Entire home

Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country.

Glass balcony overlooking surrounding gardens and countryside

Balcony furniture;
Table with chairs;
Zero gravity chairs;
Sun parasol

Living room double glazed door opened to balcony

Living room;
3 seater sofa - mechanical recliner;
Leather swivel chair;
Smart TV

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2700 sq ft

Popular amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

Bangor, Northern Ireland

Place, Drumawhey Junction Railway
‪6 min drive‬
Place, Strangford and Lecale
‪11 min drive‬
Place, Mount Stewart
‪13 min drive‬
Airport, Belfast (BFS-Belfast Intl.)
‪55 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Balcony

Dining area

About this property

Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country.

This 4 star plus barn conversion is part of a wee clachan of farm outbuildings that have been tastefully renovated to a very high standard. Recently voted one of the top 20 quirkiest yet charming places to stay in Northern Ireland.
Once the farmhouse and buildings of a large farm it now comprises long term and short term accommodation in self contained cottages.
Relaxing retreat in the country yet 10 minutes from three towns.
Thirty minutes drive from Belfast port. 25 from Belfast city airport & 45 minutes from International airport. Find tranquility in this hidden gem. Unique rock face wall in the bedroom with original exposed beam. Magnificent balcony that is private yet has lovely views of the countryside. Well equipped modern kitchen with breakfast bar. Stairs down to the bedroom with exposed rock face and bathroom. Romantic escape and popular for mini moons. Nearby amenities includes Mount Stewart National Trust house and gardens, Scrabo Tower, Titanic exhibition, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Field of Dreams (field sports activity centre), Gransha Riding Centre, Somme Heritage Centre and Strangford Lough. Many golf courses within a few miles. Nearest beach, 10 minutes drive. Crawfordsburn country park and Scrabo country park both within 15 mins drive.
Pet friendly on request. Ideal place to holiday close to family but have your own space. Surrounded by lovely gardens and country lanes to walk. The property is not best suited to very large or tall people. Inherently it's a barn conversion with narrow hallways and stairs and low ceilings. Cosy and quirky but don't want anyone to be uncomfortable or inconvenienced. We have built external steps to the balcony to try and assist those less able but we are constrained by dint of the nature of a 100 year old stone barn!

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)

Minimum age to rent: 21

Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)

Children

Adults only

Infants in a cot only. Stairs unguarded.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)

Pets by prior arrangement subject to agreement.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Gather used towels

Remove personal items

Turn off the lights

No need to lock or return key. Remember the gate will open automatically on exit so you don’t need to use the remote control fob, Don’t worry about the trash or bed stripping unless you have time to.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets by prior arrangement subject to agreement by owner. No pets in the bedroom. We can supply a throw to cover settee if you don't bring your own.

Pets subject to £20 cleaning charge per stay. £10 for a second dog. Payable on arrival

Guests must sign the visitors book. It's a mandatory requirement of the NI tourist board.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Long-term renters welcome

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Newtownards

Located in Newtownards, this holiday home is in a rural area. Mount Stewart and Bangor Castle are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Strangford and Lecale and Crawfordsburn Country Park. Titanic Belfast and Eddie Irvine Sports are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails.

View more Holiday homes in Newtownards

Bangor, Northern Ireland

What's nearby

Drumawhey Junction Railway - 6 min drive - 3.7 km
Store House - 8 min drive - 7.4 km
Hunts Park Water Tower - 10 min drive - 10.2 km
Strangford and Lecale - 11 min drive - 11.5 km
Mount Stewart - 13 min drive - 14.8 km

Getting around

Seahill Station - 18 min drive
Belfast (BHD-George Best Belfast City) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

‪The Pit Stop Cafe - ‬10 min drive
‪Peking Garden - ‬9 min drive
‪Salt And vinegar - ‬7 min drive
‪Cloud 9 - ‬9 min drive
‪Domino's Pizza - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country.?

As of 13 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country. on 20 Apr 2026 start from £106, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

Where is Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country. located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Eddie Irvine Sports, Mount Stewart and Hunts Park Water Tower. Bangor Golf Course and Clandeboye Golf Course are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie W.

29 Jul 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Orchard Cottage was the best accommodation we've ever stayed in. Lovingly furnished, cozy, and fantastically located. Andrea and Malcom were the perfect hosts. Nothing was left to be desired here, and we were able to relax wonderfully. We hope to stay there again the next time we travel to Northern Ireland.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul 2025

Thank you for your most favourable comments. I think you were really able yo relax and enjoy some peace and serenity in rural Northern Ireland. We have had several German guests stay in orchard cottage but you guys were nummer eins and look forward to seeing you again. There is so much to see in this wee country and enough hiking to keep you both invigorated. A pleasure to have hosted you. Vielen dank

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

2 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect, just perfect

Everything was superb. The welcome, the layout, the location, fully equipped, comfortable and cosy.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2023

So glad you found the place so convenient for airport connection and the wedding venue by Strangford Lough. Absolute pleasure to meet you and host you both. Thanks for your gracious comments and conviviality. Look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Malcolm

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane C.

17 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Grand stay.

Everything was absolutely grand. The hosts were grand. The cottage was grand. The facilities were grand. The views were grand. It was grand.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

Verified

10/10 Excellent

David L.

9 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Orchard Cottage

Great hosts. Great accommodations. Very clean. Many extra features and inclusions provided.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2024

Thank you for your kind comments. Glad you enjoyed your stay and found orchard cottage to be a good base for touring NI.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ros M.

11 Jun 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great little place to stay

Malcolm and Andrea were so helpful and friendly, the property was spotless with everything we needed for our week. The view from the balcony was amazing. We toured around and discovered how lovely this part of Northern Ireland is. Well recommended.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2023

Thank you Ros and delighted you were able to tour so much and see the Causeway coast. And of course beautiful Mount Stewart House and gardens and Strangford Lough close by.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

17 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great to be back in Ireland (both)

We had a great time here in Orchard Cottage. Once found, it was an easy navigate. My wife navigated us around the Ards. Cheers Michael

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2023

An absolute pleasure to host you and Kelli. Sorry we were away most of your stay and had to figure a few things out yourselves. Very best wishes for the rest of your trip. Malcolm and Andrea

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

29 May 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The wee clachan

Orchard Cottage is a living museum with beautiful gardens and renovated farm buildings, executed with artistic flair and masterful confidence. Plus neighbourly cows at the back fence. Perfect for some retreat time and yet close to many attractions, especially for nature lovers and historical explorers.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

10 May 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise in the countryside

Could not have asked for better hosts! Amazing Hospitality - even stocked the Fridge for us and complimentary Bottles of Wine.A fabulous converted Barn with high quality fittings and furnishings and superb attention to detail, an absolute delight to stay there and wish we could have stayed longer.Attractive and beautifully kept Garden and ideal for the Dog.5-Star throughout !,

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2025

Thank you for your kind comments Great that you found orchard cottage to be a good base and you're dog too found it so pleasing with views over the surrounding countryside. Hope to see you back soon. An absolute pleasure to host you all.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul S.

20 Jul 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil comfort

Property owner made our stay very welcome and kindly assisted in providing extra outdoor seating to accommodate a visit by our family and friends. Property comfortable and tastefully decorated. Every effort was made to ensure we had an enjoyable holiday with a well equipped kitchen, outdoor seating/lighting with wonderful views, comfortable lounge and bedroom. Really enjoyed our stay, many thanks to Malcolm and Andrea.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Valerie B.

17 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy Barn Conversion

Perfect self-catering stay in this beautiful property. The owners have thought of everything you might need throughout your stay. Inspired use of space and lovely, cosy furnishings. I would wholeheartedly recommend this barn conversion for a couple of any age. Country property, car essential.

Stayed 12 nights in Apr 2024

Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2024

An absolute pleasure to host you and sorry with me being away, we weren't able to spend more time together. Glad you were able to use orchard cottage as a base whilst escaping the hot Spanish sun, for grey, cold, wet & windy NI weather but still didn't dampen your spirits. Best wishes

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd G.

23 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic!

Immaculate! Quiet. Quaint. Peaceful. Best equipped rental we’ve ever stayed. Special unexpected touches, including food & wine. Warm & welcoming. Wish we had stayed a few more days!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2024

Thank you for your kind comments. Glad you found orchard cottage a good base to visit Belfast.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave D.

29 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Orchard Cottage sublime

Overall an excellent stay our hosts Malcom & Andrea were outstanding nothing was to much for them the location was spot on for going further to other places even in the challenging weather of Storm Agnes.The cottage itself has all modcons and is modern with WiFi etc the road to it may seem challenging but follow the instructions and it is easy enough highly recommended and would stay again Tilly our dog loved it Many Thanks Malcolm & Andrea From Dave,Janet & Tilly

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2023

An absolute pleasure to host you .Atrocious weather but delighted you made the best of it. Glad you found the location convenient for visiting many of NI tourist attractions. Best regards

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen U.

1 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Orchard Cottage

Lovely cottage in the countryside. Well equipped - Andrea has thought of everything to make the cottage a real home from home. Both Malcolm and Andrea could not provide a better service. They are very welcoming and happy to share their knowledge of the area.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

Response from VrboOwner on 4 May 2024

Thank you for your kind words Maureen and being such affable and easy guests. That was a great boon having your golf clubs delivered and collected by the Dublin based company and not having to lug clubs through airports. I should have shown you my own clubs, belonging to my late grandfather from 50 years ago! Perhaps on your next visit! Kind regards Malcolm and Andrea

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juliet B.

1 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Orchard Cottage, Kerr's Road

Orchard Cottage is idyllic! It is so comfortable and cosy and is generously equipped with absolutely everything you might need and is a real home from home. All possible details have been thought about and everything is of a really high standard. It's position makes it ideal for getting to lots of places of interest and the views are stunning with cows and sheep being the nearest neighbours in this peaceful haven.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail D.

25 Jun 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Country Cottage in an ideal location - dog friendly too

We spent a wonderful week at Orchard Cottage. Malcolm was there to greet us on arrival. Great hosts. The cottage was in an ideal location to visit great sites in County Down. It had everything you could need. We were able to eat out on the balcony most evenings and enjoy the wonderful view across the countryside. We were made very welcome (including our dog). Great dog friendly holiday we would recommend to anyone. Thank you Malcolm and Andrea for everything x

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2023

Thank you for your lovely comments. So glad you were able to use your National Trust membership to explore Mount Stewart, Castleward and Rowallane. A real pleasure to host you and look forward to seeing you Paul and Arthur again. Best wishes

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen B.

17 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fairy Orchard

We have stayed in 12 different locations during our two week tour of Ireland. This place was our favorite of them all! It has old world charm with meticulous architectural detail and convenience. They say that Ireland is beautiful, but the people of Ireland are even more so. Malcolm and Andrea are shining examples of truly good humans. Their little piece of paradise will forever be woven into our memories. If you are traveling near this area, you MUST make this your home for a bit.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

21 Jul 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little slice of heaven. Wasn't sure what to expect after turning off the main road. Tucked back in the hills was the most perfect little cottage. Equipped with more than you'll ever need, it was a perfect home away from home. Malcom and Andrea welcomed us like we were family. From the first nights arrival giving a quick tour of the home and how to find what we needed, to detailed suggestions on places to see and trails to explore. My only regret was not staying longer. We will definitely be back and will be staying here again. thank you so much for a wonderful few days in Northern Ireland.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words about us as hosts and the presentation of orchard cottage. It is off the beaten track but that accentuates peace and tranquility. Glad you were able to use it as a base and see the Open at Royal Portrush. So much to see and explore in this wee country. Very much hope to see you again.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F.

22 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bezaubernd

Das Cottage ist wirklich schön. Der Vermieter ist sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Die Lage ist super ruhig und lädt zum erholen und abschalten ein. Komme gerne wieder.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanne N.

22 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First visit to Northern Ireland

Chose this property based on location and prior reviews. It didn’t disappoint. We had a very warm welcome and the property was everything we hoped. Quiet, remote with beautiful views yet close to amenities and attractions. Particularly enjoyed our visits to The Game of Thrones studio, Titanic Museum and the Causeway Coastal Route is a stunning drive. Have no hesitation recommending the property.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fiona B.

30 Dec 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Christmas Stay

Having wanted to try this property for a couple of years I was delighted to see it available for a long awaited Christmas back in County Down. Put simply, everything was perfect. Our hosts had even done the festive decorations for us. Very highly recommended. I just hope you don't take the dates we want to return on 😁

Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2021

Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2023

Trevor and Fiona were marvellous guests.. Friendly respectful and unobtrusive. More than happy to host again..

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonny M.

16 Sept 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Outstanding

Everything about the property was 1st class & the hosts Andrea & Malcom were very welcoming & helpful, the location & setting is second to none, the welcome pack was an exceptional touch of class, a gem in the Co Down countryside that will definitely be visited again.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2023

Jonny and Brenda were an absolute pleasure to host. Communication was excellent and they showed real enthusiasm having facilitated their booking request. They were very complimentary about the property, its location and its amenities. They left the cottage in very good order with little trace of their friendly dog Wilko. Welcome back anytime.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark Timothy A.

6 Sept 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it

A brilliant time at Orchard cottage. It was quiet and a great chance for us to rest. The cottage was well equipped and comfortable. Very much a place to keep coming back too and very suitable for babies.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

Verified

10/10 Excellent

JANE L.

1 Sept 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Review of Orchard Cottage

A beautifully presented and stocked cottage. Malcolm was welcoming and available.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

Verified

10/10 Excellent

MaryKate R.

8 Aug 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful home from home

We were so happy with our time at this beautiful, little cottage. It really was a home from home; it has everything you could possibly need - large comfortable bed, stunning scenery, a balcony, lots of private space and ground. The cupboards are stocked with everything you could need - things like cling film, and washing powder to wash clothes. We arrived late on the first night, and came into the cottage, and there was bread and juice and bacon in the fridge. Just so thoughtful. We enjoyed a couple of barbecues on the balcony, whilst enjoying the peaceful, countryside views. It is tucked away and feels secluded, whilst also being close to all the local amenities. We brought our dogs and there is lots of space for them to have a mooch around and loads of places to take them walking. Our dogs made good friends with Charlie and Carla. I honestly and truly cannot recommend this place enough. It is excellent value for money and you will most certainly not regret staying here. We will be returning next summer. Many many thanks Malcolm and Andrea for allowing us to stay. We will also be recommending to my family here in England.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

5 Oct 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely property

Beautiful views and everything you could possibly need to have a lovely relaxing holiday..

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

About the host

Hosted by Andrea Stefanikova

Retired. Enjoy meeting interesting people from all over the globe.

Why they chose this property

Thus unique barn gives you privacy in the countryside with other cottages on site. The balcony is a super place to relax and take in the views and peaceful surroundings. Why pay more for a bigger property if there is only two of you. Get away from the hussle and bustle of towns, yet close by when you need them.

What makes this property unique

Our guests say "hidden gem" "ideal place to relax" "really well equipped" "comfy bed" "stunning inside and out" " beautiful gardens" " great escape" "we will be back" "home from home"

Languages:

German, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country.

Photo gallery for Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country.

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property

Orchard Cottage barn conversion romantic retreat. Escape to the country.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

Similar properties

Lilac Tree Cottage, Greyabbey, Strangford Lough, Co Down, N.Ireland

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Check-out instructions

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Newtownards

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

10/10

10/10

9.8/10

10/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melanie W.

Melanie W.

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Perfect, just perfect

Mark S.

10/10 Excellent

Jane C.

Grand stay.

Jane C.

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Orchard Cottage

David L.

10/10 Excellent

Ros M.

A great little place to stay

Ros M.

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Great to be back in Ireland (both)

Michael B.

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

The wee clachan

Brian M.

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

Paradise in the countryside

Susan P.

10/10 Excellent

Paul S.

Tranquil comfort

Paul S.

10/10 Excellent

Valerie B.

Cosy Barn Conversion

Valerie B.

10/10 Excellent

Todd G.