Canal Cottage promised us a 'quaint, charming, detached cottage situated at the mouth of Lough Allen.' What Canal Cottage actually gave us on our two night stay was peace and the sounds of the water from the simply stunning, faithfully restored stone cottage. The local Leitrim stone adorning the exterior is beautiful, and the attention to detail inside and outside the cottage has to be seen to be believed.
Stylish hanging light pendants, a surprise vaulted ceiling, and a warren of rooms serve to open the space immediately. An open mezzanine type landing overlooks the living room and the cottage is intimate and breathable.
Our daughter loved having the whole upstairs to herself, with two beds, one for her bears and one for her. The bedroom window upstairs overlooked the leafy walk down to the Shannon Blueway.
Thoughtfully, there is also a television in the main bedroom downstairs, which means that although the cottage is quite open plan, children are not disturbed by the noise of the television at night. (not that it was on much, because the garden offered such a lovely opportunity to sit out.)
All modern appliances are tastefully offered in the kitchen, and at night, the garden comes alive with mood lighting and fairies.
The cottage is not overlooked, the access is secure and private, and Kelli and Bobby offered the warmest of welcomes when we arrived (complete with buns, chocolate, milk and chat.)
Every surface was clinically clean, and as I said on departure, there was nothing 'holiday home' about this property, everything in here are things you would choose yourself for your home.
Drumshanbo as a town is full of winding streets and friendly people, and it is ideally situated for walks. Canal Cottage itself is blessed with an amazing location, right on the mouth of Lough Allen, in the evening it seems to open right up, with nobody around, save the ducks and the birds, and the silence is a prescription for health.
We are already looking ahead to our next booking, because Kelli and Bobby love this property and that shows in every single detail in it. No question is too much of an ask, and they are very friendly, kind people.
Leitrim itself is wild, serene and beautiful, with breathtaking vistas. To come back to the cottage each night was an absolute pleasure.
Canal Cottage was so much more than we expected, because we booked with a desire to just get away for a few days. The stonework, the design, the decor and the little touches made an already ideally located cottage even better. Thank you, Kelli and Bobby, we will be back x Dymphna, Andrew and Willow x