Traharta House, sits snugly into the base of a cliff and looks South East over a tranquil cove to Flea and Horse Islands and the entrance to Castletownshend Harbour. There are uninterrupted views of Skiddy, High and Low Islands and on a clear day you can see Gallows Head Lighthouse, some 20 miles away. Set in its own one and a half acre garden, Traharta House has a 100 meter water frontage. Recently refurbished to a high standard, it is comfortably furnished in a contemporary coastal theme. The house is ideal for a relaxing holiday and as a base for touring. It is spacious, light and airy and well equipped. The picturesque village of Castletownshend is 2km away with two delightful pubs, two good restaurants and a general store. The thriving market town of Skibbereen is only 6miles away.Here you will find shops specializing in gourmet foods of all kinds from freshly caught fish, to locally made cheeses, breads and cakes. There are three large supermarkets as well as lovely little coffee shops, delis, gourmet restaurants and of course pubs. The Saturday Skibbereen market should not be missed.
The house features a full length front patio, a large side patio and a paved terrace roof, all of which have uninterrupted views over the surrounding farm land, water and islands. The open plan entrance, dining and living areas are flooded with light from the glass wall to the side patio and are ideal for holiday living. The focal point is an efficient wood burner set in an alcove which is surrounded by comfy sofas and chairs. The dining area has access to the galley kitchen via an ample counter top service hatch.
The house has three bedrooms, one king with its own on-suite bathroom and two twin bedrooms each with their own bathroom, one with a shower and one with a bath. Each bedroom has a double French door accessing the front patio, which is equipped with luxurious furniture, providing a relaxing place to enjoy the sea views, the peaceful rural scenery, activities on the beach, the clean air, local birds, seals and fish.
Although literally right on the water, you can walk down steps from the car park to the rocks, the house enjoys a sheltered position. As it is well insulated and centrally heated via an ecologically friendly air source heat pump, it is warm and cosy and can be enjoyed at all seasons of the year. The house is set in a well stocked one and a half acre garden filled with local and semi-tropical plants.
Further Details of Possible Local Activities : Excellent walking is available eg cliff top, rain-forest above Lough Hyne, Iron Age Fort Knock Drum above Castletownsend,etc. There are undisturbed archaeological sites, including ancient copper mines, Stone Tumuli eg Drombeg stone circle. Excellent local bird and whale watching.
Bicycles can be rented in Skibbereen, the quiet local roads are ideal for cycling. Try the trail above Loch Hyne
Boat trips are available for fishing and whalewatching. Good salmon and trout fishing in season.
A local kayak school, Atlantic Sea Kayaking teaches kayaking at all levels.
There are diving and sailing schools in Baltimore(10 miles). A ferry runs from Baltimore to Clear Island.
Golfers, Skibbereen has an excellent 18 hole course.There are also well know courses at nearby Glengarriff, Dunmore,Clonakilty and the Old Head of Kinsale. Many local gardens are open to visitors and the area is a paradise for photographers and artists because of the clean air and superb light. Local guides can be introduced
Available by Car: A great many places of scenic interest are within easy reach. East the coastal inlets are attractive and exploring the small local roads is rewarding. Small places can be found for refreshments. eg Unionhall and Glandore are within 30-45 minutes. West the road to Mizen Head takes you through places such as Ballydehob, Schull, Crookhaven and Goleen. This road leads to the site of Marconi`s first radio transmission across the Altantic. North Bantry Bay and Bantry House are only 40 minutes by car and well worth seeing. 10 miles past Bantry is Glengarriff where you can take a ferry to the delightful Garnish Island Gardens. Glengarriff is also the entry point to the beautiful Beara peninsular. Alternatively from Glengariff you can travel due north to Kenmare, the Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. There are also a good number of artists and craft workers in the area whose studios can be visited. Details at the Tourist Office in Skibbereen
Activities and Guest Comments : Many activities including seaching for ancestors are available through local guides and tours. Let us know your interests and we will either put you in touch with a them or make arrangements for you.
Horse riding is available in Rosscarbury and there are local Spas and beauticians to pamper you.
One Italian guest who arrived late at night and only saw the view from his bedroom window in the morning, came into breakfast and said 'They said I would be staying in a nice place,but no-one told me it would be paradise!'
Many people have arrived in Traharta stressed with pressures of work etc. and found that somehow things get into perspective just sitting on the front patio and taking everything in.
