Lynn Hill’s charming and unusual house on the Ballynahinch River near Roundstone was built as a sporting lodge in the eighteenth century but you don’t have to be a fisherperson to warm to the special charms of The Anglers Return: Lynn’s warm welcome and natural hospitality, peace and tranquillity, the opportunity to slow down in a quiet, caring atmosphere in this most beautiful area - this is its particular appeal.
It’s a place to spend time outdoors: as well as fishing, this is great walking country, and Lynn has many maps, books and guides. There is golf nearby, and riding and boat trips can be arranged for guests.
The house is set in 12 acres of old deciduous woodland, with 3 acres of natural rambling gardens, best in late spring and early summer, and makes a good base for the Connemara Garden Trail - and, of course, for painting holidays in this stunningly scenic area.
In tune with its special away-from-it-all ambience, there is no television; instead there are views of the river and garden and lots of books to read. Tea and snacks are available at any time, to be enjoyed in the secluded back garden in fine weather, or beside the log fire in the soothing drawing room.
Lynn is constantly making improvements that add to her guests’ comfort, but without compromising the character and old-world charm of this lovely house in any way.
The five good-sized bedrooms are all bright and very comfortably and tastefully furnished in a fresh country house style; only two are en-suite (the other three share the large high-ceilinged bathroom), but this is not a major problem. The house is never crowded and, as well as having washbasins, all rooms are very near the bathroom and shower. Bathroom arrangements are gradually being improved - one features a restored Victorian ball & claw cast-iron bath and separate shower - and it all emphasises the genuine country house ambience.
Breakfast is served at separate tables in a sunny dining room with double doors leading out to the lawn; it will include home-made organic muesli, freshly baked breads, poached garden rhubarb and plums, home-made marmalade and jams, unsweetened natural yoghurt, nuts seeds and cheese, and freshly picked herb teas from the garden - you are even invited to collect your own egg!
Dinner is not normally offered (except perhaps by arrangement, for groups staying several days), but Lynn can make bookings from a choice of good restaurants nearby. Alternatively, there is a kitchen solely for the use of guests who may wish to stay quietly at home on some nights and enjoy the sunset over the river, the log fire and perhaps a bottle of wine.
