Red House Loft - Panoramic Harbour & Island Views

The Red House Loft is a spacious, peaceful top-floor hideaway with breathtaking views over Castlehaven Harbour and Horse Island. Full of charm and natural light, the space feels warm, relaxed, and perfectly removed from the everyday—ideal for slow mornings, sea air, and quiet evenings watching the light shift across the water. Step outside and you’re right in the heart of Castletownshend village, yet up here it feels like your own private retreat above it all. The space About Castletownshend & The Red House: Castletownshend is a historic coastal village set at the head of Castlehaven Harbour, known for its colourful houses, sheltered waters, and timeless charm. Dating back to the 17th century, the village grew around the influence of the Townsend and Somerville families and still retains its unique layout—a single, gently sloping street leading down to the harbour. The village has long been associated with Irish literary history, including Edith Somerville and Violet Martin, and is rich in stories from Ireland’s past. The Red House, built in 1894, is one of the village’s standout period homes, set along Main Street among elegant 18th and 19th-century buildings. Carefully restored, it offers a chance to stay in a unique piece of local heritage while enjoying the beauty and atmosphere of this special West Cork setting. Today: The Red House is owned by Allison Martin and her family who are fortunate to live here full time and happy to share its uniqueness and the beauty of Castletownshend and West Cork. The Red House Loft occupies the entire top floor of the Red House. It is a self contained flat which can be accessed through it's own entry door and stairway on the east side of the house. The Red House Loft Living Room The living room is a bright, relaxing space designed to make the most of the stunning coastal views. Large windows frame sweeping vistas over the harbour, surrounding countryside, and out to sea—perfect for watching the changing light throughout the day. Comfortable armchairs and a sofa create a cozy seating area by the window, ideal for unwinding with a book, a glass of wine, or simply taking in the scenery. From here you have great views of the coastline and can spot boats or wildlife on the water. The room also features a desk and chair, making it a peaceful spot for writing or remote work, all while surrounded by natural beauty. With soft tones, warm wooden floors, and plenty of natural light, it’s a calm and welcoming space to relax and enjoy the view. West Bedroom: The West Bedroom is a bright and peaceful retreat with gentle natural light and lovely views of the sea and surrounding trees and countryside. A comfortable emperor size bed with plush bedding sits at the heart of the room, perfect for slow mornings and restful nights. The space blends charm and comfort, with warm wooden floors and soft tones, that create a relaxed, homely atmosphere. There’s a cozy seating corner with a cushioned chaise—ideal for reading or unwinding—alongside a small table by the window for morning coffee. An elegant period-style fireplace and vintage touches add character, while practical details like bedside tables and lighting and plenty of storage in the antique wardrobe and chest of drawers ensure a comfortable stay. Quiet, airy, and full of charm, the West Bedroom is a lovely place to relax and recharge after a day exploring the coast and village. East Bedroom: The east bedroom is a bright and spacious room full of charm. Soft light pours in through the window, with lovely sea and rooftop views across the village, creating a peaceful, elevated feel. At its centre is a comfortable king size bed with a classic metal frame, dressed in crisp white linens for a restful night’s sleep. The room combines character and comfort, with sloped ceilings, vintage-style wallpaper, and warm wooden floors adding to its cosy, cottage-like atmosphere. There’s ample storage with two chests of drawers and space to hang clothes, along with thoughtful touches like bedside tables and reading lights. The overall feel is calm, cozy, and quietly inviting—perfect for unwinding after a day by the coast. Bathroom The bathroom is a spacious, light-filled room that combines comfort with a touch of classic style. Set under the eaves, it features soft natural light, elegant patterned wallpaper, and warm wooden floors that create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. A full-sized bath with overhead shower offers the best of both worlds—perfect for a long soak after a day exploring or a refreshing start to the morning. There are twin pedestal sinks with a large mirror above, giving plenty of space for getting ready. Thoughtful details, including a towel rail, soft rugs, and vintage-style furnishings, add to the sense of comfort and character. Bright, airy, and generously sized, it’s a lovely space to unwind and refresh during your stay. Kitchen & Dining Area The kitchen and dining area is a bright, airy space combining simple functionality with relaxed coastal charm. Soft natural light streams in through skylights and windows, creating a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen is thoughtfully laid out with everything you need for light cooking, including a sink, countertop space, microwave, kettle, coffee machine, toaster, and fridge, all set against classic cabinetry and warm wooden worktops. It’s practical, clean, and easy to use during your stay. A round dining table with comfortable seating for four sits nearby, making it a lovely spot for breakfast, casual meals, or planning the day ahead. Perfect for slow mornings or relaxed evenings in, it’s a simple and inviting space to enjoy meals and unwind. Guest access The flat is accessed through its own door and internal staircase on the east side of the house. The flat is on the second (top) floor of the Red House. Other things to note Things to Do in Castletownshend & West Cork Castletownshend is a peaceful coastal village on the Wild Atlantic Way, perfect for slowing down and enjoying the beauty of West Cork. From the house, you can stroll along the scenic coast road, taking in ever-changing views over the harbour, sea, and surrounding countryside. Several lovely spots are within walking distance, including the Station Beach, the Middle Quay, and the village pier—ideal for swimming, picnicking, or letting kids enjoy simple pleasures like crabbing and fishing. A short drive brings you to some of West Cork’s most beautiful beaches, including Castlehaven Beach, Traharta Beach, Sandy Cove, and Traguumna Beach, all offering a mix of golden sands, sheltered waters, and stunning coastal scenery. Nearby villages such as Glandore, Union Hall, and Baltimore are perfect for day trips, with great restaurants, pubs, and opportunities for boat trips and island visits. Just 10 minutes away, Skibbereen offers everything you might need during your stay, including excellent supermarkets such as Field’s, Lidl, and Aldi, as well as a wide choice of local shops, cafés, restaurants, and traditional pubs. It’s also home to the Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre and a popular Saturday farmers’ market, well worth a visit. Whether you’re here for coastal walks, beach days, local food, or simply to relax by the sea, Castletownshend is an ideal base to experience the very best of West Cork.