Description

• Bedrooms: 10

• Beds: 2 + 1 (1 King, 1 Queen, 1 Fold-Away Bed)

• Bathrooms: 10

• Accommodates: 8-20 (and 8 more additional with Courtyard Apartments - see below)

About This Accommodation

This magnificent Georgian Manor House was built in 1720. It is one of very few such houses that is still in private ownership and not a hotel. Overlooking a private lake and 100 acres of meadow and woods, it is an oasis of peace. Set in the heart of hunting and fishing country at the entrance of the breathtakingly beautiful Connemara region of County Galway, it is a picture post card come alive. It is perfect. The first time we entered the large oval entry hall, we were stunned by the gorgeous murals depicting the four virtues (Valor, Justice, Chastity and Strength). Completed in 1790, it is the last remaining mural by John Ryan. Sophisticated furniture and antiques complement the oak walls. The large, impressive drawing room, with its classic fireplace, intricate plaster work and high ceilings, is elegantly furnished with fine antiques, Oriental rugs, a well-tuned piano, books, ancestors hanging on the walls and many other well-chosen appointments. This is not a stuffy room; it is comfortable and welcoming and we have enjoyed many happy times there. You can look out to the horses grazing by the lake and to the hills beyond.

The beautiful formal dining room accommodates 20, but it can seat up to 50, when needed. The deep blue walls, white woodwork, rich fabrics and the elegant table settings create a lovely setting for any occasion. You can rent this house with a full-time chef, a part-time chef or you can rent it self-catering (you do the cooking). However you do it, the dining room is a grand place for your meals. The very large kitchen is an absolute dream. The big Aga stove is the heart of the kitchen. The entire room is designed for optimum efficiency and beauty. All of the equipment, from refrigerator to frying pans, are top-of-the-line. Nothing has been forgotten. You may think you don't want to cook on your holiday, but this kitchen may change your mind!

Behind the kitchen there's a television room with a sofa and easy chairs. Shelves hold books and games. This is a great room for kids to watch TV or use their computers while the adults cook together. Down on the garden level of the house, there is a rustic stone-walled "bar", a cozy room in which to sit in front of the fire with an after-dinner drink. The stone walls provide a medieval atmosphere.

There are 10 en suite bedrooms, each named for an Irish artist. Five bedrooms are on the upper floor. Three bedrooms have a king bed that can convert to twin beds, one bedroom has a standard double bed and one bedroom has a double and a single bed. On the garden level, there are 4 bedrooms. One has a queen, two bedrooms have a standard double bed and one bedroom has twin beds. Four bedrooms have lake views, the other bedrooms overlook the garden. All of the bedrooms have a television, a DVD player, a hair dryer and a direct-dial phone. The 10th bedroom is the "Pavilion", a private 2-story suite attached to the front of the house, It has a standard double bed and lake and garden views. It was once the wine cellar and it's very special and very private. Who in your party will have that room?

All of the bedrooms are elegant, spacious, beautifully decorated with period furniture and many lovely touches. The en suite bathrooms are marble tiled and luxurious; all have a shower and some have a bathtub as well.

This is an excellent property for small weddings (up to 50 guests) or similar gatherings. The owners are experienced at hosting weddings and they enjoy doing it. Horseback riding can be arranged. It is possible to hunt with the North Galway Blazers in season. The house has high-speed Internet access and there is a fax for you to use. Laundry service can be arranged. Baby-sitting can be arranged. Musicians can be hired. You can have nearly anything that you want.

Just north of the property is the hauntingly beautiful Connemara, home of the famous Connemara ponies. This is one of Ireland's most wild and gorgeous places. Historic and scenic tours can be organized (either by the day or by the hour). Galway City, a medieval university town, is about 15 minutes by car. There are many beautiful villages between Galway City and the property and many other villages of note all along the roads to and in the Connemara. You can go to the Aran Islands by ferry (in season). Clifden is a very bustling village as is Roundstone. A bit further north, the Connemara National Park is incredible. Adjacent to the park, Kylemore Abbey is a very popular with visitors. Westport is the beginning of County Mayo, a gorgeous day trip from the property. There are public garden throughout the county and, of course, golf. The owners, who also own a small hotel in London, have considerable expertise and experience with hospitality. This is fully evident in this magnificent Connemara property.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:

There are two bedrooms on the garden level that are accessible to assisted wheelchair users. Other rooms are appropriate for travelers who can manage a wide flight of stairs with a sturdy handrail.

COURTYARD APARTMENTS

This estate has 2 additional cottages - each with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, accommodating 4 people each.

Down a winding lane, in the courtyard of a splendid manor house, behind a rose-covered wall, are two Victorian apartments, Inisfree and Lúghnasa. They are not afterthoughts of the Manor House; they are absolutely beautiful holiday cottages. These apartments are in a converted Victorian Mews. Each apartment has two elegant, sensual bedrooms, each with a queen bed and beautiful furniture. The en suite bathrooms have a shower. A stairway leads to the dining room and the living room. The furniture is antique, comfortable and luxurious, A fireplace has a Regency wood stove insert. The separate kitchens, though small, have the very best equipment. These are superb kitchens which, says the owner, almost nobody uses. The apartments have stereo, TV, video, direct dial telephone. Candlelight dinners, laundry and cleaning services can be arranged for an additional fee.