Peaceful, unique and most enjoyable getaway!

Guest: Tamara (Victoria, B.C., Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/03/11

Our family (2 teenage girls, my husband and myself) stayed at Patti and Chris's guest house for one week and enjoyed every minute. Patti and Chris are fantastic hosts! From the moment I started arranging our stay in Ballydehob Patti was very helpful and offered her assistance in making our vacation a success. We were greeted with a beautiful and exquisite first meal which truly was delicious and welcoming. The house was comfortable, funky and well set-up. We cooked most of our meals in the cottage and did not lack any of the basic cooking implements. The main bed is super comfy and has a fabulous view overlooking the fields and valley around the property. The second bed is a very new and comfortable sofa-bed that the girls reported was also great to sleep on. We thoroughly and frequently soaked in the private, warm jacuzzi which was especially appreciated on one particular misty, cool evening. Although the guest cottage is remote, it is not too far from the town of Ballydehob where we satisfied our daily need for chips and Guinness. We made many day trips to the towns in the near vicinity and even explored further afield to Kerry and Dingle. Our trip to Ireland was fantastic and was made more memorable because we were fortunate in finding Patti and Chris's cottage. Thanks!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, pet owners, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

A Must Stay!

Guest: Josh&Jay (Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

Patti and Chris made our stay amazing. Patti is an amazing host, and Chris is a phenominal cheif! On the way to the cottage, we had a little incident with our rental car. We ended up blowing a tire and getting a huge knot on another. Pattie was gracious enough to drive us and our two busted tires into town the next morning to get repairs. The directions to the cottage were spot on to the tenth of a mile, very easy to find at the top of the hill. Chris was very busy with catering during the week of our stay but we still able to cook us AMAZING dinner! Serisouly we all but licked the plate, well I did lick my plate... it was SO GOOD! We decided to take a train back to Dublin, Patti and Chris were so gracious to make us a boxed lunch to take with us on the train. It too was delicious. One evening Patti came over to bring us dinner and she ended up staying and conversing with us for a few hours. She is one of the nicest and sweetest ladies I have ever met. Chirs and Patti are natural hosts. I would recommend this to any and everyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of town. (Disclaimer: very remote) I have never looked up at night and seen so many stars shinning so brightly, absolutly beautiful. Beware cows will come and visit you while you're in the kitchen, just to say a friendly hello.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Truth In Advertising

Guest: Geoff & Lorraine (Montreal,Quebec,Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/26/11

Lorraine & I (middle aged,young at heart) stayed for a week in May 2011. I have read all the reviews and confirm each one is true & accurate. The posted pictures can be trusted & there are many hidden gardens,nooks & crannies not shown just waiting to be discovered where you can share a glass of wine with your special soulmate. We have used the internet extensively to find lodging & have rarely been disappointed. The very few times we have been it has been with pictures (very carefully selected no doubt & descriptions that did not match the reality of the lodging. Have no fear, "Hideaway Cottage" will exceed your every expectation. Patti & Chris are friendly,helpful,interesting,informative yet completely non intrusive. After 30 years of travel, self catering & B&B experiences I can say they set the standard of perfection all other "hosts" should strive to attain. Geoffrey & Lorraine,Montreal Canada

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+.

Great location, great people

Guest: doglover (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 05/07/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

We stayed at Mt. Kid Cottage for a week in May. The only negative I can come up with is its remoteness, but even that got easier after we properly programmed our GPS. The cottage was exactly what we wanted--a little rustic, very unique and very comfortable. And Chris and Patti were fabulous! From the rescue when we first got lost to our final evening, they were the perfect hosts. Not to mention Pepper and Alice, the property dogs. Always good to have a friendly dog greeting you. We didn't feel we were renting so much as visiting with friends. For two people out to enjoy the best of Ireland, Mt. Kid was a great place to start. It was convenient to our tours around County Cork. And I enjoyed my morning walks around the hilly neighborhood. We even had Chris prepare us a great meal--the perfect ending to a long day of touring. We would recommend this cottage to anyone looking for something special and true to the spirit of Ireland. Chris and Patti are the best!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+.

Romantic, Peaceful, Charming & Beautiful

Guest: jennie (Castle Rock, CO, US)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 11/22/10

Our expectations were far surpassed in staying @ the Cottage. From the drive under the fresia "tunnel", to waking to the cows grazing, to the small details of candles & scents, the cottage as well as its' owners, Pattie and Chris were a delight. Quite frankly, we were blown away. It is the type of place that you didn't feel guilty or like you were missing sights by staying longer in the am or @ home in the evening as it's charm and peace were so inviting. Far better than a hotel or B&B, it also is great for day trips and adventure (Sheep's Head, Mizen, Kinsale, Baltimore,Glengariff, Ballydehob, Cork, Skibereen...) . We went out daily to some part of West Cork and still feel as if we've barely scratched all that there is to see... and eat. Speaking of, the food, as other reviews have boasted in County Cork as well as specifically prepared by Pattie & Chris is very, very (very) good. We enjoyed their company as well... they make sharing their piece of paradise so welcoming. Cannot wait to return! Jennie & Ken, Colorado, US

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Beautiful Remote Getaway in Ireland

Guest: Kristen (Eugene, OR)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

My husband and I stayed here for two weeks and loved it. Chris could not be any nicer to us. Even though he was quite busy preparing food for several large parties, he was still able to attend to whatever we needed. We did not get to meet Patti since she was away in the States at the time. However she was able to arrange everything and answer all of our questions before we arrived. The guest cottage itself is rustic, but very clean with all the necessities. We happened to love its rustic charms. It's much larger than it seems in the pictures. The hot tub is private, had the perfect lighting for evenings and a sound system that will play any CD. The infared Suna was also nice to have. It's off in its own building; complete with shower, sink, and hairdryer. The cottage has a kitchen that is open to the seating area for meals. Making what would normally be a small closed off traditional European kitchen, an easy kitchen to work in. And if you like to cook, you really can appreicate the freedom of not having to eat out for every meal. Which can get very spendy in both Ireland and the UK. The bathroom was about the right size for one person getting ready in the morning. We never ran out of hot water, a huge plus. If you're adventerous and more of an indepent traveler, this is deffinately the place. There were tons of off the beaten path places to see. Though if you want to see all the normal tourist sights, they are a bit of a drive away. However there are buses that will take you to them, you just need to find a place in Skibbereene or Ballydehob to park for the day. I could also bring up the views from the cottage, which are amazing. As well as some of the hills behind the cottage, even more amazing though a bit of a hike. But the best thing about this place was the service. Chris was exteremely helpful and attentive to whatever we might need. He even cooked us breakfast before we left. It was awesome, he's a great chef. It was too bad we had to leave so early in the morning so I didn't get a chance to enjoy all of it. Also, breakfast was included, no extra charge. He was also able to make up a dinner for us when we arrived. Handy since we were rather late to show up that night. The place and views are gorgeous. Chris was wonderful and a great chef. If you want to see what West Cork has to offer, this place is great. I recommend a rental car with 4 wheel drive for the roads and driveway. It's a bit much for a compact car.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful culmination of sabbatical

Guest: Ncpatent (Greensboro, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 09/05/10

My stay at this Mount Kid cottage not only met but exceeded my expectations. After spending 3 months in sometimes hectic Western Europe, I was ready for some relaxiation time and opportunity to enjoy the terrain and nature. The cottage is wonderfully outfitted, with bedding, electronics and kitchen facilities much more than adequate. I so enjoyed the difficult decision of whether to take a dry sauna or jacuzzi after my morning run or hike. The scenery in this part of Ireland is breathtaking, and the coastline, golf and interesting harbour towns are close by. Meeting and spending time with Chris as he managed his many catering jobs was a definite highlight, and Patti even managed to take good care of us both while she was away visiting family in Boston. Over my 10 day stay, I think I had only 2 days of solid mist; otherwise sunshine came most everyday. Day trips included Ring of Kerry (Skellig Michael), Waterville Golf, Crookhaven, Skull and ferry to Cape Clear. I can't wait to return with my family soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

A Magical week!

Guest: Naisha (New England, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/28/10 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful rural cottage for my week long stay in W. Cork. Chris is a spectacular chef and both he and Patti are gracious and FUN. I'll be back more often than you'll want me guys!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Guest: Peter & Family (Dublin Ireland)
Date of Stay: 06/26/09 Review Submitted: 06/26/09

I meant to post this comment when we stayed in the cottage last year. We had one of the most relaxing and enjoyable weeks of our lives. The sauna and jacuzzi add that bit of luxury that you don't really expect in an Irish cottage. You could not have more pleasant and helpful hosts than Patti and Chris. Pattis little touches make you realise that they want your week to be a little special. And ignore Chris underplaying his culinary skills, his dinner was to die for. Our daughter constantly talks about going back and although it looks like we may not this year, we definitely will be returning.

Owner response:Peter, we loved having you and your family...we look forward to your return! Pattie and Chris!

Recommended for:

Guest: dardee (co cork)
Date of Stay: 10/27/08 Review Submitted: 10/27/08

This cottage is well kept and well maintained. It has the most hospitable owners we have ever met and immediately made us feel welcome and relaxed. The hottub and sauna made this a truly relaxing escape. This cottage is a MUST for any couple or person looking to escape the world and experience quality time with themselves or a loved one. We would go as far as saying it would be a beautiful honeymoon destination for any couple wishing to spend time alone with gourmet chefs on site at their disposal. Dar and Dee

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