New owners hope to restore Georgian house to former glory

Planners are considering a proposal to refurbish a three-storey house at Nuns Island, which dates back to around 1800.

Charlie Spillane recently purchased the Georgian property at 5 Nuns Island and plans to carry out extensive work on the Protected Structure.

The works include the demolition of an existing single and two-storey return at the rear of the premises and replace it with a new single-storey extension.

An appraisal of the house found: “The scale and form of this early 19th Century Georgian building make it a notable feature of the streetscape. It has retained a great deal of character through features such as timber sash windows and a fine recessed Georgian-style doorcase.

According to the application, the intention is to turn the property into his family home.

“Mr Spillane and his family are very much aware of the protected status of this structure and the heritage features within. This was very much part of the attraction of this property for them, having owned and lived in a period property previously.

“They are keen to preserve as much of the heritage features and character of the building as possible,” the application reads.

It adds that the building has been subdivided into a number of flats and bed-sit type units, and while much of the historic fabric remains, there are significant structural defects, including prominent settlement of the internal structural spine wall and of the extension at the rear.

The property is believed to have been built around 1800, with the return added to the rear around 1830.

“It is proposed that the internal structural defects be reconstructed and that the rear return be removed totally. A replacement contemporary single-storey extension is proposed at the rear,” the application reads.

City planners requested further information on the restoration works, as well as details on the condition of the roof timbers and slates.

Details were also sought in relation to trees to the rear of the property, and for their protection during construction and in the long term.

“Given the importance of this protected structure, the applicant is requested to provide a detailed assessment for each of the existing windows and provide a detailed methodology for their repair rather than replacement,” planners said.

They are now considering the extensive further information which was submitted by the applicant.

According to the 1901 Census, there were nine inhabitants in the property – Patrick Cremin, a pensioner from the Royal Navy, and his family, who were originally from Cork City.

A decision on the application is due next month.