An ‘open secret’ destination that has attracted discerning visitors to the glorious north-west of Donegal for many years, the Alcorn family’s beautifully located property is just outside Dunfanaghy on the shore of the New Lake, which is a special area of conservation.
It was the home of Susan Alcorn’s grandfather and, as they are a family of accomplished painters, the walls are hung with wonderful watercolours. Sitting comfortably against the backdrop of natural beauty they add an extra dimension for guests to enjoy and, with fresh flowers, soft lighting and some well-placed antiques, it is a place of character and atmosphere.
Susan runs the house and gardens with her husband Derek, the chef who earned a dedicated following here for his excellent food when they ran The Mill as a restaurant. The location is superb, of course (and there are plenty of windows framing the views), but they also do pretty much everything just right themselves, extending warm hospitality and providing stylishly homely comforts, good food and drink - along with excellent value.
There’s a real sense of place about everything at The Mill, and the overall experience here is much more than the sum of its parts.
Accommodation
The individually decorated rooms are mainly simple but stylish, with good beds and some antique pieces.
A new room, The Studio, was added in 2016. A lovely big room, romantically set up with a king size four poster bed and in-room roll top bath in addition to an en-suite power shower, it is in the studio where Susan’s grandfather used to paint and has a sitting area overlooking the drive and garden.
The Mill is pet friendly and they offer two of the larger rooms for dog stays, providing the necessary bits and pieces to make it easy for guests travelling with a canine friend - dog water/food bowls, drying towels, leads, poo bags, treat bag - and a general sense of welcome.
The cosy sitting room off the dining room is available for resident guests to relax in, with an open fire, and comfy big chairs and sofas - and, for those who need to keep up with work while staying, there is a desk area in the conservatory.
While they no longer run their (much-missed) evening restaurant, the Alcorns provide all the items needed to enjoy a takeaway at The Mill (indoors or out, depending on the weather) and Dunfanaghy has some excellent dining choices including their daughter Tara Alcorn and Anderson Rodrigues da Silva's delightful Casa Café and Deli and several outstanding takeaway options as well as dining-in restaurants. And, of course, guestsat The Mill will have a delicious breakfast to look forward to - a lovely buffet of fruits, juices, cereals etc, hot dishes starring organic breakfast meats and cooked perfectly to order and all the little treats of home-baked breads and preserves. A vegetarian breakfast of vegetarian sausage, tomato, beans, fried organic egg, mushrooms and potato bread is also offered. (Breakfast served 8.30-9.30am)
