Fota House, Co. Cork

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In December 2007, Fota House became the first property acquired by the newly formed Irish Heritage Trust - a charity created to care for historic properties, houses and gardens throughout Ireland.

In this programme of The Architect's Eye we examine Fota House through the eyes of the architect Kevin Baird**

In the 1820's John Smith Barry, the then owner of Fota Estate, commissioned father and son architects Richard and William Vitruvius Morrison to convert a hunting lodge into an extended residence which became Fota House.

Richard and William Vitruvius Morrison were eminent architects of their time and Richard went on to found the Royal Institute for the Architects of Ireland.

Fota House contains over 70 rooms and of these 60 have fireplaces, ranging in size from the servant rooms to the large and beautifully proportioned principal rooms. An interesting aspect to Fota house are the false windows which were designed to enhance the aesthetic balance of the house. The style of the house is classical throughout and the decor reflects European trends in the gilt, marble work, painted ceilings and magnificent plaster detail throughout.

Initially it was proposed that the design of Fota House should reflect the then fashion for Tudor revival but a more elegant Regency style plan was ultimately executed.

In converting the hunting lodge into a residence, two new wings were added along with a Greek Doric portico entrance. The interior was opened up with fine scagliola columns leading to a stone staircase and the ceilings of the library and drawing room were decorated with great delicacy in the French style.
In 1872 the engineer Sir John Benson added a billiards room and an extensive conservatory, which was later altered in 1897 to become a gallery.

Fota house has remained virtually unchanged since the late 19th century. Now, after more than 100 years and under the direction of the Irish Heritage Trust, the house is in the process of being fully restored.

**Kevin Bair, architect, previously practiced in both the public and private sector. He is the current Chief Executive of the Irish Heritage Trust.
www.irishheritagetrust.ie