The hotel has always retained the atmosphere of a private residence. There is a pillared west facing entrance porch leading to a hall and reception area where the decorative cornicing and plasterwork remains intact. From here, doors lead to a residents lounge, the dining room and the extended Gallery Bar. Other ground floor accommodation includes a private diningroom and a fully equipped commercial kitchen.

One of Ireland's most lauded hotels, the Arbutus Lodge in Cork city, is to be sold by the owners, Declan and Patsy Ryan, who are retiring. They will retain four self-catering townhouses across the road, and intend to develop their bread-baking business further. Auctioneers Cohalan Downing are quoting a guide price of £1.5 million for the property.

Situated on 1.25 acres overlooking Cork city centre, Arbutus Lodge was one of Ireland's few Michelin-starred restaurants, and it has held the prestigious Egon Ronay Cellar of the Year Award. Among the awards it currently holds are the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, two AA rosettes and a Bord Failte garden award. Arbutus Lodge is beautifully located above terraced gardens, with magnificent views over the city, the River Lee and the hills surrounding Cork. It was in private ownership until 1961 when it was converted to an hotel by the late Sean Ryan, father of hotelier Declan Ryan.

The hotel has always retained the atmosphere of a private residence. There is a pillared west facing entrance porch leading to a hall and reception area where the decorative cornicing and plasterwork remains intact. From here, doors lead to a residents lounge, the dining room and the extended Gallery Bar. Other ground floor accommodation includes a private diningroom and a fully equipped commercial kitchen.

Downstairs an enlarged function room has picture windows overlooking the gardens and a sliding door to a patio area. Upstairs, there are 16 en suite bedrooms The gardens are full of mature trees including the Arbutus Tree.