Ultimately, the descendants of Sir James Fitz Edmond Cotter retained their wealth and political prominence, but at the cost of losing the faith and culture their ancestors long upheld.

[9][10] The fifth Baronet was a Lieutenant in the South of Ireland Imperial Yeomanry[11] and in 1914 was appointed to the office of High Sheriff of County Cork.

Born around 1630, the second son of Edmond Fitz Garrett Cotter of Anngrove and Elizabeth Connell of Barryscourt, he was knighted in 1685, and died in 1705.

King James II is reported to have familiarly referred to Cotter as "Shaymus Bwee," Séamus Buidhe in Irish.

Although a Jacobite, Sir James was politically astute having the support of his Protestant neighbours which allowed him to retain his property and lands.

Wilson, writing in 1786, describes it as "a most beautiful improvement, highly wooded, situated on the Blackwater, the seat of Sir James Laurence Cotter".

The main section of the house and wings, built by Sir James, dates to the early Georgian period (his grandfather was granted the lands in 1652).

In 1837, in A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, Samuel Lewis describes Rockforest thus: 'Rockforest the handsome mansion of Sir J. L. Cotter, Bart., is beautifully situated on a rising ground between the Black-water and the Lavally mountain, in an extensive and richly wooded demesne, bounded on the north by the river, which sweeps bodly under the rock or Carrig, the woods and castellated tower on the summit of the rock forming a most picturesque and interesting scene.

The then auction sales brochure called it to the attention of "Noblemen, Hunting Men, Capitalists and Others" and describes the house thus, "this stately Mansion, which is in perfect structural and decorative repair, occupies a commanding situation on an eminence richly timbered, and affords delightful and varied views in the midst of charming scenary on the River Blackwater".

It continues, " ... justly enjoying the reputation as the most Desirable and Beautiful Residential Property on the fertile banks of the Irish Rhine".

[30][31] Cotter was educated at Allhallows College, Rousden, and the University of East London where he graduated with a BA Honours Degree in Fine Art and Film Theory.