaw, Aunt Petunia Dursley herself, is now on the market? This isn’t just a house; it’s a portal into Cork’s rich cultural history.
Interviewer: Dr. Eleanor Vance, architectural historian and expert on Georgian-era Irish residences, welcome to World Today News. Eglantine, the former home of Fiona Shaw, is generating considerable interest. What makes this property so unique and historically significant?
Dr. Vance: Thank you for having me. Eglantine’s significance lies not just in its connection to Ms. Shaw, but in its embodiment of Cork’s social and cultural fabric over two centuries. The property’s architectural features, as a prime example of Georgian design in Montenotte, already hold considerable historical value. Its survival largely unaltered for 50 years offers a rare insight into the lifestyle and tastes of a prominent cork family during this period. Coupled with the Wilsons’ dedication to the arts, the home itself becomes a repository of memories, musical performances, and the very essence of a vibrant family life. The fact that it was a center for artistic and cultural pursuits adds another layer to its historical importance.
Interviewer: The article mentions the Wilson family’s significant contribution to Cork’s cultural landscape.Can you elaborate on their impact and how Eglantine facilitated this?
Dr. vance: Absolutely. The Wilsons, especially Denis and Mary, were prominent figures in Cork’s artistic scene.Denis Wilson, an ophthalmic surgeon, achieved recognition for documenting the Cork Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital’s history while Mary’s passion for artistic expression and hosting events transformed Eglantine into what coudl be describes as a cultural salon. Their home was a venue for poetry readings, musical recitals, and theatrical events. This fostered a creative surroundings, shaping the artistic development of their children, including Fiona Shaw. Their legacy isn’t confined to their immediate circle; it extended to fostering cultural appreciation within the wider Cork community.
Interviewer: The listing highlights the property’s features—the grounds, the coach house, and the unique architectural details. What are the most noteworthy aspects from a preservation perspective?
Dr. Vance: Eglantine’s architectural charm is undeniable. The three-bay Georgian design, the original stained glass, the curved staircase, and the period fireplaces are all extremely desirable features which reflect the aesthetic choices of the era. The pitch-pine paneling and decorative plasterwork are particularly noteworthy. The extensive grounds, including the working fountain, old orchard, and woodland, offer a rare chance to preserve a significant piece of Cork’s landscape. The potential conversion of the coach house and stables presents a chance for sensitive restoration and repurposing,maintaining the integrity of the property.preserving these features – particularly the original interior detailing – offers future owners the opportunity to make a significant contribution to Cork’s built heritage. While not a protected structure, it holds immense historical weight.
Interviewer: The property’s current condition is described as largely unaltered. What challenges and opportunities does this present for a potential buyer?
Dr. Vance: The fact that Eglantine’s design hasn’t been radically altered since the middle 20th century presents immense opportunities from both restoration and aesthetic perspectives. Though, modernizing the property while retaining its period features will require careful consideration and a commitment to preservation principles. This may involve sensitive replacements, such as upgrading insulation or replacing the existing PVC double glazing with more energy-efficient double-glazed sliding sash timber windows. Such a renovation could be achieved with sensitivity to the style of the house and to its heritage.
interviewer: What would you recommend to a potential buyer looking to purchase and maintain Eglantine’s historical integrity?
Dr. Vance: I’d recommend:
Engaging a heritage consultant: To assess the building’s condition and advise on appropriate restoration strategies.
Prioritizing sensitive renovations: Focusing on upgrading systems (heating,electrics) while maintaining and restoring the structure’s original details.
Researching grants and funding opportunities: To support the cost of sensitive restoration and preservation efforts.
Documenting the history: Create a comprehensive record of the refurbishment stages to ensure that future alterations can retain a clear lineage throughout the property’s history.
Interviewer: what is your overall assessment of Eglantine’s importance, not just as a property but as a piece of Cork’s history?
Dr. Vance: Eglantine is more than just a house; it’s a tangible link to Cork’s past, representing the lives and contributions of a remarkable family. Its architectural detailing and the cultural legacy it embodies make it a truly significant site in Cork’s built and social history. Its preservation should be considered of national importance. Given its unique blend of architectural excellence and cultural significance,it’s more than worthy of the attention it is currently receiving.
Final Thoughts: Eglantine offers a remarkable chance to own a part of Cork’s history. Its sale represents a bittersweet moment for the Wilson family, but for a new visionary buyer, it presents a significant opportunity to protect and treasure a unique piece of Ireland’s heritage. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the significance of preserving historical homes like eglantine in the comments section below.