CURRENTLY OWNED BY tech entrepreneur Leonard Donnelly and his family, West Skeam Island is a tranquil getaway with a difference.
As well as taking on three lovingly renovated stone-built cottages, the next residents of West Skeam will take ownership of the 33-acre island itself, plus an ancient Gnostic Christian Church, a pier, an old World War II airstrip and what’s rumoured to be a Viking burial ground.
Situated 2.4km off the West Cork coastline in the famed sailing waters of Roaring Water Bay, the entire area occupied by the island is considered a Special Area of Conservation.
Despite its many years of history – the cottages date back to the 1840s and the other artefacts date back hundreds of years further – West Skeam Island is certainly a modern family retreat.
The three cottages, enclosed around a private courtyard, were renovated back in 2005 and feature oak flooring throughout, modern bathrooms and heating systems, wifi, 4G mobile connections and broadband internet.
In the main four-bedroom cottage there’s a custom fitted kitchen with a combo gas/electric Rayburn stove, plus a striking cast iron Sharnwood Island range.
West Skeam Island has four main beaches, and the one nearest the harbour is perfect for water sports, sailing and swimming. With the Heir Island sailing school nearby, Cape Clear and Sherkin islands within sailing distance, plus the harbour villages of Baltimore to the east and Schull to the west, there’s plenty to occupy water-sport fanatics.
Transport to the island is via a year-round ferry service from Cunnamore Pier, also serving Heir and Horse Islands.
From the pier, located between Skibbereen and Ballydehob, it’s a 75-minute drive to Cork airport and around an 80-minute drive to Cork city.
West Skeam Island in Roaring Water Bay, Skibbereen is on sale for €1,950,000, including three properties, with Charles McCarthy Auctioneers via Daft.ie.
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