John and Elizabeth Barrett’s magical beachside house was once a coast guard station and, since 1932, has been the ultimate escape for the many guests who have stayed here.
It’s a low, tucked-in kind of a place with a little wicket gate giving direct access to the beach, and an other-worldliness which is very rare these days.
Elizabeth was born here and, aside from the location and the charm of the house itself - which has style without being at all ‘decorated’ - it is the sense of continuity that makes it special; and, of course, she has the ‘hotelier’s gene’ which makes hospitality come naturally.
While some bedrooms are not especially large, all are comfortably furnished with everything you need to feel at home, and there's plenty of room in the cosy sitting rooms for sitting around a turf fire in the evening (or whenever you wish) and playing old fashioned games, enjoying the eclectic collection of reading material stashed all around the house, or simply having a chat.
A large dining room and conservatory overlook the bay, and this is where you will enjoy the home-cooked food prepared by their excellent chef, James, and a small kitchen team.
Finding such choice and high standards at dinner may surprise first-time guests to this low-key hideaway - there are several equally delicious dishes to choose from on each course - and, while meals are primarily for residents, there’s a natural hospitality here (beginning with the hot-buttered scones and home-made jam Elizabeth offers to arriving guests), so non-residents are welcome to come for Afternoon Tea and and extra guests may also be fitted in for dinner if there is room.
Breakfast - cooked by John, and served by Elizabeth and their lovely staff - is also a real treat, and you'll be well set up for all the many activities that Achill has to offer. Having direct access to Keel's famous south-facing beach makes it tempting to stay around all day but the Barretts also have plenty of information available about other equally tempting things to do.
And you can even check out John Nikolai's charming Little Art Studio, which is in a converted outbuilding in the garden - Bervie is full of surprises!
