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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stradbally Cove with its sheltered sandy beach is across the road from the Gate Lodge.
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..
Damian Claus, March 2017
Scott Sutherland,February 2017
using Gate Lodge in search for posts
The tranquil village of Stradbally 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Gallery of photographs
