Geraldine Burkitt and David Hare’s beautiful property is in a secluded position overlooking Derrynane Harbour, and the effort taken to get there makes it all the more restful once settled in.
Approaching it down the winding little road is an adventure and, once inside the gate, one can only marvel at the four and a half acres of sub-tropical gardens, which were laid out in the 1930s and are remarkably well-kept – amazing in this wonderfully wild place.
Renovated outbuildings beside the house offer two beautiful suites with lovely kitchens which are available for self-catering or B&B and overlook the harbour and the islands of Deenish and Scarriff.
The Hares are very hospitable (tea and homemade cakes on arrival, as much or as little conversation as you like at breakfast) but the aim is to provide peace and privacy for guests, which they are now doing even better than ever.
The private pier at the bottom of the garden joins an old Mass Path which, by a happy chance, leads not only to the beach but also to Keating’s pub (known as Bridie’s) where a bit of banter and, perhaps, some good seafood is also to be had in the evenings, although it’s wise to check on this beforehand.
In keeping with the caring philosophy of this lovely house, solar panels are used to heat the water.
