Waterfront offices of Donegan legal practice up for sale in Cobh for €430k 

No.1 Westbourne Place, part of a handsome Italianate terrace built in the 1850s by shipbuilder James Scott, is under offer from a diverse range of buyers, including those viewing it for commercial use; those interested in a mixed live/work space, and those who would like it as a home.

The four-storey over-basement building has a long and distinguished history, starting out as residential quarters for Royal Navy officers when Cobh was an important naval base for the British. While a legal practice has operated out of the premises for close on 100 years, previous uses included a photographic studio and a doctor’s surgery.

The vendor, solicitor Sally Donegan, opened her own legal practice in the building in 1999, but shut up shop last November, having amalgamated with Don Ryan & Co Solicitors in nearby landmark building, Carrig House.

Ms Donegan, a fifth-generation lawyer, recalls stories of her grandfather Henry E Donegan rowing to the practice in Cobh, which faces directly onto the magnificent esplanade, designed by prominent English architect Decimus Burton in the mid-1800s. Ms Donegan’s great-grandfather, solicitor Henry PF Donegan, had an office on the South Mall in Cork City, while No.1 Westbourne Place was the branch office. Her great-great-grandfather, Daniel Valentine Donegan, was also a solicitor on South Mall.

No.1 Westbourne Place has operated as a mix of commercial and residential for a number of years. Ms Donegan ran her practice out of the ground and first floor, while the top two floors were given over to a self-contained three-bed apartment, with living room, kitchen and shower room on one floor, and bedrooms overhead. 

All of the front rooms are south facing with splendid harbour views. The apartment operated successfully as a rental. Rooms are bright, spacious, and generously proportioned.

Ms Donegan said the property has been “witness to many events, from the final departure of the ill-fated Titanic through to the myriad of cruise liners that today bring the town to life from spring through to autumn”.

“The front windows were prime viewing for the presidential visit during the Titanic commemorations which took place on the promenade across the road [in 2012],” she added, while the building offers “front-row seats“.to the annual regatta fireworks display.

No.1 Westbourne Place, a 275sq m (2,960sq ft) building, has original architectural features throughout, with the exception of some PVC windows, installed before the building was listed.

It’s referenced in architectural heritage database Buildings of Ireland as “an attractive composition” where render details and ornate external cast iron railings have been retained. It adjoins historic Casement Square and is part of the terrace that houses the iconic Commodore Hotel.

Selling the distinctive property is Liz Hannon of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers and she said interest is strong, with a couple of offers in, from both investors and homeowners.

“It’s a lovely property to show and it is going well. The views are fabulous. The cruise liners pass by the windows as they come in to berth and as they leave, and you are looking straight across at the promenade and the harbour,” said Ms Hannon.

The premises includes a basement and an attic, both used for storage, but with potential to make more of under new owners.

The location is excellent, in Cobh town centre, just minutes from the railway station.

No.1 comes up for sale as a good deal of commercial property — including a number of pubs — changes hands in Cobh. Just last month, plans were revealed for the transformation of a former Bank of Ireland premises at 18 Casement Square, two doors down from No.1 Westbourne Place.

The building, vacant since the bank closed in 2021, has been cleared for conversion to a cafe and boutique.

The developers are Harbour Roots Ltd, a joint venture between Garry and Anne Wilson, owners of restored Belvelly Castle, and business partner Jonathan Lee.

DETAILS: Liz Hannon, McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers
E: liz@mccarthymcgrath.com
T: 0214811494.