After spending a week running around Ireland, staying in Dublin for over a week, we wanted a contrast to the city life and chose Patricia and Garrett's place for some solitude and access to the Atlantic coast. We could not have chosen a better place! We did NOT predict that two of us would be ill, and have to stay in bed--we were very comfortable having to do so, with water pitchers provided for us, a nice quiet house to sleep in, and such beautiful landscape to see--my son couldn't think of a better place to spend a day in bed than with the view he had of the castle ruins!!!
Castle View House is so CLEAN. I notice dirt--it's just in my DNA, and I noticed that even the silk flowers were very clean! Breakfast (and dinner if you choose) were served in style, with beautiful dishes and the most hospitable service you could imagine! Conversation with Patricia and Garrett was always so interesting! The food was healthy, fresh, and delicious! Our dietary needs were accommodated beautifully (we gave much advance notice)--most people offer unsavory alternatives to those who are gluten intolerant, but not P&G--they bought TWO types of gluten free bread (even finding a GF soda bread, which we were so happy to have!), GF dessert, and GF soup...it really was above and beyond. Being sick, we truly appreciated all the vegetables served at dinner, which was a very reasonable price for a three-course home-cooked meal served in style.
When we arrived at CVH, we were greeted with the warmest welcome, tea and coffee, and a turf fire. We happened to be the only guests at the time, so maybe we were getting special treatment, but given Patricia and Garrett's natural warmth and friendliness, I have no doubt that they give everything they have to making each guest feel welcome. Two calves were born while we were there, and we were invited to go to the barn to visit them. (Beware customs back to the US, though, where you'll be asked if you've been on a farm).
If you're lucky and have a clear sky at night, the stars are absolutely breath-taking. Best I've ever seen. I could see the colors of the stars--red, orange, bluish-purple. The stars lit up the grounds enough to see the silhouette of the castle ruins--it was all very magical. We had two front bedrooms with large picture windows, and I fell asleep to Orion's light shining down on me.
We will be back to Castle View House if we ever make it back to Ireland--I hope you choose this lovely family in a secluded, quiet setting near the Atlantic coast and have as wonderful a time as we did!