Peek In

somewhere you can relax… and call home, this pretty stone cottage has a beautiful country feel to it. Think Liscannor flag stone floors, elm worktops, painted tongue and groove panelling, limewashed walls, Irish country furniture and you’re nearly there. Add Morrocan wall hangings, hurricane lamps, books and paintings and we hope we’ve created somewhere you can really enjoy!

Downstairs:
Come through the front door into a homely kitchen with rayburn and double gas hob. If the idea of cooking on a range is a bit daunting – don’t be put off – this is a modern version that operates like a conventional oven and it also provides piping hot water and central heating. There is a kitchen table, fridge, toaster, cd player and all the trimmings associated with a true country kitchen. And, naturally, a corkscrew!

South off the kitchen is the sitting-room with a lovely open fire, sofas and satellite TV/DVD at one end and an elm dining table, with traditional settles at the other – a great size and setting for entertaining. The sitting-room door takes you out onto the south-facing decking if al fresco dining takes your fancy.

The study, east off the sitting-room, is the perfect writer’s retreat, with a desk and just the right amount of calm for inspiration. Or, plot out your itinerary using the nautical and ordinance survey maps and spy on all that wildlife we keep on about!

East off the kitchen is what we call the wetroom – with stone flag floors and worktops, it doesn’t matter how wet or sandy the beach things are. Come straight in the back door and use the washing machine, dryer and hot press to get things ready for the next day. Paddle through to the separate shower and loo without worrying about leaving puddles on the floor!

This shower (which packs a powerful punch) and loo can be used by everyone or separated off as an ensuite to the downstairs bedroom – tongue and groove panelling and wooden shutters on both windows, two captain’s bunks and another single bed that overlooks the pond and the shoreline beyond. Children especially love pretending they’re on the high seas by pulling the curtains round the beds and separate reading lights means no one need get scared or go to sleep at the same time – the only thing this bedroom doesn’t do is sway!

Upstairs:
The stairs lead off from the kitchen and all rooms lead off the mezzanine.The large master-bedroom with extra large double bed has windows looking east, west and south. Wake up, lounge in bed and look out over the river traffic. Floor cushions are strategically placed for another reading refuge. Sisal carpets, wardrobes, drawers, bedside reading lamps set upon old stools – wonderfully simple and bright yet relaxing. Plenty of space to place a cot without tripping up.

Both the upstairs separate loo and bathroom have windows east overlooking the pond. The bathroom has a slate floor, bath with shower, sink and heated towel rail. All taps and fittings throughout the cottage are salvaged antiques with modern capabilities.

The other upstairs bedroom has two single captain’s beds with curtains and separate reading lights. Styled in keeping with the rest of the cottage with a big window facing north over the fields.

Across the courtyard:
Above the garage on rainy days, which are not unknown in West Cork, there’s a converted loft kitted out for small people to play, allowing big people to keep their sanity!