Stewards Cottage

A magical setting of Ancient Oak and Beech

Book this home

County Waterford

This elfin cottage cloistered above the woods – just one of three – on an historic Tay valley demesne, introduces unique opportunities for exploring the beaches and headlands of Ireland’s Copper Coast, hill-walking in the Comeragh Mountains, or just rambling around a magnificent estate.

Comfortable, Compact and Cherished

Most of the rooms radiate from the warm entrance lobby in this practical and cosy cottage. The sitting room is gracious and informal with built in units of alabaster shelving around an open log hearth. Contemporary patio doors encourage you out to a sheltered gravel terrace.

AT A GLANCE

Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
From €1200 per week
Bedrooms
One Double Bedroom
and One Twin Bedroom
Bathroom
Other Rooms
Sitting room, Study,
Kitchen/Dining Room
Utility Room
Entrance Hall
Contempo
Furnished Patio,
Dog Friendly
Logs
Barbecue
WiFi and Smart TV
CHECK HERE

The bright kitchen, doubling as a dining room, occupies one end of the house. Modelled in a simple rustic style with a wood burning stove – though the cottage is never cold, there’s lots of fuel available from the estate.

For occasional reading, bridge games, or Monopoly there is the green room, across the tiles of the entrance lobby.

Terracotta red cabinets and vibrant parrot blinds bring strong accents of colour to the ivory white interior.

The utility room and boot lobby are off one side of the kitchen while cottage stairs rise from the other end to a dreamy double bedroom in the loft. Understated, with traditional furniture and floral fabrics, typical of the restrained decor throughout this home.

The house is equipped with everything you would expect from a five star home. An Eco friendly air source heat pump provides the central heating. If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us…

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Electric Oven
• 4 ring electric induction Hob
• Fridge
• Wine Cooler
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Toaster

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• 1 Super King Size bed (180cm)
• 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

• Good selection of books
• Good selection of board games
• Some DVD movies
• Bicycles available (book in advance)
• Babies High Chair

A second cobalt-coloured twin bedroom, with views beyond the rolling fields, lies opposite the bathroom to the left of the main entrance.

Outside

The house occupies an elevated site with its own entrance on the historic Woodhouse Estate which ranges for 340 acres West Stradbally village and is bisected by the meandering river Tay. 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.

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

Stradbally Cove with its sheltered sandy beach is across the road from the East gates.
Please enquire about fishing rights or other activities on the estate.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – Parts of the property may not suitable for young children, please check with us.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week June to August in low season 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.

There is a refundable breakages deposit of €250 payable with the rent which will be refunded 7 days after your departure.

2023 Holiday Breaks

Easter weekend	Friday 7^th April to Monday 10^th April	€ 650
Halloween	Friday 27^th October to Monday 30th October.	€ 650
Christmas break	Saturday 23^rd to Thursday 28^th December	€ 1,300
New Year break	Friday 29th December to Wednesday 3rd January 2024	€ 1,300

Rates Table

	Per week	Weekend	Mid-week
September to May	€ 1,200	€ 650	€ 650
June to August	€ 1,200	Not Available	Not Available

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	03 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 3	04 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 4	5
06 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 6	7	8	9	10 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 10	11 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 11	12
13 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 13	14	15	16	17 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 17	18 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 18	19
20 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 20	21	22	23	24 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 24	25 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 25	26
27 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 27	28

Please note all booking requests are subject to 24 hour approval.
Once your provisional booking has been placed, the UIH team will verify it, answer any specific queries you may have, and request a deposit to lock in your dates.
Please note if your provisional booking is not confirmed and the deposit paid within 3 days it will expire.
If your preferred dates are not available, click here to review alternate options.
For additional information please contact us on +353 85 860 0027

Available

Booked

Pending

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	03 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 3	04 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 4	5
06 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 6	7	8	9	10 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 10	11 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 11	12
13 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 13	14	15	16	17 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 17	18 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 18	19
20 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 20	21	22	23	24 February 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 24	25 February 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 25	26
27 February 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 27	28

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	03 March 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 3	04 March 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 4	5
06 March 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 6	7	8	9	10 March 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 10	11 March 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 11	12
13 March 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 13	14	15	16	17 March 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 17	18 March 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 18	19
20 March 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 20	21	22	23	24 March 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 24	25 March 2023Week - Saturday to Saturday 25	26
27 March 2023Mid-week - Monday to Friday 27	28	29	30	31 March 2023Weekend - Friday to Monday 31

Reviews

We have just arrived back

…from our lovely break in the south.
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to you, the Thompson family and all of the team at Woodhouse Estate for such a fabulous stay.
Stewards Cottage was beautiful, exceptionally well equipped and immaculate (congratulations to your cleaning staff). The estate is fabulous (even in the rain) and playhouse was a real hit with our children!
We hope to get a chance to stay with you again soon.

Helena and Alan, August 2020

We had an amazing time in Stradbally earlier this month.

It was our first time using the website and while it obviously all looked very high spec, we were pleasantly astounded by just how nice it was. And also, how helpful June and Ted were and were always on hand if we had any questions.
The cottage was both homely and elegant and was a pleasure to stay in and come back to after a day out and about.
We will definitely be in touch again for Steward’s cottage and others. Thank you for helping us to have such a lovely holiday.

Shane & Jenny, July 2020

We had a fabulous week in Stradbally…

Cathy gave us a very warm welcome when we arrived. The cottage was very comfortable & lovely touches like fresh flowers & freshly baked scones on the table – well what more can you ask for.
We were blown away by the whole estate, I don’t believe there is enough focus on that on the website. It was a wonderful surprise to discover the beautiful surroundings and particularly the walled garden. Stunning! The location is just second to none & we spent the week exploring all the lovely beaches & coves along the copper coast. We can’t wait to return to stay in the gatekeepers cottage next time!

Julie & Robin Brammar, August 2016

Click here for reviews on

using Stewards in Search for Posts

We stayed at Steward’s cottage in Woodhouse.

We had a fabulous holiday. The Cottage was only beautiful.
We needed nothing…
Everything was provided.The Cottage was and the care and attention to detail was exceptional.
The grounds and walled garden were spectacular.

Well done to everyone.
-Susan, 2021

We returned from Stewards Cottage last Sunday

after spending 4 nights in what can only be described as an absolutely wonderful and truly magical place to stay. June welcomed us and guided us through the cottage and the grounds. The cottage itself was excellent with everything you could possibly need but also beautifully decorated giving it a homely and welcoming feel. It is perfectly located to discover the copper coast, cycle the greenway and enjoy the culinary delights of the surrounding towns and villages.
The hidden surprise and treasure was Woodhouse and the grounds of Woodhouse. It was a privilege to be afforded to stay in such a wonderful place, roam the grounds, enjoy the walled garden, fish in the river, stroll the cove, for the kids to play in the place house and to learn of the history of Woodhouse in the museum. In this I discovered an ancestry connection with my maternal grandmother to the owners of Woodhouse in the 1700’s. Marianna kindly spent time with me going through the family history and we are going to stay in touch to delve further into the family connection.
We will definitely be returning to Woodhouse and we most certainly will be using UIH for all our staycations. I have already recommended both Woodhouse and UIH to family and friends. Thank you for all your assistance.

Caroline Long, August 2020

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…

Paddle around in Kayaks
Munch a lunch in the Tannery
Music and a pint at the Local
Trek a pony on the Copper Coast
Golf the Gold Coast links
Cycle a stretch of the Waterford Greenway
Catch something serious in the ocean
Hill walk the Comeraghs
Sample some glass with class
Visit Reginald’s Viking tower

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.

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.

photo – euheritagedays

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.

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.
Here too you will find 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.

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 shoreline that has more than its fair share of ship wrecks.

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.

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.

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

Map

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Gallery

Cove Lodge

Ultra Chic Coastal cottage

Book this home

County Waterford

Tucked away beneath the rocky escarpment that leads to a secluded tidal strand, this completely refurbished cottage oozes luxury and charm in equal measure. With a surprisingly spacious interior and versatile French door garden, Cove Lodge is a unique vacation escape.
Discover a coastline that probably remains Ireland’s best kept secret…

Cosy inspirational interiors

The entrance hallway unexpectedly spacious with a high ceiling and atmospheric concealed lighting.
Busy floor tiling and the stunningly coloured walls of pale apricot bring a Moorish Mediterranean quality to this space.

The original cottage was considerably smaller, with its little lattice-leaded windows.
Rooms to be discovered can be glimpsed through a variety of doorways.

AT A GLANCE

Sleeps
Up to 6 guests
From €2,100 per week
Bedrooms
Two double bedrooms
One bunk bedroom
All with ensuite bathrooms
Other Rooms
Open plan Living, Dining & Kitchen
Sitting room
Kids TV Den & Playroom
Entrance Hall, Utility room
Features
BBQ Patio
Wheelchair-friendly
Outdoor shower
Close proximity to beach
Contempo
3 Flat screen TVs, fast WiFi internet
Underfloor heating
nb. Poor Cell phone reception
Availability
High season Weekly only: Saturday to Saturday
Weekends: Friday to Monday
Midweek: Monday to Friday
Restrictions
Dogs are welcome
CHECK HERE

A short passage, punctuated with French doors to the rear garden, opens into a more recent and unanticipated addition – an expansive and airy, living space.

The kitchen zone spans one side of the room, with appliances and storage tucked under a stony white work surface, behind stainless steel doors.

A generous eight-seater circular dining table occupies the centre, but the centrepiece of the room is undoubtably the dramatic luminous brushed-scarlet, modular corner-seating, that will bring a smile to your face.

French doors in the end wall open onto a white flagged patio – for those sultry summer sunsets.

At the opposite end of the room, a broad archway framed in a teal green wood panelling unveils a cosy carpeted sitting room, with an open-hearth fireplace and wall mounted TV.

You also get to see where that stable half door from the entrance hall leads…

Bedrooms

Sumptuous double bedrooms are located at either end of this long cottage.

The master bedroom boasts French doors that open onto a small side yard.

A splendid wood-panelled walkthrough bathroom, with double monsoon showers and his-and-her basins, is neatly concealed around the back of the truncated bed head.

Following the peachy colour theme, the second double bedroom is delightful.

Softly feminine, the adjacent ensuite bathroom has a fabulous, deep if short slipper bath, in addition to a more traditional shower.

Decidedly steep stairs climb to a diminutive nursery-style kid’s room that utilises the attic space above the bathroom. It comes with sub-adult ceiling and door heights, and a vivid citrus paintjob.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Gas range with oven and 5 rings
• Fridge, Freezer, plus a separate freezer in utility room
• Dishwasher
• Toaster
• Microwave
• Nespresso coffee machine

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Tumble dryer
• Iron
• Vacuum cleaner
• Remote control skylight blinds

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Two King-size and single bunk beds
• 2 Hairdryers

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• 3 Flat-screen TVs
• Sky sports and Netflix
• DVD player

Other

• Children’s playroom with cots
• Outdoor Shower

Off the main entrance hall there is a bantam-bedroom with a set of bunk beds, and its own charming ensuite shower room that children will love.

Above the bunk room, occupying the loft space, is a TV den ideally suited for kids, and furnished accordingly.

Outside

Stradbally Cove, with its sheltered sandy beach is just 50 metres down the narrow lane that cuts through the property. Across the lane is a spacious and well-maintained garden bordering the river for your exclusive use.

Around the cliff side of the cottage, an outdoor shower is being fitted – very handy for sandy people and wetsuits.

Aside from the lawn and patio, the gardens to the rear of the house feature a delightful rose arched walkway. There is a large gravelled parking area with dedicated access beyond that.

Within the portico at the back entrance, there is a separate laundry room.

The cottage is adjacent to an historic Estate which ranges for 340 acres West of Stradbally Village and is bisected by the twisting river Tay. It is home to 156 acres of woodland comprising of more than 150,000 trees – some dating back to the mid-18th century.

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.

Provisional Booking Form

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 Friday to Friday.

nb. June to August bookings are for full week only.

2023 Holiday Breaks

Easter weekend	Friday 7^th April to Monday 10^th April	€1100.
Halloween	Friday 27^th October to Monday 30th October	€ 1100.
Christmas break	Saturday 23^rd to Thursday 28^th December	€ 2,600
New Year break	Friday 29th December to Wednesday 3rd January 2024.	€ 2,600

A refundable breakages deposit of €400 is payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

Rates Table

	Per week	Weekend	Mid-week
September to May	€2,100	€1,100	€1,100
June to August	€2,600	n/a	n/a

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28

Please note all booking requests are subject to 24 hour approval.
Once your provisional booking has been placed, the UIH team will verify it, answer any specific queries you may have, and request a deposit to lock in your dates.
Please note if your provisional booking is not confirmed and the deposit paid within 3 days it will expire.
If your preferred dates are not available, click here to review alternate options.
For additional information please contact us on +353 85 860 0027

Available

Booked

Pending

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31

Reviews

Yes, we all enjoyed our stay at Cove Lodge..

We would have appreciated nicer weather but we still enjoyed our short visit. The one very good day we had showed just how beautiful county Waterford is. The house was amazing and so well equipped. We all enjoyed being so close to the sea and the lovely river. My husband and I enjoyed watching the birds on the river and on the cove. My 2 granddaughters loved the extra rooms up the staircases.

Linda Laurenson, April 2022

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…

Paddle around in Kayaks
Munch a lunch in the Tannery
Cycle a stretch of the Waterford Greenway
Music and a pint at the Local
Take dip at Clonea Strand
Golf the Gold Coast links
Get on your bike for the Stradbally cycle route
Catch something serious in the ocean
Hill walk the Comeraghs
Sample some glass with class
Visit Reginald’s Viking tower

For unique ways to experience the hidden gems on the Copper Coast we recommend you contact Waterford Camino Tours

The Locality

Stradbally is a short uphill walk from the cottage, 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.

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 13^th century disputes between two noble Waterford dynasties, 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 20km stretch of sometimes-stormy cliffs and beachy coves that has more than its fair share of ship wrecks.

photo Mike Searle

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. It is fitting that one of the country’s most loved cycle route the Waterford Greenway runs through the region.

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, is one of the finest blue flag beaches in the region, and also has a growing reputation as a good surfing beach.

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.

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.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports.
Cork Airport – approx one and a half hours from the cottage.
Dublin Airport – just over two and a half hours away.
Shannon Airport – approx 2 and a quarter hour’s from the cottage.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare which is approx. 1.5 hours from Stradbally
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is just over two and a half hours from the cottage

Map

Gallery

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 €9,900 per week
Or €5,000 for a weekend
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.

Holidays’ Dates for 2023 are priced as following:
Easter Weekend 7th- 10th April 2023 – €9,900
Halloween 27th- 1st October 2023– €9,900
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2023 –€9,900
New Years’ 30th December 2023 to the 2nd January 2024 -€9,900

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	€9,900 per week	Weekend €5,000	Mid-week €4,800

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
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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…

Visit Huntingdon’sTemple of Isis
Garden lovers check out Altamont
Play a round at Mount Juliet
Dine out at Sharoe
A Lazy lunch at the Green Barn
Sink a hole in one at Mount Wolseley
Fish up some trout at Rathcon
Try shooting at Coolattin
Go racing at the Curragh
Back a horse at Gowran
Pick a winner at Punchestown
Enjoy some Carlow culture
Go paddling on the Barrow
Browse quirky in the Old Yard
Go golfing in Bunclody
Stock up at Tinahely Farm Shop

Try one of the numerous local Festivals:

Carlow Arts Festival in June
Borris Festival of Writing & Ideas in June
Kilkenomics in November
Savour Kilkenny in October

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.

Map

Gallery

The Gate Lodge at Woodhouse

Enter a Completely Different Domain

Book this home

County Waterford

As sentinel at the East entrance to an historic Waterford demesne, this is a romantic little home full of surprises and the promise of full days of exploration both on and off the estate.
Everything is here for some sublime relaxation, creative culinary endeavours, or energetic enjoyment on Waterford’s Copper Coast.

Modern Romantic styling

From the road this extended little gate lodge floats like an ice berg, deftly denying the scale of the dwelling embedded beneath.

An open living area spans the entire lower floor and includes the dining table and kitchen. Stretching in a gradual amalgam of leisure and pleasure from a lattice wall of formal shelves to a porcelain bright sink.

Subtle painted tones and chalky shades of Cafe crème and pewter characterise the space, while brass hinges, crackle glaze ceramic knobs and Roman blinds of pleated fabric introduce a quality of detail that is evident throughout the home.

Two sets of glazed patio doors spill out through chunky walls onto a sunny partly-paved yard, ideal for sunset barbeques.

Barefoot warm, mottled tawny limestone flags radiate indirect cosiness from the under floor heating.

There is a generous back-from-the-beach wood burning stove and a serious basket of logs from the estate, should you yearn for an open flame.

At the crest of the carpeted stairs is the main street level entrance lobby.

The delightful double bedroom, full of luxury linen and light, nestles across one end of the upstairs. The wardrobe is behind a second door.
Noticeably lower windows and curved ceilings lend a cottage feel to this level.

The bathroom has both bath and shower and there is an adjacent spare room where a fold-out double bed can be used for additional guests.

Outside

The Gate Lodge controls the eastern gate 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.

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

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – There is a river, so parts of the property may not suitable for young children, please check with us.

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.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Single oven Gas Range
• With 5 rings
• Fridge
• Wine Cooler
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Toaster

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• King Size bed
• Fold out double bed
• 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

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

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week June to August, except in low season 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.

There is a refundable breakages deposit of €250 payable with the rent that will be refunded to you in 7 days from your departure date, if all is in order.

Holidays’ Dates for 2023 are priced as following:
Easter Weekend 7th- 10th April 2023 – €550.
Halloween 27th- 1st October 2023– €550.
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2023 – €1,100
New Years’ 29th December 2023 to the 3rd January 2024 -€1,100

June to August	€1,100 per week	N/A	N/A
May and September	€1,100 per week	Weekend €550	Mid-week €550
October to April	€1,100 per week	Weekend €550	Mid-week €550

Select your Dates

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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

Without question it has been one of the most unique and wonderful experiences I’ve had in a holiday…

Ireland has left a profound impression on me which I won’t ever forget. A big part in the positive impact was definitely the excellent location I was able to stay at.
The interior was very beautifully decorated and one could very much see the amount of work and detail that was put into every corner of the house. During the entire stay I can note that I haven’t missed a single amenity, as everything was very well thought through and planned out.
The estate is beautifully located on the countryside close to the village of Stradbally. With only five minutes of walking distance to the sea and Stradbally Cove, morning walks were spectacular. The fireplace during cold days and Sky TV in the evening certainly made the stay very comfortable.
The caretakers were very friendly and gave us all the information and things we needed during our holiday. As this was my first time in Ireland I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the fantastic estate to the warm-hearted people who live in the area, I can truly say that staying at here was absolutely wonderful.
The location and places to see in the area were very memorable and your kind service for the stay was amazing. It really felt like a second home and we’ll be sad to leave for now. I do hope to come back again, as Ireland has left a very unique and positive impression on me. I’ll miss this place.

Damian Claus, March 2017

An excellent experience was had at the Gate Lodge. Elegance without arrogance, excellence without excess.
Keep up the good work and I will be in touch, when I next get the chance to visit.

Scott Sutherland, February 2017

Very pleasant, will stay there again

Host was very nice, nice touch giving eggs & bacon. Also very generous supply of coffee capsules. Location was nice, near sea, nice estate and near Dungarvin. The house quality was also of a nice standard.
Only negative; Was the weather, but what can u do !!
We are looking forward to staying with you again in sept this time Donegal
& I have been recommending your site to some friends & colleagues.

Kieran, July 2020

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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…

Paddle around in Kayaks
Munch a lunch in the Tannery
Cycle a stretch of the Waterford Greenway
Music and a pint at the Local
Trek a pony on the Copper Coast
Golf the Gold Coast links
Catch something serious in the ocean
Hill walk the Comeraghs
Sample some glass with class
Visit Reginald’s Viking tower

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.

photo Paul O’Farrell

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 Peter Taylor

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.

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.

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.

There is a great annual Viking marathon in Waterford in June.

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…

Map

Gallery