CORK, Ireland – Lee Villa, a landmark Italianate residence in Cork City’s Sunday’s Well, has been placed on the market for €975,000, initiating what local observers are calling a “Great House Revival” for the region’s architectural heritage. The property, dating back to at least 1841, requires substantial restoration but offers a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial period home in a prime location.
Originally known as Amati Villa, the house first appeared on ordnance survey maps of Cork in the early 19th century, initially as a two-story building with five bays. By 1900, significant alterations had transformed the property into the three-story villa that stands today, complete with bay windows and a balcony.
The villa’s history is closely tied to John Morrogh, a prominent Cork businessman who leased the property in 1887. Morrogh made his fortune in the diamond mines of Kimberley, South Africa, and was an early director of De Beers Consolidated Mines. His wealth enabled extensive remodelling of Lee Villa, adding the third story and transforming it into a social hub for Cork’s elite.
“It was one of those homes that everyone knew of, but few had access to,” according to historical accounts of the period. Invitations to Lee Villa were considered highly sought after, representing a signal of social status and providing opportunities for business and political alliances.
Morrogh’s influence extended beyond business. He served as a nationalist MP representing South-East Cork in Westminster from 1889 to 1893 and was active on Cork County Council. He as well established Morroghs Mills in Douglas, converting a former flax mill into a large-scale woollen manufacturing operation.
The property remained in the Morrogh family for generations. A notable detail from 1993, when Morrogh’s daughter, Dorothy Foreman, celebrated her 100th birthday, was a congratulatory message received from De Beers, highlighting the enduring connection between the family and the diamond industry.
The current owner, who purchased Lee Villa 40 years ago, has a long track record of architectural conservation, having previously restored Fenns Quay and Nano Nagle Place in Cork City. However, the scale of the Lee Villa project has proven too large to manage.
“Although it’s not a protected structure, it is in an area of architectural conservation,” said Dennis Guerin and Chloe Reidy, of Frank V Murphy auctioneers, the selling agents. “Whoever rises to the challenge will have the satisfaction of securing the future of this remarkable property and preserving its legacy for generations to arrive.”
The property occupies a secluded, mature site of approximately 0.5 acres, offering spectacular views overlooking Cork City, Fitzgerald Park, the River Lee, and the surrounding countryside. The villa’s south-facing orientation maximizes light and views, with the main reception rooms offering panoramic vistas.
However, the structural changes made during Morrogh’s remodelling have created challenges. One bay window requires significant intervention to prevent collapse, and the balcony is considered precarious. The restoration will necessitate a substantial investment, but parallels can be drawn to the successful restoration of the ‘Red House’ in Sunday’s Well, which sold for nearly €2 million after a comprehensive renovation.
Lee Villa is located within walking distance of Cork City Centre, major hospitals, University College Cork, and Apple’s Hollyhill campus. Frank V Murphy auctioneers are seeking buyers “who are looking for a period property with immense potential in a prime location.”
