Opis:

An iconic island, situated circa 1.5 miles off the south west coast of Ireland, in the famed sailing waters of Roaring Water Bay, also known as Carbery 100 Isles. The entire area is considered as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

West Skeam Island measures approximately 33 acres with two smaller Island`s Leighillaum and Illaunatrumppaum. In keeping with the vernacular and traditional layout of Irish farm holdings, there are three cottages clustered together adjacent to its pier.

The stone built cottages date originally from the 1840`s and have kept many of their period features such as their Rockville green slate roof identical to Cobh Cathedral which were imported from the same Virginian quarry. All cottages are enclosed into a private courtyard with wooden shuttered windows. The courtyard cottages are nicely set with Indus Valley cobble lock at two levels with panoramic sea views. There is also an inset water spa bath.

All three cottages were extensively & sympathetically renovated in 2005 with oak flooring throughout, new bathrooms & heating systems. In the main Cottage named Heir Island, a bespoke hand crafted kitchen was installed with an integrated combo electric & gas Rayburn fitted. Another feature would be the Sharnwood Island stove in an attractive wide traditional fire place opening.

All cottages have wifi and the Broadband service is microwave wireless with speeds up to 40mbps available. Mobile is 4G and serves as an excellent broadband backup to 30Mbps with five different mobile operators providing strong spectrum in the area.

Transport to the island comes in the form of an all year round ferry service from Cunnamore Pier which also services adjacent inhabited islands at both Heir & Horse Island. Western Skeam also has its own private all tide harbour pier that was recently upgraded including a purpose built harbour wall, to ensure landing in all weathers is straight forward and safe. Further to this, there are also two deep water moorings in the harbour and an auxiliary deep water mooring in Rossbrin.

There are four main beaches that are uniquely private and attractive. The main harbour & beach are perfect for all water sports and swimming. Sailing or motoring to Heir Island sailing school or the picturesque &popular harbour villages of Baltimore to the east and Schull to the west, and the Islands of Cape Clear &Sherkin to South is an enjoyable experience and one of particular interest to sailing enthusiasts.

The Island has had a varied and interesting history. First inhabited in 350 AD by early Gnostic Christian settlers escaping persecution under Pope Constantine. The next recorded inhabitants were from the mid 19th century to the 1950`s when the island was farmed by two families by the name of O`Regan.

In more recent times an artist & renowned American World War II pilot made efforts to bring the old overgrown airstrip back into commission. While the philosopher Edward De Bono, who coined the phrase ‘lateral thinking`, ran international executive coaching sessions on the Island for many years. Currently the island is owned by an Irish family and used as a place to get together and escape from busy modern living.

Cork International airport is approximately a 75-minute drive to Cunnamore pier which has the benefit of a large car park, the island is then only a few minutes by boat. Skibbereen (market town) is approx. a 10-minute drive where there are a host of public amenities.

Ref: 36645-1270