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Host rating
65 %
Last replied
29 May 2024
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Details
Description
We are a family of five with four travelling usually: Jer +I (Sharon) are both Deputy Principals in Cork secondary schools.
We enjoy sunshine, outdoor living and spending time together in relaxed environments. Our older son Cian is 24 and studying at PHD level in Dublin whilst our daughter are both studying at second level.
Our animal family member Harry arrived in August 2021 and he is a gorgeous pet. He’s pure breed Golden Retriever who loves to walk and play but we are training him to be an outdoor only dog with possible access to the utility only in deep winter. We also have Paws the cat and a small flock of hens for free range eggs though we may battle the fox on these numbers!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
A warm welcome in beautiful heart of East Cork surroundings close to the beaches of Ballycotton Bay and Cork city.
You’ll be staying in our double guest room with own access and shared bathroom. You will enjoy as much integration or separation as is your preference.
My husband and I both work full-time so the house and grounds will be quiet daily.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We been living in our beautiful Georgian farmhouse for almost years and gradually renovating and restoring it.
We’d love to offer guest accommodation to anyone who’d be interested in supporting our ongoing work on our home and gardens.
Useful skills required:
DIY
Gardening and horticulture
We are experienced home exchangers if 15 years so we understand the importance of a warm welcome into our home and community.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Our home is located on the family farm just outside of the picturesque village of Ladysbridge in East Cork. We are located 3 miles from the beautiful Ballycotton Bay and Garryvoe beach. We are 18 miles or a twenty minute drive from Cork city.
Places of interest near our home include Castlemartyr Resort and Golf Club (1 mile), Ballymaloe House and Cookery School (5 miles), Youghal town and seaside resort (10 miles), The Midleton Jameson Whiskey Distillery (8 miles), Trabolgan Holiday, Recreation and Activity Centre, Cobh town (18 miles), The Gold Coast (20 miles), Fota Island Wildlife Park and Gardens (15 miles) and many other visitor attractions.
Our home is a stone built Georgian farmhouse with large, landscaped gardens and extensive outdoor patio and dining areas in the original and enclosed farmyard. It is a 2000 sq. feet home on a 40 acre farm. Our garden is full of native tree planting and seasonal shrubs and flowers. The house itself is surrounded by a limestone quarry and beautiful outbuildings which curve around the entire back of our home, in order to maximise the sunlight and outdoor dining opportunities during the summer months. Our home also includes a wall garden.
Our sun porch is south west facing with double doors to maximise the benefit of good weather and fresh air. It is furnished with authentic antique furniture and original encaustic tiles. We generally use it as our reading area. A complete sun trap and perfect for afternoon snoozes!
Our kitchen is south facing but will be extended in Autumn. The kitchen area contains a painted kitchen and dining suite with all cooking appliances and utensils conveniently at hand (dishwasher, ceramic hob, Waterford Stanley range, double oven/ grill, blenders, Nutribullet, Nespresso, Le Creuset cookware, food processor, fridge freezer etc).
Attached to our kitchen is a large utility/ sun room and separate laundry and shower room with washing machine, tumble dryer and airing space for storage of clothing and outdoor equipment (3 bicycles and a wide range of sporting equipment also available for use including a kayak). We also use this room as a larder for food and boot room as it adjoins the farmyard.
Our panelled living room provides wonderful space for relaxation in the evenings - 80% complete currently and awaiting arrival of wallpaper for two walls! Open gas fireplace for convenience and speed of cosiness. This living room is linked by patio door to the outside gardens. In this room are a large library of books, games & musical instruments including a tuned piano. There is also a drinks area (feel free to use & replace!) & a 32" television with Chromecast.
The Family Den next door has also just been renovated and includes a cinema wall and open fire, with BoConcept luxury leather 4 and 3 seater sofas and a Sherlock Holmes vibe!
Guest room - king and double beds in this large room. Adjoins kitchen with own stairs access. Large reading library and board games stored on shelving hidden in this room! Very quaint - typical old farmhouse style!
We have an outdoor eating area and an indoor outdoor room with garden furniture for rainy days. In this area is seating for up to ten people. A small gas barbecue and a Weber charcoal barbecue are available for your use in this outdoor area which is also decorated with a fountain and outdoor fairy lights for night time when one of three fire pits can be lit to keep a warmth about the place!
I have a huge interest in decor and maintain an Instagram account about our home renovation & restoration journey.
What else ...
Our house is located in the Cork countryside near the picturesque village of Ladysbridge with many rural walks/ cycle routes linking into beautiful Castlemartyr woodlands. Our home is located on the Ladysbridge Loop which is a 2.5 mile safe countryside walking loop which can be extended by 2 more miles to include the Catstlemartyr woods walking loop.
Some details below will vary due to Covid-19 restrictions (2021):
Our local pub The Thatched Inn serves food during summer months & always draws a lively crowd for live music & drinks each weekend. We are next to Garryvoe beach, Shanagarry village and Ballycotton Bay. Castlemartyr village is 1 mile from our home with a variety of shops, a lovely delicatessen & the exclusive 5 star Castlemartyr resort & golf course. Shanagarry is home to the Stephen Pearce Pottery and cafe, the Kilkenny Design Centre artisan shop and restaurant & Ballymaloe Cookery School, Fram Shop and Gardens.
Ladysbridge is a quiet village, centred around a beautiful traditional thatched pub (aptly named The Thatch!) which is well serviced for both locals and tourists alike. It contains a local shop/ petrol station,Catholic church, take away pizza restaurant and hair & beauty salon, as well as many sports and leisure activities. Perfect for cycling & long country walks.
Garryvoe beach is located in Ballycotton Bay on the south coast of Ireland. The beach itself stretches for approximately 5 miles in both directions with a number of small villages along the shoreline. Garryvoe Hotel is home to two restaurants and The Cave Bar. The main benefit of this coastal location is the unspoilt nature of its development and the beauty of its surrounding countryside: Ballycotton is home to it's own music venue called Seachurch as well as Cush restaurant by the sea and our favourite local pub, The Blackbird which has live music, fresh seafood and fantastic pints of creamy Guinness! Knockadoon Pier and coastal walks are a newer addition to the coastal walks family locally and offer unspoilt and 'hidden Ireland' opportunities within only a few miles from home. There are lots of other quiet spots where local knowledge can help you to find adventures by the sea or in the city! Please feel free to just ask us for recommendations.
Our nearest town is Midleton which is a market town, full of excellent restaurants, boutique shopping and leisure and entertainment facilities: including the Jameson distillery & heritage centre. Midleton hosts a weekly farmers' market which is one of the best in our region. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in Cork including: The Farmgate and Sage.
Cork city is a filled with history and cultural activities. It is located about 18 miles from our home: with its renowned English food market & bustling cultural activities, festivals & events.
Our location is approximately 2.5-3 hours drive from Dublin and Galway; 1.5 hours from Kilkenny, Limerick and the world renowned Ring of Kerry and less than an hour from West Cork and Waterford. A perfect base for travel or rest.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
High speed satellite wifi available with dedicated desk space separate to bedroom area.
Space for parking camper vans
Ample space to accommodate with electricity connectors available.
Can possibly accept pets
Within reason - would depend on requirements.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
