Tucked away in lovely gardens on a rise above Portrush town, Sharon and David Schindler's quietly located boutique B&B is well away from the crowds yet handy to to all the attractions of the beautiful Causeway Coast.
As you turn into the gravel drive and see the charming old stone building coming into view, you just know you've struck gold. And, inside, it gets even better. With its stylish yet homely mix of old and new - and afternoon tea with home baked goodies set up in front of a turf fire in the elegant guest sitting room - this place is frankly gorgeous.
The four bedrooms are all spacious and equally well appointed, but each has its own special ambience and many regular guests insist on returning to their favourites.
Some romantic types insist on the aptly named Garden Room, an airy hideaway among the shrubs with windows on two sides and French doors opening onto a private patio...One lady will only come if the Lavender Room is available; with its cosy sloping ceiling and neat smartly-appointed bathroom, it feels especially homely. Then there is the cheery Buttercup Room, with its own little balcony and separate bath and shower - and the Lilac Room, which is extra large and not only has a big bathroom with separate bath and shower, but also a platform with an extra bed (for a grown up son or daughter, perhaps) that can be accessed up a little ladder, if required.
But, while they are very different in style, the same high standards apply across the board and all have super king-size beds, flat screen HD TV & DVD player, hair dryer, tea & coffee making facilities, free super-fast WiFi and USB charging ports, as well as lovely complimentary toiletries in the smart bathrooms.
Better still, Sharon and David are solicitous hosts who do everything possible to ensure comfort and relaxation for their guests. Breakfast is mainly based on local ingredients and includes vegetarian and healthy options as well as the traditional Ulster Fry, and it is taken country house style, at a large table where guests can get to know each other and chat about the day's plans. In fine summer weather an outdoor table in the courtyard might beckon - and it's easy to imagine how hard it can sometimes be to leave this gorgeous place.
All round, Shola is a highly desirable adult destination - and good value too.
