How could anyone fail to love this unspoilt early Georgian house? Lying secluded in mature woods of lime, beech and chestnut, at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains (famed for good walking), a sense of history and an appreciation of genuine hospitality are all that is needed to make the most of a stay here.
Frank and Rosemarie Kennan put over a quarter of a century of renovation work into this wonderful property, and clearly derived immense pleasure from it, before having the recent satisfaction of handing the reins over to their daughter Hannah and her husband Paddy Flynn - who “retain the philosophy of the old, with no introduction of wide screen televisions or trouser presses”, much to Frank and Rosemarie's relief.
While proudly unconventional in some ways, the house is extremely comfortable and well heated, and (although it might be wise to check if there is a large group staying, in which case the bedroom above the drawing room may not be the best option) each bedroom has its particular charm. All this and a beautiful area to explore: what more could you want?
Well, you will certainly find some things that you never knew you wanted so much until you see them here - Frank's wonderful library, for example, a beautiful and atmospheric escape in an apparently ordinary outbuilding that houses a treasure trove of rare and wonderful volumes. Nearby, an extraordinary (and historically unique) barn is also a must-see, and there are two cottages - The Forge and the Writer's Cottage - available for self-catering.
Children, who love the playing with the family's animals and their young in the back yard, have always been made very welcome and a separate tea is prepared for them.
Dinner is served at 8 o’clock, at a communal table, and based on the best local and seasonal ingredients (notably locally reared beef and lamb); good home cooking without unnecessary frills. Less formal alternatives are available on most nights too, a simpler 3-course supper perhaps, or just a bowl of soup and an artisan cheese platter served at the fireside - and lunch can be arranged any day for groups of six or more.
Frank's hand is still to be seen in the informative and surprisingly extensive wine list, which includes a generous choice of half bottles and tempts with plenty of treats to linger over.
Breakfast, which is served until 11am, is another especally enjoyable experience. 'Local and seasonal' will again decide on what make it to your plate - garden fruits in season, for example, are used for a delicious fruit compote, to enjoy with homemade yogurt and muesli, and breads are freshly baked. And as for the full Irish, it is carefully cooked using the best quality ingredients, simply presented - and it tastes wonderful.
And do try not to rush off straight after enjoying this tasty meal, as a good walk is called for - and there is much to discover in the gardens and woodland surrounding the house.
A very special place.
