Description
Located right by the sea close to Miltown Malbay in West County Clare, The Gate Lodge at White Strand is like no place that we can think of and would be the most wonderful place to escape from everyone and everything. It was an original gate lodge for a large, long-ruined house and dates back to 1837 but it stands now, fully renovated, re-fitted, re-decorated and re-vamped ready to welcome guests looking for the perfect little private hideaway. To cap it all, you are even welcome to bring your dog…
This is the place for anyone who loves adventure and the outdoors but also likes their creature comforts and little luxuries. The Gate Lodge offers a lovely mix of indoor and outdoor living. The floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors make the very most of the incredible views and allow you to enjoy and appreciate your surroundings. The sitting room is made for snuggling up after a dip in the sea, a refreshing walk or run on the beach or perhaps a bike ride around the flat roads of the county. The attention to detail really is second to none and the architects have used a thoughtful and educated combination of the old and the new, including sash windows and exposed copper piping from an era gone by, along with the modern additions of an air to water heating system, underfloor heating and so much more.
The whole property is filled with natural finishes and textures sympathetic to the location, surroundings and history of the building.
The kitchen is small but beautiful and perfectly functional with a two ring induction hob, electric oven, air fryer and a Belfast sink. There will be a welcome hamper of local goodies for when you arrive.
The open plan living area encompasses the kitchen and sitting room is so inviting with a cosy wood burning stove and comfy couch that you can just sink into while enjoying the magnificent views beyond.
The bathroom is sleek and unique and features an indoor/ outdoor shower which is accessed through a sliding glass door depending on how refreshed you feel you need to be!
There is one bedroom with a queen (5ft) bed. It should be noted that storage space is minimal in The Gate Lodge and there are no wardrobes but there are hooks to hang some bits up. Should you need to accommodate a third person, the couch in the sitting room opens up as a double sofa bed.
What really sets The Gate Lodge out on its own is the outdoor area. This has been thoughtfully and creatively put together and combines an outdoor hot tub with complimentary natural seaweed packs, a plunge bucket and an outdoor wood burning stove. There is a “Boot Room” where you can borrow a pair of wellies and store your outdoor equipment. It is home to the pizza oven (complete with instructions and everything you need to get it working).
LOCATION
During your stay you’ll be greeted by various animals which could include Alpacas, donkeys, sheep and lambs.
The best place to swim locally in the sea would be just a two minute drive away at White Strand beach. We don’t recommend you walk the roads as they are narrow and the cars go by very quickly. There is a lovely cliff walk by the beach and locals swim in the pollock holes, favouring Cairns Hole, with steps down to it. You might even be lucky enough to encounter the local dolphin “Dusty” on your travels (but just don’t tell anyone as they like to keep him quiet down these parts!)
The Cliffs of Moher are just a 20 minute drive from The Gate Lodge and Lahinch and Doonbeg Championship golf courses are only 15 minutes away.
