I visit Kilkee frequently and have always been intrigued by the impressive architectural marvel nestled on top of the bluff. A kind of Californian beach house that somehow doesn’t look out of place in a little West Clare seaside town.
Kilkee itself is blessed with a fine beach surrounded by cliffs and reefs providing great views from any aspect but one had to wonder what they must look like from “Up There!”: Through the vast front window or from the roof terrace accessed by a spiral staircase you can see if you are looking up at the house from the “Pollock holes” at the west end of the town.
Recently I was treated to a long weekend stay in this one of a kind home and was very excited at the prospect. I was not disappointed.
Our gracious host, Hugh greeted us warmly and gave us the tour of the house and the amenities. He has composed a comprehensive and helpful guide to the house and the town for guests.
The interior certainly lives up to all that is promised from the outside:
A sumptuous leather sofa for relaxing on while taking in the spectacular views complements the open plan kitchen and dining area. Beyond the cosy TV room, into the amazing glass walled stairwell and down to the bedroom level where there is quiet and comfortable sleeping quarters with en-suite bathrooms. The master bedroom is carefully furnished so that you can see “Georges Head”, the dominant feature of the land/sea scape that is Kilkee, from the huge bed. Other big porthole type windows provide views back into the beach and the east end of the town. From the roof you can see all the way to Co Kerry to the south and the Arran Islands to the north.
We didn’t stay long enough and our plans for the weekend were already made so we didn’t get to enjoy all the house had to offer, like the suntrap deck by the pond.
It really is a fabulous house in a perfect location of my favourite holiday destination. Private and secure, yet convenient for the diving boards at “Newfy”, the Diamond Rocks Cafe, cliff walk and Pollock Hole swimming. A pleasant stroll into the town. Check from the window if the tide is out so you can cut across the beach for a shortcut to The Pantry for breakfast and baked goods.
You can be relaxed or as active as you like in Kilkee. There is plenty to do or just look at! Make Kilkee your base for touring the entire West Clare portion of the Wild Atlantic Way and Shannon estuary and make this lovely house your home for that.