West Cove House, Co Kerry

Attractive, early Georgian country house in a magnificent setting overlooking Kenmare Estuary on the southern tip of the beautiful Ring of Kerry. The house sleeps up to eight comfortably - two doubles, one twin and adjoining single bedrooms. Accommodation for a further nine is available in ‘The Stables’.  The house is delightful and unusual, reflecting the various generations that have lived there.  The house was lived in in the 18th Century by the Segerson family. In the 19th century it was the agent's house for the Hartopp's estate. In more recent times Austrian and Oriental influences have made their mark. 

Cooking and housekeeping are available by arrangement.

Westcove House is an ideal base from which to explore the many fascinating areas in this, the most scenic corner of Ireland.

There are numerous possible excursions:- north to Killarney with its famous lakes, northwest to the legendary Dingle Peninsular, west to Waterville, Balliskellings and Valencia Island, from where you can take an unforgettable boat trip to the Skelligs. To the south lies Bantry Bay, which is reached via spectacular mountain passes. Kerry and West Cork are dotted with wonderful tropical gardens, especially beautiful in May and June. The countryside immediately surrounding Castlecove is ideally suited for all types of walking, ranging from gentle strolls along lovely, sandy beaches to more serious hikes over craggy hills. The famous 'Kerry Way' walk takes you along the ridge of hills, all the way from Waterville to Kenmare and is well signed, but still wonderfully unspoiled. 

Watersports: You can swim, row and shrimp nearby and there are several sandy beaches within ten minutes drive. Derrynane, 4 miles away, has an excellent watersports centre in the summer - with facilities for all ages, including water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. Scuba diving facilities are also available locally.

Fishing: Salmon, trout and sea fishing, including day trips to catch blue shark, can be arranged locally.

Shooting: During the winter, challenging shooting over the wild stretches of bog land for woodcock and snipe can be arranged. Irish gun licences must be obtained in advance.

Golf: Six challenging and scenic courses within one hours drive, three of which are championship standard. Advanced booking on major courses is essential. 

Riding: Beach riding and pony trekking are available 2 miles away at Caherdaniel.

Eating Out: There are several excellent and varied restaurants around. The convivial atmosphere of the Irish pub is legendary - the whole family can be assured of a very warm welcome, and after closing time, during the summer, there are often discos for the young and 'young at heart'!

Sitting Room - accessed via a large hall. Incorporates a sunken area around a stone fireplace, seating up to ten at ground level. Also, a sofa and three armchairs. This room leads to ....

The Bar - very cosy, again with an open fire and music centre - a small TV is available on request. A glass door opens onto the terrace and a quaint staircase leads to up to a little gallery, well stocked with books and games, with a writing desk and card table.

The Dining Room - a large sunny room. The round table can seat up to 12 with the extra leaf. Another table seats a further six in the bay window. The main TV and video are in this room.

The Kitchen - is spacious and fully equipped - large cooker: two electric ovens and gas hobs; fridge-freezer, microwave and two dishwashers.

Back Area - sauna and shower room, laundry/boiler room, fridge, freezer, cloak room, and area for coats and boots.

Bedroom 1 - is large with a six-foot Super King-size bed. Big en-suite bathroom with bath, separate shower, bidet, loo and basin.

Bedroom 6 - over sauna, with two single beds: suitable only for occasional use by 10-18 year-olds.

The terrace to the front of the house is stone-clad and overlooks the harbour and Kenmare Estuary. It has a built-in barbeque and comfortable outside furniture. A rowing boat is available at tenant’s own risk.  

50 yards from the house are the converted stables which offers excellent accommodation in a more family house type atmosphere as opposed to the elegant formality of the main house.  It has a single room, a bunk room, a king size double , a double or twin and a twin bedded room.  In total 5 bedrooms, sleeping 9 people in comfort.  there is also a sitting room, dining and kitchen area.  There is a bathroom and a shower room upstairs and a bathroom with a shower over bath downstairs.  It is ideal for children with an open plan play area which is part of the kitchen.

There is a huge games room in The Stables, approached from the outside, with table tennis etc, useful for rainy days.

The stables and house are available separately

Dogs: dogs are welcome, but not upstairs or on the sofas and chairs please!  Also be very careful and keep them on leads at all times when walking in  the hills when there are sheep around.

Any special arrangements: please let us know if you have any special  requirements such as a cot or high chair.  

The house must be left tidy. Any damage or breakages must be paid for before departure, and the caretaker is entitled to fix the amount due.

Ten miles after going through Sneem, you reach the small village of Castlecove. Follow the road straight through for one mile and, after passing some derelict buildings on your left, take the second turn on your left at a small crossroads. After about 100 yards, the entrance to Westcove House is directly in front of you. Proceed over the cattle grid, with a stone wall on either side, and park by the grass circle.