Lovely 3 Bed home in Inistioge, Ireland

Step off the world into this idyllic riverside retreat, tucked away down a leafy lane known only to local fishermen and horseriders, four miles from Inistioge, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages.

This once-derelict cottage was refurbished and extended into a stunning family home by its architect owner in 2006, and offers a beguiling combination of modern comforts and rural charm in one of South Kilkenny’s most picturesque locations. It has been awarded 4 stars (top rating) by the Irish Tourist Board, Failte Ireland.

You’ll gasp when you round the bend and catch your first view the River Nore as you approach this deceptive two-storey cottage, tucked in against a leafy bank at the end of a winding lane. You’ll rush to open the custom-made shutters each morning and see the river sparkling. You’ll find it hard to drag yourself away from breakfast at the solid limestone table on the south/west facing deck and start exploring the wonderful landscape and historic villages of Kilkenny. You’ll be surprised by the little-known medieval pier a few paces down the lane, and you’ll be mesmerised as you stand surveying a wide stretch of the river and spot some wild swans or wave at the occasional fishing boat going by. You’ll look forward to a sundowner in the pretty garden watching the sun disappear behind the hill across the river valley, or admiring the thorughbred horses being exercised from local stables. You’ll enjoy a pampering soak in the clawfoot bath before you prepare a meal from local ingredients in the fully-equipped modern kitchen, or treat yourselves to dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants within half an hour’s drive. You’ll end your evening on a comfy couch by an open fire in the wonderful high-ceilinged living room, leafing through our collection of books or catching up on the rest of the world on tv, before snuggling up in the best quality bedlinen for a sound night’s sleep in whichever bedroom you’ve chosen.

You may even debate about which of the three individually designed bedrooms is the nicest: the ground floor double, with its cherrywood shaker bed and ensuite shower-room; the first floor double (which can convert to twin beds), with its large round window, which shares its traditional style bathroom with the cosy loft bedroom and its antique French rosewood sleigh bed (a cosy double or a generous single). There’s also an elegant ottoman in the living room which converts neatly to a single bed if needed.

You’ll be fascinated by the sloping ceilings, the painted timber sheeted walls, the combination of comfortable modern and quirky country furniture. Most of all you’ll love the glimpses of river and greenery at every turn.

You won’t want to leave the seductive tranquillity of this very special place....

See more photos on http://homepage.mac.com/architectsmaraisflat/PhotoAlbum3.html

Location: Rathsnagadan, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Dublin Airport 155km; Cork Airport 160 km; Waterford Airport 42km; Rosslare Ferryport 50km.

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