An ideal retreat for the larger family gathering, have a relaxing country Christmas or wonderful summer break away from the bustle of the city in a traditional stone-built old Irish farmhouse and adjoining Long Barn. West Cork is the artisan food capital of Ireland, surrounded by unspoiled beaches, fresh air, idyllic countryside, small market towns, picturesque fishing villages, and close to the start of the Wild Atlantic Way. The space The Farmhouse at South Reen is a large, rambling four-bed stone house hidden in a fold in the hills, surrounded by just under two acres of (very) informal gardens, vegetable garden and orchard, with an adjoining but separate two-bed Long Barn. This listing is for both buildings combined, for really large gatherings. The house sleeps up to 8 (with one person in an additional single bed in one of bedrooms 1, 2, or 3), and the barn sleeps 4. Extensively refurbished/rebuilt ten years ago, using all-natural building materials of slate, stone, wood and hemp plaster, the main house is very cosy in winter, with deep-set windows in the two-foot-thick walls, low ceilings, wood fires, natural fabrics and oak and slate floors. It's also a great summer house, with plenty of sheltered sun-trap outside space for dining/entertaining. Situated on an organically farmed headland, the house is surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic but, because it's an old house, the builders had the sense to build it in the lee of the hills, so winter storms pass overhead. There is an oblique view of the sea across the lawn and over the woods from the kitchen windows, looking out on to Blind Harbour, with its own "private" gently shelving beach (not really private, but hardly anyone else ever goes there!) at the end of the lane. What about wet weather? You're covered, with pretty good wifi, a gym with treadmill and rowing machine, and also a huge games room above the garage with pool table, air hockey, table football, dartboard and an array of musical instruments including drums, keyboard and choice of guitars, in case the musical inspiration grabs you. Bean-bags and low sofas plus a fully equipped bar complete the picture (supply your own alcohol though!). Guest access There are just under two acres of grounds, including an orchard, vegetable garden/polytunnel and lawns. There is, at time of writing, a swing, a trampoline (set in to the ground), and a climbing frame with slide. Obviously, parental supervision for youngsters is recommended if using these facilities. There are parts of the garden left wild and overgrown for the wildlife (not mown), that it's best young children don't venture into, so keep to the lawns! If you are renting both house and barn, then you have exclusive use of the grounds. There are bicycles that may be borrowed, and also kayaks to be used at your own risk. For a small extra charge we have a Rib that can be hired if you want to do a spot of fishing or marine sightseeing. Other things to note Animals live here too. There are Coco and Bailey, our adorable chocolate labradors, who like taking guests for walks down to the local beaches, two cats, Ambergris and Murphy, and our free range hens. Someone can be engaged to look after the animals on site if they are felt to be too much of a commitment. The owners may come and go to another private barn on site where they have study and studio space.