Pet-friendly stone farmhouse on the Sheep's Head

LAHARANDOTA - The Artists' Cottage, an old stone farmhouse previously owned by American painter Frank Russell, fully renovated in 2008 to include slate floors, old beams and stone walls. Set in over an acre of land and surrounded by fields with extensive views over Dunmanus Bay and the Mizen Head. Ideal for those looking for a relaxing holiday or weekend retreat, for walkers/cyclists or families, with its large garden, spring, pond and small outdoor pool (solar heated). Located 4 miles west of the local village Kilcrohane, and a scenic half-hour drive from the busy market town of Bantry with its great restaurants and pubs. Stroll down the lane from the cottage directly onto The Sheep's Head Way, one of Ireland's 31 Waymarked Ways (marked trails). The peninsula's natural wild beauty makes its 55-mile trail stand out from others and offers an exciting challenge for all keen walkers. If, however, you're not a 'wild rover', there's always riding, sailing, kayaking, diving, golf... FEATURED IN ALASTAIR SAWDAY'S IRELAND GUIDE: Review: 'Now how many Irish cottages come with an outdoor pool? Next to the road but shielded by hedges, it even has sea views! You are at the tip of the strikingly beautiful Sheep’s Head peninsula, a paradise for walkers. Laharandota was the house of an artist for many years; it still shows. Everything inside is in the best possible taste and breathes a generous spirit: a wonderful kitchen with big Rayburn stove, art, objets and a fabulous hamper, a claw-foot bath, a glasswalled sun room, nooks, crannies and a rustic fireplace that roars in winter. Next-door’s studio, often rented to the same party, provides comforts on a reduced scale, but the light, the art, the sea views are the same. Hike a part of the Sheep’s Head Way: ‘the best walk in Ireland’ says Country Walking magazine. Head for the lighthouse, look out for choughs and peregrines. Shops and restaurants are a short drive away, lovely Bantry Town and sandy Barleycove beach are not much further. Inspirational'. Guest Comments: 'It is a fabulous place to stay - we found ourselves spending lots of time just pottering around the cottage because it was so lovely. We will definitely come again and will recommend it to our friends.' Gerry & Liz, Gloucestershire 'Thank you so much for the weekend. I must say your cottage is spectacular - you have a real eye for interiors and the quality of the renovation and furnishings is stunning. We had 3 days of great weather, the kids were even swimming in the sea. They didn't want to leave and now want to live there!' Adam & Jane, Hertfordshire 'Thank you for a wonderful 3 days in your beautiful cottage. It was everything we had dreamed of and more. We absolutely fell in love with The Artists' Cottage and the surrounding area.' Jayne & Gordon, Rockingham, Australia 'We had a fabulous time. The setting was wonderful and the cottage was just gorgeous. Daniel loved his cute little bedroom. He was even brave enough to swim in the pool!' Pamela & Roger, Glasgow 'Thank you for providing such a welcoming, comfortable taste of rustic charm for we city-dwellers. We all loved everything about the cottage. Of course the swimming pool is the icing on the cake - luckily the weather was glorious so we chilled out and lazed by the pool or braved its invigorating freshness!' John & Susan, Edinburgh 'Just a note to say how much we enjoyed the cottage. It is in a beautiful and unspoilt location and the views across the bay are something to remember. The quality of the finish and furnishing in The Artists' Cottage are incredible, really beautiful. We had some really lovely times there and we will remember it with great affection.' Susan & Phil, Hampshire