This stylish and roomy open plan cottage on the edge of a busy village in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains is the consummate base for exploring the Garden County.
Relish the convenience of local cafes, bars and grocery shopping, combined with conspicuous access to mountains, beaches, lakes and culture of Ireland’s Ancient East, all just half an hour from Dublin City.
As the name suggests, this cottage was originally the school master's home, adjacent to the actual school. The recent refurbishment combines practical appeal with luxurious and relaxed charm.
A spacious living room stretches across most of the ground floor - sparkling bright and comfortably contemporary. An open hearth fireplace at one end is reflected through a substantial mirror at the other, adding an illusionary optical dimension.
A twosome of leather sofas provide the comfort and a smart flat screen above the fireplace is connected to Netflix.
With more formal dining in mind, a practical and protractible circular table with upholstered chairs snugs up to the living room sofas.
The compact kitchen, cloistered at the opposite end, has every essential convenience but still finds room for a flip-up breakfast bar for those on the run.
Stairs circle the kitchen accessing an equally expansive and awesome loft bedroom. The super King-size bed can be split into a pair of singles and is supplemented by a fold out bed masquerading in the seating nook.
An ensuite with a generous shower overlooks the village at the far gable end of this floor.
There is a smart TV Monitor and Wi-Fi so you can stream your favourite box set, and a Hi-Fi system that is linked to recessed ceiling speakers throughout the cottage.
The cottage is in the grounds of, though completely separate from Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy, a quirkily chic destination department store with an award winning Café – great for brunch – at the top of the village.
Smoking - No, sorry! Parties - The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible. Pets – No, sorry!
Whether you’re a walker a cyclist or loath both, you will find a soul mate in Wicklow, there’s just so much to experience…
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New to Unique Irish Homes - 2018
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Emily’s Old Schoolhouse is at the northern end of Newtownmountkennedy - the village with the longest name in Ireland. Apart from the terrific Fishers emporium on the same site, you will find a comprehensive grocery store, pubs and the like a short stroll away.
Wicklow is one of those counties that has it all – accessible mountain scenery for walking and cycling, long stretches of powdery sand dune backed beaches at Brittas Bay (20 minutes away), and Ireland’s highest waterfall at Powerscourt Demesne.
In fact the stunning 18th century Palladian mansion of Powerscourt House in Enniskerry, (20 minutes the other way) is well worth a visit for its excellent golf, a magnificent gardens and the unique retail experience.
On your way, you might like to climb Sugarloaf Mountain, an unmistakable land mark in the area. Allow about an hour from the car park to the top - the last bit is a struggle - but the views at the summit are breath-taking.
If you want to explore Dublin City, like many locals, you can catch the train (DART) from the busy village of Greystones just ten minutes away, with its marina and beaches, and abundant restaurants to return to. Plus the trip around the headlands and bays is very scenic – avoid rush hour.
Click here for more information on Ireland’s Ancient East
If you enjoy a good walk, there are sections of the Wicklow Way that will make a perfect outing, or you may prefer follow the spectacular trail high above the lake and medieval monastic settlement at Glendalough, with its fabulously preserved 11th century round tower.
Click here for a link to hiking trails...
photo Bokken
By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Cork airports.
Dublin Airport – 3 quarters of an hour from the cottage.
Belfast Airport - approx 3 hours from house.
Cork Airport - approx 3 and half hours from house.
By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is about three quarters of an hour from the cottage.
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is under 2 hours from the village.
Gallery of photographs
