Reviews for Red Castle Vacation Rental - VRBO 358886 - 5 BR County Donegal House in Ireland, Golf, Beautiful Beaches, See All of Fabulous Northwest!

Entertaining grandchildren

Guest Chrissie
Date of stay 08/25/12
Review Submitted 10/22/12

Fairview House is a beautiful house in a wonderful area. We had a great holiday with our three grandchildren. They loved the house which is ideal for kids of all ages and has so much to entertain them including another lounge upstairs with an amazing amount of toys and books. There was also lots in the garden to keep them happy. We did meet the owner Betsy who was lovely and gave us very useful information about the area. Inishowen is a lovely area to explore with beautiful beaches and plenty to do for young and old! A perfect holiday house for a family, although our kids did want it to rain so we could stay in for a day! This house would also be great for a holiday without the little darlings. We travelled from Scotland by ferry via Belfast and it was a very easy drive from Belfast to Fairview House

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

Owner response: Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to write! Fairview House does indeed have something for everyone and manages to give groups of all sizes and ages space to relax. And when you're ready to venture forth, there's plenty of beautiful beaches nearby and lots to see and do. It sounds like you had an ideal holiday!

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Home Away From Home

Guest Dean & Mary
Date of stay 08/11/12
Review Submitted 10/17/12

This was our second year at fairview house and as always it was perfect. This is a great base for touring from as we have done this year. There is so much to see and do that in the two years we have been we haven't seen it all and are hoping to return this year again. Fairview is a really beautfull house over looking lough foyle and as we have discovered a bit like the tardis. It dosn't look big when you pull up but you can't believe the space inside. The House is a dream for kids and adults alike. The den upstairs was heaven to our kids and we hardly ever saw them. This is the perfect place for extended family holidays as we have had the past two years. Looking forward to going back for many years to come.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: It was lovely to welcome this extended family back again for a second stay at Fairview House! The highest praise you can get as a holiday home owner is that guests choose to return. This review points out that Fairview House is spacious and keeps a variety of ages entertained.

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Scottish Visitors

Guest B & Co
Date of stay 07/28/12
Review Submitted 11/01/12

What a fabulous holiday we enjoyed in a wonderful house so beautifully kept with every need met. The situation overlooking the famous Lough Foyle was perfect .Even though 7 of us stayed we had more than ample space . The kitchen provided every mod con with detailed instructions on their use . I would strongly recommend Fairview House to any family desiring a break away from it all while at the same tme within close distance of many tourist attractions. and great beaches. The owner was always available if we needed her and deserves top praise for making such an excellent house available for holiday makers.

Recommended for: People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Owner response: This review highlights what a great central location Fairview House has, close both to tranquil areas of natural beauty and to the sights and activities in nearby Derry. (And, by the way, Derry has just appeared in 4th place in a recent list of top cities in the world to visit. Yes--that's in the world!) It was delightful to welcome this lovely family back to their roots in Donegal for a family holiday.

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Fantastic Family Holiday!

Guest Busy Mum
Date of stay 07/15/12
Review Submitted 11/12/12

Fairview House was brilliant! We were a party of 4 adults and 3 children aged 9,4 and 2. The house was equipped with everything you could need and more. Upstairs there is a massive playroom with pool table,games,dressing up clothes,books,puppet theatre,x box, the list is endless! The weather was quite good our week so we went to the local beach at Shroove about a 5/10 min drive from the house,beautiful beach,enclosed and family friendly with a very clean toilet! Leisureland is a few mins drive for a bad day, it has amusements and softplay area for the kids with a cafe for lunch,kids loved it! The small village of Moville is only a short drive from Fairview House it has a lovely play park for the children and a lovely scenic walk around the coast,and a lovely fish n chip shop for tea! Londonderry is also close by about a 10 min drive with loads of shops,Hospital(A&E),McDonalds,Tesco etc. Buncrana is also nearby about a 20 min drive from Fairview House it is a beautiful seaside town with lovely park and beach with toilets and plenty of shops and an indoor play centre called Waynes World,so much to do and plenty of info at the house to let you see whats on. The house was lovely with climbing frame in the garden,loads of space for parking and in a lovely private area but not too far from the main road. The amenities at Fairview House were great with lovely big bright rooms,well equipped laundry room and lovely well equipped family friendly kitchen and sitting room. The house was decorated to a high standard and was very clean and tidy! The sea views from the front of the house were lovely. We had a lovely holiday at Fairview House I have never been to a holiday home before were the owner had put so much thought into her home,if you come to Fairview House you wont be disappointed! Thankyou for a lovely relaxing holiday.

Recommended for: People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: I love reading about all the wonderful places to visit on the Inishowen peninsula in this review. It reminds me of why my own family loves this part of the world so much! Thank you very much for your kind words and all the great detail you provide for people who may want to visit this lovely corner of the world.

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Wonderful Home and Great Location

Guest Don
Date of stay 06/23/12
Review Submitted 11/05/12

If you are looking for a warm and large home to set up shop to explore the wonders of north western Ireland and Northern Ireland this is the home for you. There were only three of us and we got lost in the spaciousness of this home. Would be ideal for large/multiple families. We found it to be perfect for exploring all that this area has to offer. Close to Derry/Londonderry for those wanting a larger town/city but plenty of countryside to explore including the wild beaches and crashing ocean. Hop a ferry to the absolute world class nature and historic sites along the northern Antrim coast or a couple of the world's greatest golf courses. Don't miss the Squealing Pig Pub in nearby Muff. Best pub we were in during a month of pubs all over Ireland. For those of us from the states it was a magical time.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Owner response: These American guests really took advantage of Fairview House's good central location to enjoy exploring the beautiful area! It was a pleasure to meet them and to share their enthusiasm for Ireland.

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Family group from the States

Guest Eleanor D.
Date of stay 06/09/12
Review Submitted 07/19/12

Fairview House was everything we anticipated and more. The Owner was very responsive and helpful. I will not itemize how she went above and beyond the call of duty, because I don't think she would want to go through it again! Many thanks, and we hope to return.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Owner response: It was a pleasure to meet this extended family and provide a place where they could gather together and enjoy all the golf courses this part of the world offers.

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Comfy Retreat Overlooking Shimmering Loch Foyle

Guest Janet
Date of stay 06/03/12
Review Submitted 10/16/12

Fairview House in June was delightful! It was perfect for our group of five women. The house was spacious, comfortable and equipped with everything we needed. It was great to each have our own bedroom and enough baths to eliminate any waiting. Upstairs bedrooms (one tiny and cozy, the other huge) have dormer windows that look directly out on Loch Foyle, which shines brilliantly in the morning light. A mammoth and well equipped playroom for children is located on the second floor, and the house has a wide selection of books in nearly every room. The location is ideal for exploring scenic County Donegal, historic Londonderry/Derry, and the gorgeous coast of Northern Island. So much to see and do! After each day’s adventure, it was a quiet and comfortable retreat. We loved it! Our many thanks go out to Betsy for making our trip easy, fun, and memorable.

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

Owner response: It was lovely to welcome this group of Americans, who were traveling to Ireland for the first time. They took advantage of all the beautiful scenery right on the doorstep of Fairview House and had a fabulous week. Their review shows that Fairview House is an excellent choice for families as well as groups of adults.

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christmas 2011

Guest damck1
Date of stay 12/20/11
Review Submitted 01/05/12

Just recently returned from a ten day stay at fairview house with my family. This property was perfect for us all and made the whole christmas experience so much more enjoyable. It's perfect location and beautiful surroundings also helped to make our time in ireland special. The house has everything anyone would need for a comfortable stay and children are well catered for. Everything from WIFI, dvds, board games, books and a snooker table are available in the house and in the large upstairs living/playroom. Thanks very much to Betsy for being so accommodating and helpfull. She was always available anytime we needed her advice. Cant wait until our next stay!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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october 2011

Guest keeley
Date of stay 10/13/11
Review Submitted 10/22/11

Fairview house was exactly what we wanted and much much more. The location is perfect for days out, we really enjoyed visiting five fingers, pottery, horse riding and seeing the northest point of ireland. Sharing the house with 7 adults and 4 children there was still loads of space and no one felt crowded, The kids room was fantastic and kept our children happy for a week. The garden the children referred to as the park as there was lots of fun things to play on. We went to Ireland for a family wedding which was at the redcastle hotel (walking distance) And we have all agreed we would return for a holiday and definately stay at fair view house. Many thanks again to Betsy for letting us stay in your beautiful house. Couldnt of asked for anymore from Betsy. We will be in touch soon. Keeley

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

Owner response: I'm very pleased that Fairview House has played a role in making lovely memories for families such as Keeley's, who have traveled to Ireland for a family wedding. I'm so glad you enjoyed the space in the house and enjoyed exploring beautiful Inishowen!

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Unforgetable a home away from home

Guest Dean & Mary
Date of stay 08/20/11
Review Submitted 09/05/11

Dear Betsy & Family, Thank you for the use of your Beautiful holiday home, as soon as we arrived we felt at home. The interior of the house is very well presented and very spacious, with beautiful views and stunning landscapes. It’s ideal for two families sharing and is perfect for families who have a family member with disabilities. Completely child friendly indoors and out with a wide range of toys and activities. It has a BBQ area where you can enjoy the beautiful weather and a meal. It also has a wonderful dining area inside where the whole family can enjoy a meal together. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable and the upstairs play den is all a child would dream of. We can’t say enough good things about Fairview house, we could go on for days about it as we did returning home and still are. We miss it and didn’t want to leave. There is a wide range of activities for all ages, beautiful beaches and walks. Thank you for bringing our family closer together. God bless

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

Owner response: Fairview House has lots of amusements for all ages and stages and I'm so glad your family enjoyed your time together!

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An oasis of calm

Guest Bookgroup on tour
Date of stay 06/17/11
Review Submitted 06/21/11

Have just returned from an idyllic 24 hours here. Arrived Friday evening with my friends - the house is beautifully decorated and furnished with everything you could possibly want. After a late night chatting nobody surfaced too early on Saturday. After a leisurely breakfast we headed off to Culdaff beach - to work up an appetite for a lovely pub lunch in McGrory's bar. This is a fantastic location - a perfect place to recharge your batteries as you relax

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: Yes, it's hard to beat McGrory's for a pub lunch! They are also very well known as a venue for live music. (Check out their website to see who's playing.) Glad your book group enjoyed your getaway!

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Brilliant house

Guest AndyB
Date of stay 04/29/11
Review Submitted 06/21/11

We only stayed for two nights, but loved the house. Lovely views, great sitting room, beautifully clean and tidy, obviously well cared for and carefully thought out by the owner. Excellent provision for kids, modern kitchen, plenty of space to relax. The location is also excellent - very convenient to the main road, but well hidden away, just off the Inis Eoghain 100, close to the nearest town, and not too long a drive to the rest of Northern Donegal. Strongly recommended - we'll be back!

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

Owner response: This review highlights how accessible Fairview House is to great sightseeing in Donegal as well as how the house "fits" many different kinds of groups, both those with kids and even a couple on their own. Everyone will feel at home here!

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Guest Joanne and Andy, Belfast
Date of stay 04/29/11
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Thank you so much. Just the break we needed!

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Guest Basil and Róisín, Wicklow
Date of stay 04/23/11
Review Submitted 05/23/11

We had the most fantstic week--the house was just what we needed, the boys had an absolute ball and are going home tired! We were blessed with beautiful weather and we truly could not have been in a better place! Thank you and hopefully we will come to stay again!

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Super holiday

Guest Rois
Date of stay 04/16/11
Review Submitted 06/03/11

As a busy family of 4 children, ranging in ages from 8 years to 8 months, Fairview house was an excellent choice for us. Blessed with super weather we spent days body boarding on Culdaff beach (15 minute drive) , we explored the Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway and some of us even managed to fit in a Derry City Soccer Game. The house is fantastic for children with the childrens den upstairs they had so much entertainment from the pool table, to X box to a shed with bikes, boogie boards and go cart. The house would easily accomodate 2 families. The house was also spotless and had all we needed, like a home away from home. We also contacted the local Redcastle Carlton hotel(2 km from house) before travelling and we were able to use their pool facilites every day for a small fee. We ate well locally there is a lovely pub in Culdaff McGrory's and Redcastle hotel also good. It was a brilliant holiday and we hope to visit Fairview House and Redcastle again soon!

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

Owner response: There is so much fantastic sightseeing in the area and you hit all the high points! The proximity to the Redcastle Carlton Hotel and Golf Club is also really a plus. My children and I always enjoy swimming there when we are up and my oldest child ususally gets in 9 holes of golf with my husband. So glad you enjoyed your break!

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Guest Helen, Leeds
Date of stay 04/09/11
Review Submitted 05/23/11

To celebrate our mum's 80th birthday: Helen, Lisa, Conor, Kiera, Niall (Leeds) Sheila and John (Belfast) Katrina and Claude (Canada) Lovely spacious cottage, great view and very well equipped. Thanks for getting the hot water fixed! Glorious sunshine--had some lovely beach days--Five Finger Strand, Culdaff and Stroove. Famine Village--a brill day out--well worth a visit. Day trip to Derry was great. Playground good at Culdaff. Good food at Mary Deeney's (Muff) Seaview Tavern at Ballygorman near Malin Head and McGrory's at Culdaff--it also has live music. Thanks to Jenny for recommendation!

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Guest Jenny, Gerry, Alexei and Lilianna, Leeds
Date of stay 10/30/10
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Another great break at Fairview House. Kids thoroughly enjoyed Donegal and meeting up with family.

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Guest Jos and Josje, Tilburg Netherlands
Date of stay 10/10/10
Review Submitted 05/23/11

We just loved our stay in this magnificent part of Ireland. All the historical sites we've been, the sloping hills and rough coasts. Tops for us: Malin Head, Giant's Causeway and (London)Derry (because of its recent history.) What adventure to ride the "rollercoaster" roads (on the "wrong" side of the street) and to see the volume of stars at night, must have been billions. That is why I will remember Ireland as the country of the stars. Also remarkable is the enormous kindness of its people. Thank you Betsy and Mark for staying in your lovely house. We really enjoyed. Hope to be back in Ireland one day.

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Guest The Motis, Essington England
Date of stay 08/28/10
Review Submitted 05/23/11

We had another great time at your beautiful house. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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Best holiday ever

Guest American family
Date of stay 08/27/10
Review Submitted 05/31/11

Fantastic place to stay. We rented this house for two families (ours had two kids, theirs had one) and we still found it spacious. The location is ideal too. There is a lovely walk out the front door, and a very short drive to some of the best beaches and walks in Donegal (a couple classic pubs are nearby too). Even if you stay at home, there is a lovely back yard/garden and the house itself is very kid-friendly with a puppet theatre, games and toys. We loved it and will be going back

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

Owner response: So glad you enjoyed beautiful Donegal and that your kids found the house entertaining. Thanks!

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Guest John and Maeve, Surrey England
Date of stay 08/20/10
Review Submitted 05/23/11

We had a lovely week in your beautiful house. We were all here together for our son's wedding and had a fantastic time. It is a great family home with lots for the children indoors and a great playroom upstairs. Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful home in a beautiful area.

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Guest Gavin and Sharon, Banbridge
Date of stay 08/13/10
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Such a relaxing week--it was amazing--we had time together as a family and the opportunity to explore this wonderful Inishowen area of Donegal, so very tranquil. Thank you so much. We enjoyed the time in your beautiful home.

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Guest Fiona and Eamon, Castlebellingham
Date of stay 07/31/10
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Dear Betsy and Family, We really enjoyed our stay in your house. It is ideal for families. We did so much during our week. We visited Giant's Causeway and saw lots of Donegal. Thanks for your good luck wishes. Our team came 3rd place in the Junior Milk Cup. Fiona I think the house is lovely and I love the view. I had great fun playing in the playroom and horse riding in Lenamore Stables. Aoife and Karlie

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Guest Ellen and Steve, Carrickfergus
Date of stay 07/16/10
Review Submitted 05/23/11

For the second year now we have enjoyed sharing the Cameron's holiday home. They almost feel like friends, such is the welcome in this house! Thanks so much and no doubt we will be back again next year!

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Guest The Motis, Essington England
Date of stay 08/25/09
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Thank you so much for letting us spend time in your lovely house. We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit and think that this coastline is the most beautiful we have seen. We hope to be back.

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Guest Ellen and Steven, Carrickfergus
Date of stay 07/18/09
Review Submitted 05/23/11

I can't express enough how we enjoyed this week as a family. Your beautiful home really allowed us to re-connect with each other. We have all thoroughly enjoyed the games and toys, the peace and quiet, the beach (Katy learned how to bodyboard--thanks for the loan of the wetsuit and boards!).

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Guest The Craigs, Co. Down and South Africa
Date of stay 07/11/09
Review Submitted 05/23/11

We enjoyed a wonderful week together, thank you very much indeed.

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Guest Maureen and Jim, London
Date of stay 05/25/09
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Thank you for our very enjoyable stay in your charming home. We have enjoyed visiting this lovely area.

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Guest PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteers
Date of stay 02/25/09
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Thank you so much for letting us use the house. It's fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

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Guest Maike and Jonah, Hamburg, and Anders, Israel
Date of stay 02/22/09
Review Submitted 05/23/11

We spent the most perfect weekend in Donegal. Thank you so much!

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Guest The Harkness Family, Holywood NI and Scotland
Date of stay 08/29/08
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Lovely place, lovely house, hope to be back soon!

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Guest Lucia, Alice, Rachel and David, Ballycastle
Date of stay 08/21/08
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Very nice house. I really like it! Comfy beds and good stools at the breakfast table! (Lucia, age 10)

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Guest Joey, Sue and Jessica, Tucson AZ USA
Date of stay 07/31/08
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Thank you so much for opening your home to us. We were able to experience the lovely beaches and beautiful countryside of this place and have a comfortable place to come back to.

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Guest Jenny, Gerry, Alexei and Lilianna, Leeds England
Date of stay 05/31/08
Review Submitted 05/23/11

A week of non-stop sunshine and wonderful beaches. We have had a wonderful family holiday and our 7 year old managed to swim in the sea without a wetsuit!

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Guest The Hamilton Family, Carrickfergus and Manchester
Date of stay 04/12/08
Review Submitted 05/23/11

You have a very beautiful home that made our weekend together all the more special! We look forward to visiting again!

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Guest Melissa, Mark and J'Lynn, Texas USA
Date of stay 04/02/08
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Your home provided such a peaceful ending to a magnificent and powerful driving day from Belfast. We experienced the raw force of the wind and waves at the Giant's Causeway and the splendor of rainbows rising from the surf along the coast. Thank you for the gift of your lovely home!

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Guest Doug, Jessi, Bethany, Alex, Melissa, Maureen, Sara
Date of stay 02/20/08
Review Submitted 05/23/11

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us and introducing us tso the wonders of Inishowen. PC (USA) Young Adult Volunteers 2007-2008

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Golf, Beautiful Beaches, See All of Fabulous Northwest! [#358886] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (37)

Entertaining grandchildren

Entertaining grandchildren

Home Away From Home

Home Away From Home

Scottish Visitors

Scottish Visitors

Fantastic Family Holiday!

Fantastic Family Holiday!

Wonderful Home and Great Location

Wonderful Home and Great Location

Family group from the States

Family group from the States

Comfy Retreat Overlooking Shimmering Loch Foyle

Comfy Retreat Overlooking Shimmering Loch Foyle

christmas 2011

christmas 2011

october 2011

october 2011

Unforgetable a home away from home

Unforgetable a home away from home

An oasis of calm

An oasis of calm

Brilliant house

Brilliant house

Super holiday

Super holiday

Best holiday ever

Best holiday ever