The Hayloft

The Hayloft

The Hayloft

Contemporary Shangri-La

Book this home

County Waterford

Overlooking an exquisite farmyard restoration, in the heart of the historic and exclusive Woodhouse demesne, this voluminous rejuvenated attic space has morphed into a vibrant contemporary home, packed with premium delights and contemporary styling.
The private estate is itself a tranquil valley oasis adjacent to a beach on Waterford’s Copper Coast. There are three other unique and awesome cottages dotted around this rambling property making it ideal for a multi-family retreat.

 

Space for loads of cat swinging

The loft apartment occupies the top floor of a stylish and stately outbuilding restoration, and stretches along one side of the old farm yard.

The main entrance is via an inconspicuous run of Venetian-bridge stone steps off an elevated drive to the rear, where a pair of glazed doors lead into the cavernous kitchen and dining area – the centre of this spacious loft level attic home.

A huge French-door fridge is the most visible example of state-of-the-art touch control appliances available to the culinary wizard. There is an over-abundance of every utensil imaginable.

Solid oak floors and doors, walls of earthy stone, and skirting height windows, create the natural background for zingy turquoise bespoke cabinetry on an exaggerated scale.

A couple of steps up from the kitchen, the sage green sitting room sports an eclectic assortment sumptuous sofas and chairs. There is an open fireplace here, and an impressive grid of tailored shelving, but the dominant feature is a 75 inch flat-screen smart TV.

Smart technology permeates the apartment, with hi speed broadband, Netflix and motion activated lights, and underfloor heating.

Just beyond the sitting room in this linear layout, a vestibule with guest WC and shower-room serves as clothes storage for the subsequent Master Bedroom.

Generous as ever, with more soaring ceilings and a Super King size bed, its ensuite also has a centre tap bath.

The remainder of the accommodation lies to the other end of the apartment.
Stepping down from the kitchen, ankle level lights blink on to reveal a hallway that veers off to cosy and colourful snug, with an ultra-deep, stripy sofa group to curl up on, and another huge flat screen TV.

Passing through the snug, there is a charming double bedroom with French doors onto a romantic breakfast balcony.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Wide Caple electric rotisserie oven
• Caple 5 ring induction hob
• Caple twin French door Fridge-freezer
• Integral Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Breville Toaster
• Nespresso coffee machine

Utility Appliances

• Hoover washing machine
• Hoover tumble dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Two double beds, two single beds and one Super King-size
• 2 Hairdryers

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• 3 large smart flat-screen TVs – 50” – 55” – 75”
• Sky and Netflix
• Motion switch lighting

Other

• Good selection of books
• Underfloor heating
• Double head showers
• Enquire about fishing

Back in the hallway, there is an elegant un-fussy twin bedroom to the side, and a dog-leg open stairway leading down to laundry utilities and a back door, and a surprise third double bedroom in the basement, overlooking the courtyard through an iconic extended-arch window.

All the bedrooms are ensuite with heated towel rails, and all the showers are double head.

Outside

The Hayloft is situated along one side of a restored farm yard. The opposite side currently houses a museum of the historic Woodhouse Estate, where the curator will be happy to give you a tour.

The parklands of the Estate range for 340 acres West from Stradbally village and are bisected by the meandering river Tay. There are 156 acres of woodland comprising of more than 150,000 trees – some dating back to the mid 18th century – are waiting to be explored either by foot or on cycle tracks.

Stradbally Cove with its sheltered sandy beach is across the road from the East gates. The owners occupy the eponymous Georgian mansion at the centre of this private estate, but visitors are free to enjoy the walled garden, impeccably reproduced Victorian glasshouse, and paddocks of grazing red deer. Please enquire about fishing rights or other activities on the estate.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

New Year 5 night Special– 28th December to the 2nd January 2021 –  €2,220

Halloween Week –The 25th October to the 31st – €3,000.

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

May to September €3,000 per week Weekend €1,500 Mid-week €1,500
October to April €2,550 per week Weekend €1,300 Mid-week €1,300

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Pets – Please specify when booking.

Allergy Warning! Please note that this is a Dog Friendly Home. If you intend bringing a dog, please tell us about him/her when booking.

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Reviews

 

Our stay at the Hayloft

was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We could not fault the property/area and in fact, we all left with extreme jealousy and a desire to return again at some stage. Also, thanks for the help in organising. It was a much needed break for a group of working from home mammies who were in need of some downtime and it was the perfect location to do so. The land and property is a credit to the owners/caretakers. Please thank them for us too.

Elaine Tierney, July 2020

Click here for reviews on using Hayloft in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 

This stretch of Southern Coastline known as the Copper Coast, just buzzes with undiscovered gems – There’s loads to do and see….

For unique ways to experience the hidden gems on the Copper Coast we recommend you contact Waterford Camino Tours
Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

Stradbally – Gold Medal Winner in the Tidy Towns 2019 awards – is a short walk out of the estate, and has a grocery shop and a couple of pubs, but for a full range of shops, Dungarvan a 15 minute drive along the coast is your best bet.

In Dungarvan, King John’s Castle, an Anglo-Norman fortification ( 1185) would have originally been entered by drawbridge. It is undergoing reconstruction but there are guided tours, an audio-visual show and exhibitions during the summer season.

Above Stradbally, there is the substantial ruin of the largest medieval church in rural Ireland. It contains a fortified presbytery, probably built for protection during the disputes between the Powers and Fitzgeralds, whose boundary lands ran through the area.

This region known as the Copper Coast gets its name from the copper mines that were active in the 19th century. It is a sometimes stormy coast that has more than its fair share of ship wrecks.

photo Mik Herman

Road Bowling is a traditional and popular local sport that requires hours of practice and technique to master. 28oz steel balls are rolled in turn for just over a mile along roads from Fenor to Annestown.

About half an hour away, the magnificent Lismore Castle with its long and distinguished history, has splendid gardens open to the public during the summer months, and compelling cultural events are held in the town throughout the year.

photo Raul Corral

They are mad about cycling in Dungarvan, and it was here that the first cycling club in Ireland was founded in 1869. The local club went on to win the first ever bike race in the British Isles. They still have the cup to prove it.

photo Santista1982

Mahon Falls is a dramatic 80m waterfall nestled in the Comeragh Mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery. There is a car park near Lemybrien 15 minutes away from the house with a not too strenuous thereafter, so don’t miss it.

Tramore is about 35 minutes away, and is a popular resort for tourists in the summer. It has a 5km beach, sand dunes looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean, and a well deserved reputation for surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing. Clonea Strand is much closer, is one of the finest blue flag beaches in the region, and also has a growing reputation as a good surfing beach.

Waterford, about 45 minutes away, is Ireland’s oldest city. Originally a Viking settlement, it is now a major port with much to see and do. Glass, or crystal, was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009, when the factory there was eventually shut down. There is a great annual Viking marathon in June.

photo NMWalsh

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Cork Airport, Waterford or Dublin.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2.5 hours from house.
Waterford Airport – approx 1 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 1.5 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2.5 hours from house

 

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Map

Walkers Cottage

Walkers Cottage

Walkers Cottage

Old Shell... New Pearl

Book this home

County Waterford

This impressive old Georgian country house sits on a bluff with commanding views of the woodlands, walled gardens and walkways that make up Waterford’s Woodhouse Estate.
Capacious enough to cater for a large family, it is ideally placed for cycling trips around the headlands and coves of Ireland’s Copper Coast, hill-walking in the Comeragh Mountains, or just traipsing around this elegant estate.

 

Space for all the family

A finely proportioned building with generous room sizes, Walkers Cottage has recently been extended to the rear, and completely refurbished to a very high standard.

A house of two halves, the original 19th century home which first greets you has thick walls with the original six over six, three section sash windows bracketed by simple solid shutters.

The living room to one side of the lobby is perfect for family games, both board and more high-tech.

There is an abundance of logs from the estate to power the wood burning stove.

To the opposite side of the hall, a rustic dining table seats eight for large meals or entertaining on with painted Van Gogh chairs. There’s even a blackboard for murals or menus.

Moulded ceiling friezes and solid panel doors are of traditional country house style, augmented by a beautiful white limestone floor, soft buttermilk tones and flush lighting.

A deep arch to the rear opens seamlessly through to the bright family kitchen of the extended house.
The two rooms are united by walls of pale pumpkin, and bleached oak floor boards.

French doors open southwards from the kitchen into the panoramic gardens.

The remainder of the ground floor consists of a large stylish bathroom and a spacious utility room and boot lobby.

You encounter an idiosyncratic collection of artworks in key locations throughout the house.

 

A carpeted winder stair takes you up to the bedrooms – one on each corner of the house – and a second family bathroom complete with dual head shower.

Children get an irresistible twin bedroom of their own. Candy pink with very special AA Milne wallpaper.

A winged headboard tops the sumptuous double bed in the crimson bedroom, where floor boards creak with age from a previous century.

Outside

Walkers Cottage is perched above the parklands of the historic Woodhouse Estate ranging for 340 acres West from Stradbally village. The property is bisected by the meandering river Tay, which swirls right past the Lodge and escapes under the road bridge for a final dash to the Atlantic. 156 acres of woodland comprising of more than 150,000 trees – some dating back to the mid 18th century – await exploration either on foot or on cycle tracks.

 

Stradbally Cove with its sheltered sandy beach is across the road from the Gate Lodge.

The owners occupy the eponymous Georgian mansion at the centre of this private estate, but visitors are free to enjoy the walled garden, impeccably reproduced Victorian glasshouse, and paddocks of grazing red deer.

Please enquire about fishing rights or other activities on the estate.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Twin Electric Ovens
• 4 ring electric induction hob
• Fridge
• Freezer
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Toaster

Utility room Appliances

• Washing machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• 3 Super King Size zip-link beds
• 2 single beds
• Hair dryer

Tech & Entertainment

• Good Wi-Fi Internet
• Mobile phone coverage is patchy
• Flat screen smart TV
• with Sky Sports
• DVD player

Other stuff

• Some Books
• Some DVD movies
• Bicycles available (book in advance)

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday
Please Note: Check in at this property is at 5pm the night of arrival.

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

Christmas 5 night Special from Thursday 23rd December to Tuesday 28th December.
 -€1,575.

New Year 5 night Special from Wednesday 29th December to Monday 3rd January 2022.
-€1,575.

Halloween Week – (25th to the 31st of October) -€2,100.

May to September €2,100 per week Weekend €950 Mid-week €950
October to April €1,500 per week Weekend €650 Mid-week €650

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.

Allergy Warning! Please note that this is a Dog Friendly Home.
If you intend bringing a dog, please advise below whether there will be more than one, and approximate size, as large dogs may need to be cleared by the owner.

Available
Booked
Pending
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Reviews

 

We recently visited Walkers Cottage…

on the Woodhouse estate in Co. Waterford. We were highly impressed with both the cottage and the estate. We were greeted by June who took us to the cottage and explained everything to us. June was very helpful throughout. The cottage is located on the 500 acre Woodhouse estate which has been very carefully restored to its former glory. The estate is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy nature. Its also completely private and a very peaceful place to be. The cottage is fully equipped with everything you could possibly need, including WIFI. There are some excellent restaurants in nearby Dungarvan, however the cottage has everything you need to cook a gourmet meal if you decide to dine in. We really enjoyed sitting on the bench outside the cottage eating lunch while the young horses grazed in the field next door. We could not recommend this place highly enough. It’s a real hidden gem.

Tom & Sylvia, Donegal, July 2020

A great week away!

Thank you so much for a fantastic week away. I will most certainly be recommending Unique Irish Homes.
Walker’s Cottage was really beautiful and was every bit as perfect as it looked on the website. The house had everything you could possibly need and if it didn’t Cathy was only a call away. We had no phone coverage in the house which wasn’t a problem as it meant we really got to switch off for a few days, well almost!
The children loved the grounds and near by beaches. The grounds are just amazing and me describing their beauty really would not do them justice!
I did selfishly consider not reviewing Walker’s Cottage, only because I would love to keep it as our own little secret gem on the South East coast!

It was by far the best self catering accommodation I or any of the group have ever rented. We would love to visit again!

Susan, August 2016

Click here for reviews on using Walkers in Search for Posts

I would need too many superlatives…

and the account of our stay might appear insincere! Suffice to say we did almost nothing for the week… in and around the cottage and the wider estate and everyone thought it had been a perfect week. We would certainly return.
Thanks again to June, her staff, Rosie and yourself

Dave Butler, June 2018

We have now all safely returned from a wonderful week at Walkers Cottage.

We took four old cars and covered nearly 1000 miles. Weather mixed but we really only had one very rainy day when we went to Waterford Crystal – so lots of sightseeing down to Kinsale and of course a few pints of Guinness!
Walkers Cottage was so tastefully furnished and the facilities were more than adequate for us. The Woodhouse Estate, its history and now its restoration was fascinating and we were fortunate to meet up with [the owners]. Cathy, the housekeeper was more than kind and provided a source of knowledge of the local area. She could not have been more attentive – a really bonus.
A perfect location and cottage – highly recommended. We all now want to revisit and explore more of Southern Ireland.

Michael, September 2017

 

Out & About

 

This stretch of Southern Coastline known as the Copper Coast, just buzzes with undiscovered gems We just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

For unique ways to experience the hidden gems on the Copper Coast we recommend you contact Waterford Camino Tours
Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

The tranquil village of Stradbally – Gold Medal Winner in the Tidy Towns 2019 awards – is a short walk out of the estate, and has a grocery shop and a couple of pubs, but for a full range of shops, Dungarvan is a 15 minute drive along the coast and is your best bet.

Above Stradbally, there is the substantial ruin of the largest medieval church in rural Ireland. It contains a fortified presbytery, probably built for protection during the disputes between the Powers and Fitzgeralds, whose boundary lands ran through the area.

Mahon Falls is a dramatic 80m waterfall nestled in the Comeragh Mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery. There is a car park near Lemybrien 15 minutes away from the house with a not too strenuous hike thereafter, so don’t miss it.

They’re mad about cycling in Dungarvan, and it was here that the first cycling club in Ireland was founded in 1869. The local club went on to win the first ever bike race in the British Isles. They still have the cup to prove it.

Road Bowling is a traditional and popular local sport that requires hours of practice and technique to master. 28oz steel balls are rolled in turn for just over a mile along bendy roads from Fenor to Annestown.

This region known as the Copper Coast gets its name from the copper mines that were active in the 19th century. It is a sometimes stormy coast that has more than its fair share of ship wrecks.

Waterford, about 45 minutes away, is Ireland’s oldest city. Originally a Viking settlement, it is now a major port with much to see and do. Glass, or crystal, was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009, when the factory there was eventually shut down. There is a great annual Viking marathon in June.

In Dungarvan, King John’s Castle, an Anglo-Norman fortification ( 1185) would have originally been entered by drawbridge. It is undergoing reconstruction but there are guided tours, an audio-visual show and exhibitions during the summer season.

Tramore is about 35 minutes away, and is a popular resort for tourists in the summer. It has a 5km beach, sand dunes looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean, and a well deserved reputation for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Clonea Strand is much closer; one of the finest blue flag beaches in the region, and also has a growing reputation as a good surfing beach.

photo John M

About half an hour away, the magnificent Lismore Castle with its long and distinguished history, has splendid gardens open to the public during the summer months, and compelling cultural events are held in the town throughout the year.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Cork Airport, Waterford or Dublin.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2.5 hours from house.
Waterford Airport – approx 1 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 1.5 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2.5 hours from house.

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Map

 

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

Romantic regency escape for two

Book this home

County Kilkenny

This is a quaint and cosy traditional gate lodge, custodian to the exclusive Coolmore estate, where a bleached white exterior and tastefully renovated interior preserve its unique style.
Surrounded by 250 acres of rolling parkland in the picturesque Nore valley, the cottage lies within easy reach of Dublin, Waterford, and perhaps the best golfing Ireland has to offer.

 

A compact and intimate home

In smaller homes, utilities require clever stowage, and so it is that you unknowingly pass the well concealed laundry facility when you step through the entrance lobby and enter the living room.

Under-floor heating guarantees wall to wall warmth.

A high stool dining bar informally separates the snug seating area, complete with wood burning stove, from the compact oak kitchen.

The double bedroom is as sumptuous as it is simple. A wall of convenient wardrobe space spans the short lobby leading to the pearly white shower room.

Outside

The Gate Lodge is situated at the start of a tree lined avenue that introduces the Coolmore Estate. The immediate garden is lawned and defined by low box hedges. Internal roadways on the estate are mostly roller skate smooth asphalt, but there are some 4kms of beautifully brick-paved walks which are ideal for jogging and cycling.

Otters, badgers, Irish hares and red squirrels, foxes, river birds are among the native wildlife to be spotted along the tranquil valley. Fishing rights extend to a mile of the Nore, single bank, with eight pools noted for salmon, though these are subject to licensing requirements and by arrangement.

Elsewhere you will pass a Stonehenge folly of more recent construction, adjacent to the brick paved heli-pad of the same era.

Dining arrangements include an expansive rear patio along the western flank which is easily accessed from the kitchen – Barbecue Shangri-La.

Facilities

The Lodge has a Weber barbecue, smart TV, excellent mobile coverage, and internet. By arrangement there is use of the tennis court and a mile of fishing rights.

Note that there is a separate Cottage on the demesne that sleeps four, and is listed elsewhere on this Unique Irish Homes website.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.

Allergy Warning! Please note that this is a Dog Friendly Home. If you intend bringing a dog, please tell us about him/her when booking.

The main house has a magnificent 3 acre walled garden which the gardener may give you a tour of. There is also an Astroturf tennis court which is available by arrangement.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

Christmas, New Year and public holidays are high season  – please apply for rates.

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

All Year €795 per week Weekends and Mid-Week stays €475

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

Available
Booked
Pending
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Reviews

 

We had a lovely time away…

so relaxing in such beautiful surroundings. The Gate lodge was gorgeous, Charlie enjoyed the garden & lovely walks. The weather wasn’t bad & Hugh was able to barbeque! It was really just what we both needed. Fiona was so helpful. Thank you both so much for all your input.

Mad, July 2020

10 out of 10!!

From beginning to end you have been wonderful to deal with, and when we unfortunately had to change our dates you were so helpful and accommodating. The staff at the Lodge were brilliant and nothing was too much trouble. We were greeted with a wonderful Welcome Pack – which was much appreciated at 8pm on a rainy Sunday night!!
The sun then shone on us and we had a great week in Kilkenny. We also visited Bassetts in Thomastown for dinner (which was recommended) and had a fabulous evening there too!
One tiny bit of feedback re the Lodge – there was no mirror in the bedroom – which would have helped when needing to dry my hair – but honestly it was no trouble doing it in the Living room!!!
We have told our family and friends how wonderful our trip was, and my parents are seriously thinking of booking the same for next year. Thank you so much.

 

Emma, Jonny & Frankie-Dog, UK, June 2019

What a unique way to ring in the new year!

I just wanted to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in the Gate Lodge, Coolmore. The cottage is beautifully appointed and cosy. There was a luxurious welcome basket also.

 

Noreen Keane, January 2017

Click here for reviews on using Coolmore Gate in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 

This region has a rich and ancient heritage of Dukes and Earls, Bishops and brewing. There’s so much to taste and see, we just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

Festivals

 

The Locality

 

 

The Gate Lodge was original constructed in 1850 and served as a home to the gatekeeper and his wife who was the cook in the main house

Thomastown at 5km upstream is the nearest town to Coolmore. There are two large supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and a selection of craft shops to browse.

Photo Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese

At one stage there were 12 water-powered mills, for grain and cloth, working locally. Several mills can still be seen upstream from the bridge in Thomastown. 

Photo Humphrey Bolton

A replica famine ship, the Dunbrody, is now berthed on the quay in New Ross and offers visitors an insight into life as a passenger during the 19th century when emigration to America was at its peek.

Photo Suckindiesel

Dysart Castle, clearly visible around the estate, was the birth place of George Berkeley. George, the eponymous philosopher of Berkeley University California, was active in the first half of the 18th century.

The medieval city of Kilkenny – 25km distant – is often referred to as the Marble City due to its unique black marble mining. It is the smallest city in Ireland.

Photo Sabrina O’Brien

Work on Kilkenny Castle was begun in 1204 and took 9 years to complete. The Castle became the seat to the Butler family, a very powerful dynasty who lived there until 1935.
Lady Margaret Butler who was born there, was the grandmother of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII of England.

The highest air temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3 °C (91.9 °F), at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887.

St Canice’s Cathedral with its Round Tower were founded in the 6th century – Cill Channigh (pr. Kil-kenny) is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice. The Round Tower – one of only two that people can climb in Ireland – is the city’s oldest building, with excellent views for those brave enough to reach the top.

The extensive ruins of Jerpoint Abbey – 6km from the house – is another ecclesiastical site notable for its stone carvings. Built in 1180, it survived till Henry the VIII got hold of it during the period of the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500’s.

It was from a farm here in New Ross that President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather emigrated to America in 1848 on just such a ship.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin or Shannon airports.
Shannon Airport – approx 2 and half hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Cork Airport – approx 2 and a half hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Rosslare Port is approx 1 hour from house, with ferries to South Wales
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2 hours from house

 

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Map

 

Sandbrook House

Sandbrook House

Sandbrook House

A slow-burning mix of country luxury

Book this home

County Carlow

An inviting and elegant home, this substantial 300 year old Queen Anne style country house, set in twenty five acres of mature parkland, makes the perfect setting to share memorable family gatherings, celebrations or corporate retreats.
Within easy reach of Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford and the sunny south-east, Sandbrook House makes a totally unique escape.

 

Relaxed in character and style

As if the archetypically straight avenue isn’t classical enough, the gleaming white panelled entrance hall with its elaborate mouldings, and a guestbook touting entries from 1929, confirms you’re arriving somewhere slightly baroque and enduringly special.

There are four other lofty reception rooms spanning the core of Sandbrook House, and all of them ooze eclectic charm. In the sitting room, on the left, we find the TV and a contemporary wood-burning stove imbedded in the first of a series of white marble mantles.

Once a music room at the end of the house, the drawing room has a few reminders, including a baby grand piano. A majlis style daybed fills the arched bay window that extends onto a covered barbecue veranda.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 23 guests
    From €8,400 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Five double bedrooms
    One ensuite with bath and shower
    Two family quad bedrooms
    One single bedroom
  • Bathrooms
    Four plus shower room
  • Other Rooms
    Entrance Hall
    Drawing room, Sitting room, Library, Dining room
    Kitchen, Catering kitchen
    Laundry, Pantry, guest wc
  • Apartment
    Open plan Living/kitchen/dining room
    Double bedroom plus Twin
    Family bathroom
    Separate stairs
  • Features
    Covered veranda with gas BBQ
    Equine Livery boxes available
  • Contempo
    3 Flat screen TVs, DVD player, WiFi internet
    Sonos sound system ground floor & master suite
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    Weekly: Saturday to Saturday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday
    Midweek: Monday to Friday

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Aga range, plus
• Multiple appliances and catering equipment
• Multiple laundry appliances

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Five double beds, one King-size and 11 single beds
• 3 Hairdryers

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• 3 Flat-screen TVs
• DVD player
• Sonos sound system across ground floor & master suite

Other

• Huge selection of books
• Children’s high chair
• Livery stables available
• Gas Barbeque
• Croquet lawn
• Chef available

This covered terrace overlooking the croquet lawn, is furnished with a long rustic table, and accessed from both reception rooms, is equally perfect for afternoon tea, barbeques or sundowners.

The décor throughout is an idiosyncratic blend of antique furniture and contemporary art, with a smattering of collected memories from foreign travels.
Rugs from Iran thrown across traditional sisal carpets, while little brass men perch in precarious poses.

There is a comprehensive selection of books to be read, not all of them in the library at the other side of the hall.
Elegant and cosy, with another roaring fire in another classic white marble hearth.
A wireless Sonos sound system allows your favourite music to follow through the ground floor rooms, today’s essential companion when entertaining.

Beyond the library, there is a formal dining room. Resplendent gold walls, full length drapes, a blazing log fire, and a mahogany table surrounded by faux Chippendale chairs, before you even get to the starters…

The large family kitchen abuts on to the house at the rear, with a door onto the huge lawn which reveals uninterrupted views of Mount Leinster. It is country style, with tall windows, a four oven Aga range, and a substantial rustic table in the centre.

For more comprehensive cooking the adjacent catering kitchen has more of everything from freezers to microwaves.
There is also a separate pantry and a busy laundry room contiguous.

Bedrooms

There are five double bedrooms on the first floor each with its own unique character, and each with an idyllic pastoral view. The spacious master suite has a relaxed seating area, and an integral dressing room, with an ensuite embracing both slipper bath and walk-in shower.

Four shared bathrooms plus a shower room are distributed across the landing, and all the bedrooms have wash hand basins.

The dormer floor at the top of the house is given over to family accommodation. There are two large dorm style bedrooms, each with four single beds – ever popular with the younger ones! A single bedroom with ocular view separates them.

Floor Plans

Self-contained apartment

Annexed to one end of the first floor there is a separate and commodious apartment. It comes with its own open plan living area and kitchen, a double bedroom and a twin, and a family bathroom. It can also be accessed from a dedicated back stairs.

Outside

The house is sits on 25 acres, surrounded by paddocks and mature trees. The sunny south facing croquet lawn is overlooked by an exceptional all-weather veranda.

A number of the original out buildings are undergoing renovation. If you’re a horsey sort, you could bring a couple of animals to Sandbrook – the estate has its own stables and dry arena, and there’s plenty of riding space.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – As with all traditional country properties we would urge caution with young children in an unfamiliar environment.
Pets – Well mannered and polite dogs are accepted downstairs only.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Tuesday PM till Friday AM – 3  nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

Important – A refundable breakages deposit of €600  is payable with the rent, this will be refunded within 7 days of depature; provided all is in order.

All Year €7,800 per week Weekend €3,800 Mid-week €3,500

 

Select your Dates

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Reviews

 

We booked Sandbrook House…

for a special birthday celebration few days and we were blown away by the comfort, spaciousness and ambiance of the house. The interior of the house is both beautiful and practical. Perfect for our whole family – from 3 to 80 years old. It served the purpose so well with lovely reception rooms and cosy but generous kitchen for a family gathering.
We stayed in Winter so the house came into its own with lovely fires in the lounges and dining room. Not to mention the gorgeous Christmas tree in the entrance hall. Jackie the house manager was extremely helpful as was John the recommended chef who provided dinner for us.
All in all, we were so delighted with our choice of venue as were our guests who all want to return. I could go on and on – giant bath tubs, books and board games in the lounge, sonos system throughout the house. Quite simply lovely, relaxing place to spend a few days in the countryside and just an hour from Dublin.

Marjory Cleary, 2018

Click here for reviews on using Sandbrook in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 
Dotted with mountains and rivers this rural landscape brings more than just golfing, history and horses…

photo Adrian Farwell
Here are some of our favourites…

Try one of the numerous local Festivals:

 

The Locality

 

 
The local village of Ballon has a couple of pubs, a great butcher and filling stations, but you will need to go the 20k to Carlow town for a broader spectrum of goods.

Carlow town was the country’s capital in the 1300’s but it’s probably best known as home of the nation’s 4th most popular Institute of Technology.

Just east of Carlow Town, Browne’s Hill Dolmen is regarded by many as one of the foremost prehistoric monuments in Ireland. Its burial chamber roof is certainly one of the heaviest in Europe at about 100 tons.

photo Kevin Higgins

Carlow Castle is a popular 13th century attraction. An attempt by a doctor in the 1800’s to convert the stone castle into an insane asylum destroyed most of the castle, however the two remaining towers demonstrate what an impressive construction it had been.

The vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny is a short drive, with its fine cathedral, and thirteenth-century Castle, which was principal residence of the Butler family for over 600 years, and well-known design and craft heritage. The city is renowned as an arts and crafts centre and is well served by restaurants and festivals.

The River Barrow which flows through Carlow town, is the second-longest river in Ireland after the River Shannon.


photo Artur Koziol

A long-distance walking trail known as The Barrow Way which follows the original towpath of the river for 114 kilometres, and would take approximately 4 days to cover on foot, though cycling is permitted. It is one of Ireland’s most scenic long distance trails but remains largely undiscovered.

Click here for more information on Ireland’s Ancient East

As mentioned elsewhere, the region is spoiled for fine golf courses within a short distance of Sandbrook. If you enjoy a spot of leisurely fly fishing, Rathcon Lake is well stocked with top quality rainbow trout. The lake is designed so that 90% of the water is coverable from the bank. Rods and tackle are available for hire.

photo Mount Wolseley Resort

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – about 1 and a half hours from the house.
Cork Airport – Just under 3 hours from the house.
Shannon Airport – under 2 and half hours from the house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and about 1 and a half hours from the house.
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is about an hour from the house.

 

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Map