The picturesque thatched cottage, situated in the serene countryside of Gort, Co Galway, might not bring to mind the bright lights of Los Angeles. However, Walter Gotell, the late actor, found great amusement in claiming he was in ‘Studio City’, a name which he gave to this home. It was a playful hint that he resided in the heart of the film industry, not in rural Galway.
The choice of ‘Studio City’ resonated with his partner, Sheila, a passionate painter, who had intentions to transform two ruins on the property into artist studios. Unfortunately, these plans never materialised.
Born in Germany and a British national, Gotell is remembered primarily for his recurring role as a James Bond villain – General Gogol in the Roger Moore era. He portrayed the character in various movies from the late 70s including The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill and The Living Daylights. His earlier appearance in the franchise was as another antagonist, Morzeny, in From Russia with Love in 1963.
Despite Sheila’s Irish roots, it was Gotell who discovered the cottage. After a single visit, the duo decided to purchase the property. Previously a city bolthole, the well-maintained property has been Sheila’s full-time residence for approximately 28 years, continuing to live there even after Gotell’s death in 1997. Their original intention was to seek refuge from the frenetic pace of London life.
The beautiful cottage dating back to around 1910, with its sky-blue highlights and traditional thatched roof, holds sentimental value for Sheila. She embraced the chance to preserve a piece of Irish heritage and opted to bolster the roof structure. This decision allows a switch to typical tiles, if required, although that could result in a significant visual loss.
The quaint four-bedroom cottage, encompassing an area of 118 square metres (1,270 square feet) and boasting an E Ber rating, comprises an attractive internal setting. A spectacular tiled entrance porch guides guests into the snug living room, with its signature open-hearth fireplace, finished with a wood-burning stove, and bright plastered walls. These elements together create a perfect setting to curl with a blanket and a gripping novel. The decoration in the room reflects Sheila’s artistic taste, showcasing a collection of striking gilt-framed portraits painted by her.
The kitchen, complete with farmhouse-style wooden cabinets, offers a space for dining, and includes a door leading towards the verdant garden. The ground floor also accommodates three bedrooms — one notable for its ceiling beams, and another exhibiting a traditional cast-iron fireplace — as well as the primary bathroom. An additional fourth bedroom suite occupies the upper level, complete with a private en suite shower room and a spacious sauna, capable of accommodating multiple people.
However, the property doesn’t end here. It also includes a guest cottage, constructed from the stone sourced from the proximate Burren, and characterised by its thick 70-cm walls. Being here, says Sheila’s daughter, is much like sleeping tranquillity itself. The raw, exposed stone emboldens the cottage’s character, and includes a kitchenette, a main living/dining space, a generous double bedroom and a shower room.
Spanning 0.7 acres, the exteriors present numerous possibilities not just for avid gardeners, but also for expansion or restoration of ruins — a plan once dreamt by the property owner. Listed on the market for €285,000 by DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, this delightful cottage provides more than what simply meets the eye. With the feasibility of remote work, the property fits aptly for those buying homes for the first time or even those planning to downsize. It’s a perfect place for shutting down one’s laptop as the clock strikes 5:00 p.m. and immersing oneself in the breathtaking surroundings. The property appeals to creative individuals looking for a workspace, and those intending to grow their own variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs on the site.
Despite offering tranquillity and isolation, Studio City at Attifineen is merely a short drive away from local attractions, — only 25 minutes from Burren National Park, Kinvara’s flaggy shore coastline and Ennis, as well as 10 minutes from Gort. In Sheila’s daughter’s words, its location is perfect for those wishing to “dip back into life”. To top it off, Shannon Airport is only a manageable 35-minute scenic drive away.