Three-bedroom country house on an Irish family estate, with stunning gardens and an on-site farm-to-fork restaurant (sleeps 6)
Space & setting.
On arrival here, you might be greeted with the wagging tail of a dachshund or a wave from the owner’s mother painting in her nearby garden: above all, this is a family home. Or at least, an extension of one: owner and photographer James lived in this very building with his wife, Joanna, and 2 kids, while they renovated the estate’s 300-year old Georgian villa (that James grew up in, and where they now live). He and Joanna combined their experience in art, interiors, fashion and food to create one of Ireland’s most stylish properties: a cool country house with rustic elegance, an award-winning organic restaurant and 130 acres of incredible gardens, meadows and woodland.
This wisteria-clad house is a warm, welcoming space of open fires, woodburning stoves and double-ended bathtubs, but clever design and pieces collected on the couple’s travels around the world keep it fresh and fun. You’ll find Joanna’s homemade granola and a racing green Aga in the kitchen, kilim throw cushions in the cute kids’ room (no bunk beds here: everyone gets their own four poster); 18th C antiques and a secret door behind a bookcase in the living room. The place sleeps 6 and it’s the perfect spot for idyllic stays in Ireland — there’s even an additional cottage for 2, that’s ideal for grandparents or extra friends.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive.
“This is where we first lived after getting married and is decorated in our personal style, with many of our paintings and furniture in-situ mixed with antiques and contemporary features. Surrounded by gardens, the old stable yard was built in the early 18th century and once housed the horses and stable men who facilitated the travel movements of the family.” Owners, James & Joanna
They love
“The old yard is now 12 acres of beautiful garden, with tall lavender and potted plants; facing south you feel like you’re in Provence.”
We love
The wonderful art, which includes botanical prints by James’ grandmother Wendy Walsh, and life drawings by his mother, Lesley.
You may not love
You’ll need to drive to get here. The owners have dogs, who you may see. The cottage is part of the old stables yard (which houses another rental and a home) so not secluded.
Sustainability.
“We are almost 100% self-sufficient and use sustainable methods for all our food production. No chemicals or pesticides have been used in our food production for as long we have been growing here, for well over 150 years. All our heating and hot water is produced from one biomass woodchip system that feeds into every building, greatly reducing our carbon footprint. We have large compost areas that help the cycle of life and so feed and contribute to the soil structure of our gardens each year.”
Surrounds.
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Burtown House & Gardens © Burtown House -
The Green Barn Restaurant © Burtown House -
Burtown House & Gardens © Burtown House -
Burtown House Gallery © Burtown House -
Burtown House & Gardens © Burtown House -
Temple Bar, Dublin © Diogo Palhais via Unsplash
- The award-winning Green Barn restaurant, whose veg is sourced directly from the kitchen garden, is perfect for lazy brunches and lunches, and Friday and Saturday night dinners. On weekday evenings hole up in your beautiful apartment and order from the home-cooked Stables Menu (soup with Guinness bread, chicken and tarragon pie, that sort of thing).
- Book a massage, bespoke facial or reflexology with Edel, the fantastic on-site therapist.
- James and Joanna are both keen gardeners. In addition to the beautiful historic gardens surrounding the 18thC stable yard you’re stayig in, you can explore Burtown’s wider grounds: 160 acres of wildflower meadows, herbaceeous borders, woodlands and a lovely walled garden.
- Snoop around Burtown House’s gallery, where the owners stock furniture and artwork from local creatives and international designers.
- Hike up Mullaghmast hill for insight into Ireland’s history, and views of Wicklow, Carlow and Laois.
- Further afield, there are other lovely landscaped gardens for day trips: Altamont, Huntington Castle, Kilmacurragh, Kilruddery and Powerscourt.
- Dublin is just 45 minutes away, perfect for a day trip or an evening of Guinness, good grub and great craic.
Specifics.
- House in converted stable yard with 12 acres of historical gardens
- Part of an estate with a further 160 acres of nature reserve, woodlands and organic food production
- 3 bedrooms: 1 super-king with ensuite; 1 twin + 1 double
- 2 bathrooms, both with bath and rainfall shower
- Toiletries by Handmade Soap Company provided
- Fully equipped kitchen including an Aga, Nespresso machine, dishwasher and washing machine; basic supplies provided
- Dining room and living room, both with woodburner
- Large collection of coffee table books, magazines, Marshall sound system and Netflix
- Garden with dining furniture and BBQ
- Pet-friendly! (extra cost, see FAQs)
- Fresh garden produce available to order
- Renowned on-site restaurant The Green Barn serving organic food (100m away; see FAQs for opening hours)
- In-room dining menu and on-site farm shop
- The owners are on call 24/7 should you need anything
- Drive to other shops/restaurants
- Booking conditions: 1-night stays accepted apart from over the Christmas and New Year period (3 night min applies)
- Remember to pack: walking boots
Book your stay.
*3 Nights For 2*
Book a 3+ night stay during Feb or March and receive the 3rd night free.
Book via the calendar below and your discount will be automatically applied.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
Please note rates shown initially are based on 2 people sharing
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 15:00 / out 11:00
Yes absolutely – there’s a cost of £25/pet/night. The owners have dogs so you may seem them out in the grounds.
Wednesday – Sunday, including Bank Holiday Mondays.
Brunch: Friday – Sunday 09:00 – 11:30
Lunch: Wednesday – Saturday 12:45 – 15:30
Lunch: Sunday 13:00 – 15:45
Friday & Saturday night dinner 18:00 – 20:30
The Stables Yard menu is available for in-room dining every day.
Still have a question?
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