Seldom has a property been so aptly named as The Retreat Country House West Cork. Secluded among almost 30 acres of private land yet right on the edge of the town of Bandon in Cork, this is the perfect place to enjoy total privacy and relaxation.
First and foremostly, this is a warm and inviting, cosy and welcoming family home. It just so happens to come with all the trappings of a luxury country mansion and estate! While staying at The Retreat you will really feel like the Lord or Lady of the Manor. This is a home that invites you to kick back and relax in a period house with all the old-fashioned luxuries modernised for up to date family living.
No matter the season, The Retreat holds enormous appeal. With the Spring comes the re-awakening of the wonderful gardens in vibrant hues. The Summer holds countless opportunities for outdoor living with terrace dining options, a game of croquet on the lawn or simply to find a small little nook in the garden to relax and soak up some sun while enjoying a good book. Ideal for families, the gardens are an absolute delight to explore and there is plenty of green grassy space to kick a ball.
Driving up to the house from the electric security gates, you will be treated to an unfolding view of the front of the house through glimpses between the gaps in the impressive tree-lined driveway. The Retreat is a traditional country mansion which was once home to the Duchess of Westminster! There is ample space for parking for a number of cars.
Steps lead to the front door which invite you in the impressive hallway adorned with an eclectic mix of old and new and giving an immediate sense of the warmth, peace, hospitality and fun that awaits you in the beautiful home.
All the living areas are downstairs and lend themselves to gathering collectively or taking time away depending on your needs. The main drawing room features gorgeous high ceilings, sweeping full length drapes and has cosy deep pile carpet underfoot. It is a lovely place to gather together in the evening around the wood burning stove.
The dining room is an extension of the drawing room and houses a magnificent dining table and upholstered chairs fit to host a banquet. The cosy open fire really lends itself to intimate gatherings over a good meal. We can arrange for an excellent private chef to come in and cook for you or to deliver dishes directly to you during your stay. What a fitting way to celebrate a special birthday or simply just delight in spending precious time together with loved ones and friends.
Doors from the dining room lead through to the library area. This is a lovely little space to read a book or your newspaper or to watch the news on the TV in peace beside an open fire. Perfect if you feel you need a little bit of peace and quiet.
There is also a second sitting room with a cosy wood burning stove and TV. Ideal as a break out room for the youngsters. Tucked into the corner is a lovely piano – perfect for a late night sing-song after dinner!
The kitchen is spacious and well designed. It is a proper functioning kitchen which has catered to the needs of the owner’s family for years so it has everything you will need during your stay. The dining table is perfect for a relaxed breakfast and the aga exudes warmth and homeliness.
The utility room is almost like a second kitchen as it has a full electric over and hob, the fridge/ freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher. There is also a guest toilet downstairs.
In all, The Retreat can welcome up to 12 guests in six bedrooms and the impressive sweeping staircase will bring you up to them.
The master bedroom is to the front of the house and overlooks the wonderful gardens below. It has a super king sized bed (zip'n link) which can be made into two single beds if required. This bedroom is ensuite. Next door is another master sized bedroom with a super king bed (zip'n link) and can also be made up as two single beds. This bedroom has a jack 'n' jill bathroom attached which it shares with the twin bedroom next door. This is ideal as a family suite. There is another bedroom with a super king sized bed (zip 'n link) with a bathroom attached. The fifth bedroom comes with a large king sized bed. Again, there is a bathroom for this bedroom which it shares with the sixth bedroom that has a super king sized bed (zip'n link).
Bedroom 1 Super King/ zip ‘n link
Bedroom 2 Super King/ zip ‘n link
Bedroom 3 Twin beds
Bedroom 4 King Size bed
Bedroom 5 Super King/ zip ‘n link
Bedroom 6 Super King/ zip ‘n link
There is lots of storage space in each of the bedrooms and downstairs for things like wellies, horse-riding equipment, bikes, fishing rods and anything else you might have with you.
While staying at the Retreat you will feel absolutely cosseted. No stone will be left unturned in order to meet your needs and to ensure you thoroughly enjoy your stay. It seems that nothing is too much trouble for your wonderful warm and welcoming host.
PETS AT THE RETREAT COUNTRY HOUSE WEST CORK
The owner of The Retreat is a dog lover herself and therefore she is happy to welcome your four legged family members to her beautiful home (max 2 dogs). She respectfully asks that pets are kept in the downstairs tiled area of the home. She does not charge extra for your pet but she does ask that you clean up after them.
PRIVATE CATERING
We can put you in contact with a wonderful chef who is available for private hire. Just ask for details at the time of booking.
ENERGY CHARGES
It is important to note that the heating and hot water are set to come on for two hours each morning and two hours each evening which should be sufficient for your needs. Should you require additional heating then you will be charged according to the number of units used for both electricity and gas based on the most recent utility bills. This will be payable on departure.
FIRES/ WOOD BURNING STOVES
Should you wish, we can arrange for the fires and wood burning stoves to be set and lit for you each morning to ensure the house is always at its cosiest. Please note that an extra onsite charge will apply for this additional service.
LOCATION
Bandon town is known as the gateway to West Cork. It lies less than a 40 minute drive from Cork City or Kinsale or Blarney, 55 minutes from Bantry, 20 minutes from Clonakilty and Ardfield beaches and about an hour and a half from the popular tourist towns of Killarney and Kenmare.
The Retreat is just a couple of minute’s stroll into Bandon town with its selection of shops, pubs and places to eat. We recommend “Poacher’s” bar & fish restaurant as well as the local golf club for a good reliable tasty meal.
