Seldom has a property been so aptly named as The Retreat Country House in 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.
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. There is also a second sitting room with a cosy wood burning stove and TV. Tucked into the corner is a lovely piano
The kitchen is spacious and well designed and 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 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 king sized bed which can be made into two single beds if required. This bedroom is ensuite. Next door is another king sized bedroom which can also be made up as two single beds. This bedroom has a bathroom attached which it shares with the twin bedroom next door. This is ideal as a family suite. There is another bedroom with a king sized bed and a bathroom attached and the fifth and sixth bedrooms are zip’n link so each can be made up as one large king bed or two singles, depending on your requirements. These bedrooms would share a bathroom.
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
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 - a maximum of 2 dogs will be welcomed on request.
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 - The heating and hot water are set to come on each morning and evening which should be more than sufficient for your needs.
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.
