Jane Somerville describes that homes like these are ever-changing. We find ourselves in the inviting lobby of Drishane House on an uncertain spring day, one moment tempting irresistibly, and violently hostile the next. Post a delectable midday meal at Mary Ann’s in Castletownshend, we made a stopover at St Barrahane’s Church. Here, we find an unexpected image of a purple cow in the stained glass windows by Harry Clarke, placed amidst shepherds saluting the infant Jesus.
This bovine representation serves as homage to Edith Somerville of Drishane, who codified the Irish R.M. series with her cousin Violet Martin, adopting the pseudonyms Somerville and Ross. Not just an author, Edith was also a proficient artist and a pioneer in bringing Friesian cattle to Ireland.
For over two and a half centuries, Drishane has seen nine generations of the Somerville family. Their lineage includes a Scottish clergyman running from persecution, a tycoon in shipping, soldiers, adventurers, along with Edith, the author and artist herself.
Edith, who was the great grandaunt of the present proprietor, Tom Somerville, is commemorated in Drishane through a miniature museum in her former studio. Here one can appreciate an array of her precious works, including a doodle of Oscar Wilde, captioned with the words “not very like in face – but the general impression.” She later portrayed Martin as “a great fat oily beast.” Her hymn book features doodles, possibly the outcome of lengthy sermons.
Tom says, “She would rather be remembered as an artist,” adding that, “She mentioned, ‘If I die and reach heaven, I want to possess a set of paints.’”
Drishane, though not grand in size, exudes elegance. It serves as a home to a collection of Jane’s artwork and an assortment of ancestral relics; each object narrating a different chapter in the family’s history. Tom, pointing to a painting showcasing the village’s main street, identifies a small boy – his sailing mentor, as per his father’s words.
The warmth of Drishane was primarily enhanced by a large wood-burning stove, which Jane had installed soon after she and Tom decided to call Drishane their home in 2007. Their friendly Labrador always found solace near it. Jane’s first major change was the installation of a new kitchen with a solid fuel range, She strikes a humorous note sharing, “Once I slept wearing a hat to beat the cold!”. She warns against the changing of the old with the new by adding, “If you put too much central heating into an old house, your furniture is going to shrink.”
A small scullery, with a stone step rounded by years of foot traffic, unveils beyond the kitchen. Remnants of familial connections and friendships, including notable personalities like George Bernard Shaw and T E Lawrence are spotted throughout the house. Yet, the essence of Drishane’s charm is the harmonious fusion of its historical layers; each passing time adds to the perception of the place, Jane adroitly observes.
She further adds, “If you gut and re-do everything, you are losing a lot of history.” For their efforts and dedication to preserve Drishane, Jane and Tom have recently been honoured with the fourth Historic Houses of Ireland O’Flynn Group Heritage Prize. Established by Robert O’Byrne, the prize acknowledges the efforts of historic homeowners in preserving such houses.
Drishane’s charm is further enhanced by the creativity displayed in the form of house rentals, guided tours, wedding hosting and renting of three cottages for short or extended periods. This valuable endeavour ensures the house’s survival. Robert O’Byrne speaks highly of such individuals, “Many of them stretch their resources to the limit in order to ensure the survival of houses for which they have assumed responsibility.”
“Preserving the exceptional historic homes of Ireland is no easy task, according to Thomas Cosby from Stradbally Hall who serves as the chairman of Historic Houses of Ireland. He highlights the importance of appreciating the efforts being put in to maintain these properties all over Ireland. These efforts extend not only to the manors themselves but also the adjoining territories that hold untapped potential for promoting the ecological, biodiversity, and green energy aspirations of the country.
Drishane, in this respect, is superbly set. It overlooks the diverse West Cork coast, with a small stone shelter in the woods, constructed by a Thomas from a previous era to watch his ships approach. The expansive gardens are adorned with extraordinary trees and an array of walkways amidst a vibrant floral blanket that alternates from daffodils to bluebells, reaching their full bloom in June, branded as “the most stunning month”, by Jane.
The place is seemingly interwoven with strands of memories. Edith’s daily tea table still remains in the hall, while a portrait of her father, also named Thomas, in his childhood clothes with his mother and sister, hangs over the mantelpiece. There was a peculiar belief of dressing young boys in female clothes to protect them from the fairies, Tom explains. As the seventh Thomas in the lineage, he believed it was destined for him to reside there, a belief reinforced by the fact that the couple’s eldest son is also a Thomas.
The drawing room houses charming Indo-Gothic cornices, bought by Edith at an auction, and a striking mantelpiece made in Hong Kong by her brother Cameron to replace the former Adam style that perished when the fireplace fell apart. The inheritance of its careful guardians across generations adds depth to its history. The bookshelves in the small library were salvaged from shipwrecks of Dutch trade ships, a common sight along this coastal stretch. “There’s austere mast supporting the ceiling,” points out Jane “a prime example of effective repurposing.” A tiny rip in the vintage hand-painted wallpaper reveals the slats beneath, embodying the life and endurance of historical structures.”
In the dining hall, Edith’s etching of her name into the glass with a diamond, is still visible. Edith must have been quite the character. She audaciously overpainted the original artist’s work in her portrait, opting for a graver expression. According to Tom, this comes as a surprise, considering familial anecdotes reflect a zestful woman. It is possible that the stern demeanour was a necessary imposition for a woman managing a large estate like Drishane, in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Inside the ground floor lavatory, you’d find some striking taxidermied foxes showcasing her fondness for hunting. Jane narrated a story of a family niece convincing an old relative to bequeath her wealth to her. This narrative inspired ‘The Real Charlotte’ book, she reveals. First published in 1894, the Somerville and Ross novel is currently regarded as a classic. It effectively encapsulates a distinctive period and location revealing a slice of history. This resonance is also found at Drishane where objects and tales of times gone by are meticulously conserved, each encapsulating an engaging facet in the storyline.
“Securing the award was truly remarkable,” Jane exclaims, “It’s truly satisfying, realising that our efforts are perceived as worthwhile.” “It’s validating,” Thomas chimes in, “Persistence is key, you just keep moving forward,” “History unfolds gradually,” Jane surmises, “That’s the lesson.”
Drishane can be privately rented on a weekly scheme and it opens its doors to the public during certain weeks in May, June, August, and October. More information is available on the website drishane.com.