Lota House

Overlooking Lee estuary to S and mouth of Glashaboy River to W, built 1765 to design of Davis Duckart. Central block 3-storey, 9-bay; prominent quoins and elaborately carved cornice. Central 3-bay breakfront with pedimenta bove Baroque porch; above porch four pilasters enclose 3 central bays, surmounted by urns on the parapet (Glin 1967, 739). Symmetrical arcaded wings extend from rear of W and E elevations to pyramidal-roofed pavilions. 'The interior has an elaborate, double-ramp mahogany staircase' (Glin ibid.). 18th century prints show a plainer house with string course between ground and 1st floors. Plaster window surrounds, string courses at base of 1st and 2nd floor windows and pediment over breakfront all added. Roof originally parapeted; raised to extend to upper edge parapet; gabled roofs of wings also raised and pavilions heavily altered. Now owned by Brothers of Charity. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009