1828 – Spa House, Mallow, Co. Cork

Constructed in 1828 over a spring well – the house eventually became the headquarter of the Rakes of Mallow. Designed by George Pain who had produced a Greek classical temple as his initial design, but was over-ruled by the Jephson family who had commissioned the building.

Desctribed by Lewis as “The spa house was built in 1828, by C.D.O. Jephson, Esq., M.P., the present lord of the manor and principal proprietor of the town: it is in the old English style of rural architecture, and contains a small pump-room, an apartment for medical consultation, a reading-room, and baths; the whole fitted up in the most complete manner for supplying, at the shortest notice, hot and cold salt-water, vapour, and medicated baths. The approach to the spa from the town is partly through an avenue of lofty trees along the bank of an artificial canal, affording some picturesque scenery; it is in contemplation to form an approach from the north end of the new street, winding round the brow of the hill and through the Spa glen, the present outlet from the lower part of the town being inconveniently narrow.” Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837