The Gate Lodge of Lough Hyne is a cosy hideaway on the edge of the lake.
The house is exactly as advertised but we couldn't have expected it to be so warm and toasty with the storage heating. There was plenty of logs available for the fire place and the promise of more when we ran out but we had no need for them with the great September weather we had last week.
The bed linen and towels were soft and clean, and the beds were very comfortable.
The dining table in the bay window is a great spot to sit and watch the lake ebb and flow gentle in the wake of swimmers, kayakers, boarders at all hours of the day and night; or just open the windows and hear the squeals of shock from the cold/or delight at seeing the bioluminescence in the water at night. To have that phenomenon on your doorstep is a great advantage as you are three feet from the warmth of the house after your aqua experience.
The facility of having your own rowing boat was a bonus. We took a gentle row out to the middle of the lake and tried our hand, successfully at fishing.
The clear expanse of sky over the lake was magnificent for star-gazing last week. Jupiter (with 4 moons visible) and Saturn complete with ring were visible too.
The walk up to the top of Knockomagh Hill is worth every step (bring a picnic - you'll deserve it after the climb) the views are magnificent.
There are plenty of interesting places to explore in the neighbourhood, but sometimes when you reach your destination you know you have arrived.