This house was built in 1845 and has had a colourful history attached to it from its earliest day. Dr. James Roche Verling, a native of Cobh lived here for a number of years. He was personal physician to Napoleon Bonaparte on St. Helena from 1818 to 1820. The eminent doctor died in 1858 and is buried in the Old Cemetery.

The Carbery family who were renowned for their relief work during the Great Irish Famine bought the house and lived here until 1914. Having been purchased by Bishop Robert Browne the house was officially opened in November 1916 as the Sacred Heart Noviciate. Father Browne, a nephew of the Bishop, was a first class passenger on the Titanic from Southampton to Queenstown. He frequently stayed at this house. He gave lectures on the Titanic here and displayed his prolific collection of photographs of the ship. Many of these photographs were used by the international media following the tragedy. Father Browne also celebrated Mass here.