If ever there was a little slice of Heaven, this is it. We were looking for an escape from the city, some peace and solitude, some spectacular scenery, sea, fresh air and good food. We got it all and more in Kilcrohane.
Patricia’s home is perched in a picture perfect location with all levels of walks on the doorstep, just the sounds of nature surrounding you, hares grazing on the lawn, swallows swooping, curious cows observing and the Atlantic below, glistening tantalisingly in the sunlight, but just as incredible on a stormy day with the waves leaping impressively up the rocky coastline.
The house itself is gorgeous, so comfortable and well equipped. A geothermal heating system ensures that it is constantly toasty, hot water is on demand and showers are powerful. Patricia’s good taste is evident throughout with lovely artwork and personal touches. It straddles both cosy and airy - the cosy kitchen/dining area/snug with TV and wood-burning stove in what was once the original cottage and then a lovely bright, large, airy lounge/dining room/living area in the newer part. The bedrooms are equally lovely - the two lower level doubles are spacious (one en suite and the other with a separate bathroom right beside it) and have a lovely view out onto the beautifully planted back patio and the fields while the upper double and twin have dual aspect views out over the Atlantic at one side and over the front garden and hills at the other side. These rooms are bright and modern and have a really lovely bathroom between them. A gorgeous garden (flagged and planted front garden, large side lawn and back planted patio with seating) completes the picture. You really couldn’t ask for better.
The neighbours, further along the road, are the friendliest people and we had some great chats when we met them on our walks, but they are equally unobtrusive if you just want a little solitude.
Come here to read and be at one with the breathtaking beauty of the place, or to sample some super food in Kilcrohane (The Old Creamery is excellent both for lunch and weekend dinners), Anakista (the Heron Gallery for delicious cakes, lovely art and ceramics and a wonderful garden), Arundel’s for terrific fish and chips (and lots more) and of course Bantry has lots to offer (check out Organico - wonderful pastries/sandwiches/freshly prepared ready meals as well as every conceivable organic produce) and the market on Fridays. Some places weren’t yet open when we were there and so we’ll have to return...trust me, that won’t be a hardship!
This is Ireland at its very best.