A MAJOR renovation, and in a listed property at that, is not for every person. But the opportunity to own and make over a 19th century church of beautiful build and heritage in a prime slot in Dough, Kilkee will surely appeal to some.
We write of St James Church on Church Road, which offers 336 sq mt and currently, double height ceilings as only the choir gallery occupies its upper reaches. Built in 1845 to a design attributed to James Pain (179 to 1843), this stonework gem is placed on the market by Billy Gabbett of John Shaw Auctioneers.
The site is close to half an acre, which will afford fine gardens and parking, should Clare County Council be amenable.
“St James is a Church of Ireland property that has not been open in five to ten years,” notes Billy Gabbett. “It’s design is attributed to that of the Pain brothers who were two English architects who came to Ireland and were behind some gems such as Adare Manor, Dromoland and the Tontine buildings of Pery Square, numbers 1 to 6 all facing People’s Park.
“George Pain went to Cork, James worked in Clare and in Limerick”.
Noting the attractiveness of this Kilkee limestone and pitch-pine roofed heritage build to travellers of the Wild Atlantic Way, his surmise is that future life as a gallery/ café or restaurant will be explored by an entrepreneur.
Architectural details include dressed stone walls with cut-stone buttresses, hood mouldings to the chancel and entrance gable windows. Lancet openings with ashar dressings and cast iron and timber traceried windows finish that inimitably ecclesiastical look.
Talk to the experienced Billy Gabbett, Shaws Auctioneers, on 087-7025531 and 061-311133.
