If you've been looking for your own private, luxurious, country estate, then this 6 bedroom house in Killorglin on the Iveragh Peninsula, is it! The Hollies is set across 30 acres of fabulous, private grounds on the shores of the uniquely beautiful Caragh Lake. Located just off the Wild Atlantic Way, with fabulous views of the water, this place is simply breathtaking.
Caragh Lake is in the heart of Kerry's Reeks District - an area of outstanding beauty with the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil, and the majestic Mcgillicuddy Reeks mountain range. This is THE perfect place to experience the beauty of the outdoors with climbing, hill walking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, cycling and surfing, all on your doorstep.
As you arrive at the gates of The Hollies and drive down the long stately, sweeping driveway looking out towards the fields of sheep, you'll be thinking you've arrived in another world. Continue driving and you'll soon approach the home - a large and beautiful 19th century period property, the main house. Once you get closer you'll see the clean lines of the striking architectural extension which is orientated out towards the lake. The home is clad with and the much sought after Valentia slate - a precious stone quarried on Valentia Island, just further out west on the beautiful Iveragh peninsula. The Hollies exudes all the warmth of a traditional country house, with the addition of elegant interior features.
Access
All bedrooms are on the first floor.
THIS HOME IS NOT PET FRIENDLY.
Entrance Hall
Enter and you are in a bright and beautifully furnished hallway. At the end of the hall turn left towards the extension part of the house. You will pass the garden room, a bright and peaceful space where you can sit and relax. There is also terrace area here where you can kick back and enjoy the view across the fields.
Kitchen area
Continue and you will enter the new architectural space where you will find a beautiful kitchen with a big wedge-shaped table that follows the line of this dramatic shaped room, it seats twelve people in total, so it is the perfect place to gather with your party. Beyond that, the large panoramic windows will give you magnificent views over the lake. To the side there are a series of beautifully framed slanted windows giving you lots of glimpses of the lake.
Living area's and Dining room
Descend the stairs here to find another wall of glass with fabulous views and sliding doors to a large patio area, perfect for al fresco dining, a BBQ or sipping your gin and tonic overlooking the lake. Within there is a library room with large luxurious couches where you can sink in and watch movies on the huge screen. The room is completed with its own bar where you can shake up a few cocktails.
On the other side of the hall, on the right, in the original house you will find a beautifully proportioned sitting room with a large bay window and a great big fireplace where you can warm yourself by lighting a fire and snuggle up on the couch to enjoy watching the flames.
Venture down another hallway you will find another cosy living room with a study attached. You can catch up on your emails here or write a few postcards or play some board games.
At the end of this hallway, you will find a beautiful formal dining room, furnished with antiques and set with elegant crystal glasses and porcelain crockery, a great place to get dressed up, if you fancy that, and enjoy a dinner party.
Opposite this is another kitchen, a cosy room where the dining room can be serviced from.
Bedrooms
As you go up the stairs you will find the hallways lined with beautiful paintings, some by well known Irish artists. At the very top, to the left, is the master suite, a very generous bright room. This a room you can really relax in with a chaise longue in the windows overlooking the lake and easy chairs in the windows to the front of the house. Off this is a luxurious bathroom with a double sink and large bath, a separate shower room and a dressing room.
To the right as you go up the stairs is a hallway with four luxurious double bedrooms decorated in calming colours and views over the surrounding fields. Three of these are ensuite and the fourth has a bathroom beside it.
To the rear of the house is a courtyard with plenty of room to park as many cars as you want.
Outside area
If you are brave enough to fancy a swim in the lake just walk down the hill in front of the house to the lakefront and jump in. You could launch your kayak or fishing boat from here as well. Or simply enjoy the sound of the water as you watch the drama of the west of Ireland light constantly changing over the lake and mountains beyond.
The Hollies also has a walled garden, just what you expect in your country estate. If you are looking for a sheltered area to sit out this is the perfect spot.
Local shops and resturants
There are exceptionally good restaurants in Killorglin, including the new Kingdom 1795 which is on its way to Michelin recognition. Killorglin also has a great fresh fish shop, butchers and delicatessen with local artisan foods
The cute village of Glenbeigh is ten minutes’ drive away, it has the fantastic Emilie’s, a bakery with great bread and cakes and a restaurant that has the most delicious sourdough pizzas as well as lots of other great food. Glenbeigh also has a lively pub and two hotels that are great for eating and drinking. There is also a shop for all your groceries and a great butcher’s counter.
Touring and Golf
This is a fantastic location to tour the breathtaking scenery of the Ring of Kerry route around the Iveragh Peninsula, or head over to the Dingle peninsula and take the Slea Head drive. If you want to get active try the big 5 guided adventures of the Reeks district, climb Ireland’s highest mountain, kayak the length of Caragh Lake, Surf Inch Beach, cycle the Ring of the Reeks or stand-up paddle board on Cloon Lake.
Golf
This is also a great location for the famous links golf courses of Kerry. The renowned Dooks golf links is a 10 minute drive, the famous Ballybunion, Waterville and Tralee are also within easy reach.
