Former North Cork TB sanitorium for sale for €300k
Heatherside Hospital, set on more than 20 acres in the Ballyhoura Hills, near Buttevant, was built in 1909 as a sanitorium for tuberculosis (TB) patients at a time when death rates from the disease were spiking in Ireland.
It later served as a 180-bed geriatric unit, as well as an overflow facility for the Cork Mental Hospital, before closing permanently in 2010.
The complex first came to market at the end of 2020 and generated good interest, but was withdrawn after a short period. More recently, it was the site of protests after reports surfaced that the Government was considering using it to house international protection applicants. However, the move was ruled out last month after it was deemed 'not suitable' by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth.
It's back on the market now for €300,000, less than the cost of an average country bungalow, and for that the buyer will get a collection of buildings with a combined floor area of approximately 5,081sq m (54,691sq ft) on a private level site of about 8.32ha (20.55ac).
Its potential for development as an outdoor activity centre, hostel, or as a facility for the scouts or girl guides are among the possibilities put forward by selling agents Sherry FitzGerald.
'The property is situated in the Ballyhoura Hills, known for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and fishing,' said agent David McCarthy.
'Potential purchasers might include forestry businesses, outdoor activity operators, tourism entrepreneurs, or those looking to establish a spiritual, yoga, or religious retreat,' the agent added.
Coillte owns land adjoining the site. However, it has so far not expressed interest.
It falls under the stronger rural area zoning in the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.
The complex, in a secluded cul-de-sac setting about 9km north of Buttevant in the townland of Streamhill West, is 19km north of Mallow and 55km north of Cork City.
The buildings include a two-storey hospital dating to 1909 and several ancillary structures, including a church and a house from the 1930s. While some buildings feature in the National Inventory of Buildings of Ireland, they are not listed as protected structures.
They've fallen into considerable disrepair since the hospital closed permanently in 2010, and returning them to use would require substantial investment.
From a design perspective, the former hospital is an interesting building.
It is curved with various projections and numerous rooms opening at ground and first-floor level to terraces and balconies, as befitted a sanatorium, where fresh air and rest were considered the route to recovery for consumptive patients.
In fact, the bracing Ballyhoura outdoor setting, reached at the end of a long avenue, was one of the reasons the site was selected for a sanitorium in the first place. It's isolation was another.
Built after years of rampant TB, the need for the medical facility was recognised by the wife of the Earl of Aberdeen, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, after a trip abroad brought home to her how much higher the TB death rate was in Ireland compared to other countries.
In 1910, the sanitary authorities of County Cork combined with Cork Corporation to establish Heatherside Sanitorium.
Access to the site is through a gated entrance along its southern boundary.
The property is just a 10- minute drive from the main N20 Cork-Limerick national road and 7km north of Doneraile and the popular Doneraile Wildlife Park. The complex was deemed surplus to HSE requirements in 2024, and licensed by the HSE to the Department of Integration. The department handed it back after deeming it unsuitable for asylum seeker accommodation.
It's back on the market now and agents are seeking expressions of interest 'in the region of €300,000'.
The property is for sale by tender and the deadline is noon on Thursday, July 3.
DETAILS: Sherry FitzGerald Commercial T: 0214270099; E: david.mccarthy@sherryfitz.ie.
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