Award-winning architecture in Northern Ireland: 2 stunning restorations for quiet countryside retreats (each sleeps 2)
The Barn, Barneys Ruins
The Cottage, Barneys Ruins
Space & setting.
*Brand new*
Utterly unique, this award-winning conversion of a traditional clachan farm in Gortinure was dreamt up by renowned architect Patrick Bradley (of BBC Restoration Rescue fame). Centuries ago, his great-great-uncle Barney was a tenant farmer here, and historically travellers would stop off for a ceilidh on their way to Sunday mass at the local church. Staying here nowadays connects you to both the past and present. The contemporary cottage ‘floats’ above the ruins of Barney’s historic 19thC home, while the converted barn once housed the farm bull, another Barney.
Both have sweeping views over the farmlands. If you’re staying in the cottage, you can enjoy them from a pair of outdoor soaking baths or through large south-facing windows on fresher days. Inside, a bespoke staircase leads to a luxurious one-bedroom haven complete with a Jotul wood-burning stove, and ingenious lighting illuminates the build’s exterior at night, making it appear to hover above the rural landscape. The barn, meanwhile, has a cosy sleeping nook, striking concrete fireplace, and soon-to-be installed hot tub. A private patio at the rear gives serene views of the fields – a picturesque perch for a morning coffee or evening G&T. Both spaces have been lovingly decorated, too, fusing traditional Irish charm with modern comforts; woollen blankets, vintage furniture and cheerful pops of yellow. Spend languid days reading, walking in nearby nature reserves, BBQing and zipping into local towns for pubs and restaurants (5-8 mins’ drive) or use this as a base to explore Northern Ireland.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive.
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Sustainability.
Both properties powered solely by an on-site wind turbine.
Surrounds.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Drumnaph Nature Reserve (5 mins’ drive) or around the serene Upperlands Dams (8 mins).
- Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at nearby Helena’s or a coffee and a bite at Siopa An Carn / An Croi Coffee House and Bistro (both 5-7 mins’ drive).
- Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at nearby CarnTogher Mountain (10 mins’ drive). Or head to Garvagh Forest which has a sea of bluebells during April/May (13 mins’ drive).
- Catch some live music and a pint at the lively Friels Bar & Restaurant (7 mins’ drive).
- Indulge in a decadent high tea or superb dinner at the elegant Ardtara Country House, just an 8-minute drive away.
- For a truly unique experience, there’s a traditional Irish Sweat House 5 mins away. These ancient stone igloos that were commonly used for people to ‘sweat out’ various diseases such as TB during the 16thC.
- Day trips to iconic Northern Ireland sights, including Seamus Heaney’s homeplace (Castledawson), the epic Giants Causeway, the Old Bushmills Distillery, Derry and Belfast.
Specifics.
- Modern cottage and converted barn on a working farm
- Cottage:
- Kingsize bedroom with in-room rainfall shower
- Bathrobes, slippers, toiletries & hairdryer
- Separate WC
- Open-plan living area warmed by a woodburner
- Basic kitchenette including small fridge/freezer, induction hob, combination microwave oven, toaster & Nespresso; basics provided
- 2 outdoor cowboy baths overlooking fields
- Garden furniture and firepit
- Barn:
- Loft-style bedroom with double bed
- Wet room with rainfall shower, toiletries & hairdryer
- Open-plan living/dining area warmed by a woodburner
- Basic kitchenette including small fridge/freezer, induction hob, combination microwave oven, toaster & Nespresso; basics provided
- Jacuzzi hot tub coming soon!
- Garden furniture and firepit
- Both properties have WiFi and TVs (plus online streaming services to log into)
- Parking for 4 cars
- Sorry, no children or pets
- The owners live on-site (10 mins’ walk) and are available by phone
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants (8 mins)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay
- Remember to pack: wellies/walking boots, waterproofs, swimsuits
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30% deposit, with the balance due 4 weeks prior to stay. All payments are non-refundable.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 3pm / out 11am. If there are no bookings before or after, early check in/late check out may be available.
It’s possible, but not ideal, unless you come with everything you’d need for the duration of your stay. You would need to get the 212 bus to the Maghera Park and Ride on the Glenshane Road, then get a taxi for approximately 10 minutes (4.2 miles).
Yes. The owners recommend Joe’s Pizza or Pat’s Pizza, Lucky Dragon for Chinese, and Burger and Co for hamburgers. There are plenty of others to choose from too; simply take a drive through the nearby town of Maghera (8 mins).
Not presently. Cooking facilities include a 2-ring induction hob, a combination microwave/oven, and a toaster and a fridge per unit.
Many people come here just to relax, wind down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you wish to explore the beautiful area further, there is much to see and do nearby, including hiking, biking and walking trails through nature reserves.
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