Hideaway Cottage
This former boathouse dates back to the Guinness era and is situated a stone’s throw from The Castle on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Surrounded by private gardens and lake front views, guests enjoy the luxurious comfort and relaxation of this beautiful space, with soothing sounds of lapping lake waters. For your privacy, access is through secure gates.
The Cottage has been lovingly restored, the unique design includes reclaimed materials such as stone and old fireplace lintels from the Castle Estate. Hand-crafted parquet flooring, original artworks, lush fabrics and a blue Murano glass chandelier adorns the ceiling.
Custom furniture pieces include French Empire marquetry chests of drawers; a 20th century, four-fold European canvas screen; art by Louis Icart and a late 19th century pair of walnut armchairs covered in tapestry by Brunschwig & Fils.
The Cottage will capture your heart and make you feel immediately at home. On arrival, you will be greeted at The Castle and escorted to The Hideaway Cottage. A welcome basket awaits along with a fully stocked bar. To complete your Country escape, Jack Murphy Jackets and Wellingtons are yours to take home, bicycles are available for your use and guests can also avail of the hotel and its 350-acre estate's amenities.
Dine alfresco on the pier, weather permitting! The lake reflecting the stars in the evening is a memory that will stay with you for a lifetime. Enjoy private dining or any of the dining facilities available on the Estate.
Enjoy a luxurious Irish experience like no other. With a concierge service available 24-hours a day.
- Private gardens and lake front views
- Secluded location with private access
Sherborne
Sherborne is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in England. With its abundance of medieval buildings, Sherborne has much to offer visitors, including a superb 1300-year-old Abbey - an important early example of perpendicular architecture and burial place of two Saxon kings. Sherborne Abbey is one of only 18 churches awarded five stars in Simon Jenkins' England's Thousand Best Churches. The area also features a picturesque Almshouse, two castles and Cheap Street, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, delicatessens and coffee shops. Enjoy lunch at The Pear Tree, a lovely delicatessen and café.
Distance: 11.8 miles
Journey time: 27 minutes
Beaminster, Forde Abbey & Lyme Regis
Travelling west from the hotel, head towards Beaminster, a town with a square of over 200 listed buildings. Continue to Forde Abbey, formerly a Cistercian monastery founded in 1141, renowned for its award-winning gardens and still privately owned. From there, travel to the quaint seaside town of Lyme Regis, former home of Jane Austen and the town where ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ was filmed. There you can visit the Harbour Inn, Town Mill (cheesemonger, micro-brewery, art galleries, pottery, knitwear studio and ancient working flour mill) and Dinosaurland. Lunch at the Mill Tea and Dining Room, or Lyme’s Fish Bar for the best fish and chips. Afternoon Tea at the Alexandra Hotel offers spectacular views over Lyme Bay.
Distance: 22.4 miles
Journey time: 46 minutes
Lawrence of Arabia, Lulworth Cove & Tyneham
T. E. Lawrence’s Cottage, Clouds Hill, was chosen by him because of its proximity to Bovington Camp where he was stationed. Bovington remains an army camp today and is home to the world’s largest Tank Museum. Lulworth is a short drive away, famous for its mock Jacobean Castle (where Emma Thompson’s ‘Nanny McPhee’ was filmed), horseshoe-shaped harbour created about 10 000 years ago and of course, Durdle Door. A motorboat service will take you to Durdle Door by sea from where you can best enjoy this beautiful coastline. Tyneham is also nearby – a deserted and perfectly preserved village in a hidden valley.
Distance: 23 miles
Journey time: 37 minutes
Local cities
Poole
A coastal town in Dorset, Poole's attractions are its award-winning sandy beaches and having the second-largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney, Australia. There is plenty to do and see in Poole, and the harbour's shallow waters make it perfect for water-based activities, including sailing, or fishing. On land, you can visit Brownsea Island, a wildlife sanctuary home to the red squirrel and a large variety of birds. The town centre is also a walkable distance away, perfect for shopping at independent stores and grabbing a bite to eat.
Distance: 36.4 miles
Journey time: 50 minutes
Bournemouth
The largest coastal town in Dorset, Bournemouth is a popular holiday destination, and it has been voted one of the best coastal resorts in England. A family-friendly destination, its seven miles of golden beaches are perfect for activities or simply just relaxation. A major tourist spot, Bournemouth is home to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, just a couple of minutes from the beach. It’s a popular foodie destination too - enjoy award-winning fish and chips from Harry Ramsden as you watch the many surfers riding the waves.
Distance: 41.1 miles
Journey time: 1 hour
Exeter
Known as Devon's cathedral city, Exeter has over 2,000 years of history. Exeter Cathedral, which lies at the heart of the city, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. A compact size, Exeter is a great shopping destination with both high street and independent stores to browse. Underneath the city's streets lies exciting underground passages, which you can explore on a tour - these passages date back to medieval times.
Distance: 57.1 miles
Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Plan your adventure
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Local gardens
From abbeys to courts, and manor houses to castles, there's no better selection of historic houses and beautiful gardens.
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