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Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen

Photo gallery for Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen

Looking back to the house from the woods
Another view back to the house from the woods
The side and front, with the porch leading to the kitchen and woodshed behind
Door into the porch and then into the kitchen
The back of the house with the conservatory and outside dining table

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
AU$509
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Skibbereen, Country Cork
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Lough Hyne
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining Area

Room

  • Sleeps 11
  • 5 Single Beds, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Bed
Price is AU$509 avg per night,

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About the area

Skibbereen

Located in Skibbereen, this farm stay is in a rural area and by the sea. St. Patrick's Cathedral and Castle Townshend are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club and Waterfall Alpaca Farm. Liss Ard Gardens and The Old Mill Stores are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.

What's nearby

  • St. Patrick's Cathedral - 6 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Skibbereen Heritage Centre - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club - 10 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Liss Ard Gardens - 10 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Lough Hyne - 14 min drive - 12.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Leslies Diner - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Uillin Café - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪O'Neill Coffee - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪West Cork Hotel Breakfast Room - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mary Anns Pub & Restaurant Castletownshend - ‬15 min drive

About this property

Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen

River House is a stylishly restored traditional farmhouse tucked away down a private track in 3 acres of its own gardens, with it's own woods and beautiful river frontage.
It offers complete tranquility, yet is only c3 miles from the bustling market town of Skibbereen (and a short drive to multiple beaches and villages nearby).
At the heart of the property is a 500 year old farmhouse, which has been extended with style and imagination in recent years to make it into a wonderful 4 bedroom house, with two separate bathrooms, a large farmhouse kitchen, a cosy sitting room and a stunning very large dining room and conservatory.
In addition, one of the barns has also been converted to offer an additional family space and kitchen, with 2 more beds, and a shower room. NB this is available only for guests who are using the house and can be added to the rental for a small additional sum.
The house has wonderful character & style, with thick walls and traditional features combined with high quality modern fixtures and furnishings.
Outside, the property has beautiful woods and a large private garden, it also has a trampoline and 70 meters of frontage onto the River Ilen (salmon fishing in season). It also offers an outside bath!
If you are looking for a sense of peace, tranquility and back to nature, combined with modern fittings and comforts, the River House is magical place.
It is also great for families sharing ,with 2 bedrooms & a bathroom at each end of the house, plus potential (as above) to also add the barn if needed.

Property manager

Charlie & Coleen Hiscocks

Languages

English, French, German

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Parking available

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Is Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen located?

Situated by the sea, this farm stay is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Skibbereen Heritage Centre and within 6 miles (10 km) of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Liss Ard Gardens. Irish Sky Garden and Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Idyllic West Cork cottage farmhouse in 3 acres, with woods and river, Skibbereen Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

robert c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house in serene setting
Beautiful house with a great garden and a big private section of the river. We've been just as a couple and with a large family group and loved it both times.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gill G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family getaway
The cottage is described as idillic on the website and certainly lives up to this Had everything we needed plus more. Lovely location. Had great outdoor activities for all the family. First time in this part of Ireland and would definitely love to come back. Would highly recommend the farm house for families or friends for a great holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our week at the sublime River House
We have stayed in homes all over the world and The River House exceeded all our expectations. It’s simply divine. Our girls lived having their cousins over to “their own house” while the adults stayed in the big house. They even went tubing in our own river despite the cold. This is one house that will stay in our memories forever. Thanks you Hiscocks for sharing your brilliant home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mrs sharon F.

Beautiful cottage
The cottage was really lovely just the right setting for a family reunion. Had everything that we needed. Would book it again in a heartbeat.

10/10 Excellent

Pauliina K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
❤️
Love this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cam G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ireland Experience
The property was beautiful. It served our needs very well. The house was friendly wand comfortable. The barn created a safe haven for my son with severe allergies. There was a lack of towels. The driveway was treacherous due to rain and cars frequently slid off. Overall it was a great place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Derval H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A place for making glorious memories
We enjoyed our stay so much. The house was perfect for us and our family. There is so much space outside and in for everybody to spread out but also some gorgeous space like the dining room that encourage family together again. The house is exceptionally well equipped There was constantly new discoveries to be made with beautiful artwork on every wall. The grounds are exceptional- peaceful nooks around every corner, expansive play areas with swings trampoline and goal posts for the kids; not to mention the riverside area where we had nightly rituals of stories around the bonfire. The river is perfect for just dipping in under the trees or for a more rigorous swim upstream. The children will miss the nightly ritual of smores, river dip , warm showers and bed. We will remember this holiday home for a long time to come, Thank you
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas to New Year Getaway
What an absolute gem! River House more than lived up to expectations and was the perfect hideaway for our family and friends to spend time together after Christmas and over the New Year! Such a wonderful stay in beautiful West Cork with long walks, cold swims, cosy fires, fabulous food, afternoon movies, books, barks and bakes … thanks Coleen and Charlie for being amazing hosts and Jim for taking care of everything, we simply could not recommend this beautiful property highly enough and look forward to returning! Thanks again, Ingrid and John
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Liz M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Holiday
We all loved this beautiful holiday house, the gardens, woods and river, really is as described - absolutely idyllic. Location was great so much to see and do and we had lovely weather the whole week, so lucky. River House is very well equipped, beautifully decorated and comfortable. Hard to tear the children away from garden, we barely saw them. Younger family member went in river and swam at Cape Island and Lough Hyne. Perfect holiday we would all love to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Seamus R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The quiet life
Stunning , large , Riverside cottage in an utterly quiet rural location. Everything that a large travelling party could require has been thought of and provided. Help if needed is only a phone call away. Every member of our party is already planning our return in 2023.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

JENNY C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fabulous peaceful haven
From the moment we stepped into River House it felt like home. Lovely rooms, plenty of space for the four of us and our two dogs. The grounds are magnificent, wish I had brought swimming dogs to try the wonderful river. The house really does have all you need and is so peaceful due to its tucked away location. Having taken our dogs to at least 6 rentals in Ireland, this was by far the safest location , being fenced in and yet also having lots of fascinating grounds to roam around in. Thank you so much Coleen and Charlie for lending us your lovely home . We hope to return again on the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neville R., Hertfordshire UK

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic Home
All our very well travelled friends and my wife and I felt immediately at home in this warm, comfortable, spacious farmhouse. We loved the artwork, books, quirky corners filled with individual touches. The grounds are a special delight with wonderful walks along the river, and sculptures surprising us round every corner. Apart from the cows mooing in the next door field, and a brief visit from a deer, the only sounds are birdsong and the wind in the trees. This is a very happy family home. We all loved it and found it very hard to leave such a special place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A unique haven
We spent a wonderful week in River House with the family. It was more than any of us expected. A house full of character and much more homely than what you might expect from a holiday house. The house is clearly very loved, with beautiful art work, lovely hand made furniture, attractive features in the walls and a wonderful garden. It’s very well equipped with everything you need and more. The river was a great favourite for swimming in. We have stayed in several houses in the West of Ireland and River House was definitely very special. It’s hard to come across such a unique place. We all absolutely loved our stay here. Thank you so much Coleen and Charlie, and to Jim for your help.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Aoife F.

Another wonderful holiday at the River House
Dear Coleen and Charlie I just want to express my thanks again for allowing us to stay once more in your beautiful house in Skibbereen. It really is a special place. This is our third summer in your wonderful farmhouse and each year as the children are getting older, we enjoy it more and more. We had another fabulous fortnight unwinding in the peace and tranquility of the River House. My parents are from Mayo but I think they are transferring their loyalties to West Cork after their second visit. Fantastic food, weather and a beautiful house - what more could you need. Thank you again. Best wishes Aoife & Declan (Jack, Sam & Danny). PS : The nespresso machine was a great addition - made the mornings a lot easier...:)
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2016

10/10 Excellent

Deirdre L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Farm house magic
This is my third stay at Coleen & Charlie's lovely holiday home. I have never gone to the same place twice, always eager to try something new. River House is the exception, so out of the ordinary that I long to experience it again & again. My parents were born in Ireland & brought us back every two years while I was growing up. We stayed in hotels, B&Bs, with family, with friends & we even camped at times in the back gardens of our family's houses. One year we rented the farm house of a family in Rosscarbery for the summer. That was the closest to heaven a young child could dream of.....and River House has a similar feel. There is space to roam, fields and cows surrounding the property, lots of quiet and birdsong, and the river running through it all. This year I was surprised by a stag jumping across the boreen in front of my car. I thought deer were only in the more wooded areas of Ireland, like Killarney! This one was startled by me and then waited in the thicket until I drove slowly by, watching me the entire time as if I was the curiosity! Each time we visit the house there is something new...a painting or a new sculpture or a renovation to a part of the house. Always the change is for the better, not something that takes away from the charm and quirkiness. As much as I truly love the place I should mention that, even with very careful maneuvering, cars sometimes get damaged. The driveway is narrow & curving with outcroppings of rocks, covered by moss. Beware!
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eimear H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Little Piece of Heaven
The River House exceeded all our expectations. We stayed here for 1 week & happened to get the best weather that week compared to the whole summer. We travelled with our 8 year old, 6 year old and 13 week old baby. The house and grounds offered us all that we needed for our break away. We took our shoes off on arrival and only put them on again when leaving which gave us great opportunities for grounding. We made great use of the river, plenty of fishing and bonfires and s'mores. We were able to bring our baby on all our little adventures which was incredible my favourite adventure being sitting under the chestnut tree reading while he was sleeping in the shade. We completely slowed down the pace of time, emersed ourselves in nature, played with our children everyday, I'm the comfort of a stunning farmhouse offering us the cool temperatures in the kitchen and sitting room and the warm evenings/nights in the sunroom. Our children loved the trampoline but loved the fishing, rock climbing and family time just as much! Would highly recommend staying here to reconnect with nature, family and oneself. There was a beautiful feminine essence to this home. You'll understand what I mean when you get here. Highlight was the outdoor bath!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Deirdre L., Where do you live? In the Boston area.

Authentic Irish experience with modern appliances
I have been coming to Ireland since I was seven years old, visiting extended family and friends. Usually we stayed with family or at various B&Bs. During all of those years the best experience was when my parents rented a wonderful manor house on a very large farm for July and August. We were lucky enough to be allowed to herd the cows to the river and help with the milking...a dream come true for a young girl growing up in the suburbs of Boston (USA). Since that time, the only place that comes close to that genuine experience is River House. Hidden at the end of a narrow and winding boreen, behind two gates, is a peaceful and lovely oasis of calm. The roof is slate tiles, the walls are plaster over stone, floors are stone or concrete or wood. Everything in this old farmhouse is as it should be with the addition of artful, creative touches and heat and hot water and bathrooms that work! The dining space accomodates large numbers of friends and family with a gorgeous view of the outside gardens and a wood burning stove. On cool or damp days this is a welcome luxury. It is so lovely to see that the owners have not changed too much of the heart and soul of the place in their quest for comfort. Bravo Coleen and Charlie! I am forgetting to mention the delightful surprises of little stained glass windows and beautiful artwork and a FABULOUS kitchen.....oooh and the river is otherworldly, like my vision of Narnia. If you are considering this place, you must try it! I hope to be back.....
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Aoife F.

Fantastic Week in Beautiful House and Grounds
My husband and I and our 3 children enjoyed our week in the River House tremendously. We were joined later in the week by 2 other couples and their 2 babies respectively. We had the most amazing stay with a beautiful home to relax in and spectacular grounds. It was very child friendly - with toys, a trampoline, a swing to avail of - never mind a football goal in the garden - that kept our husbands and kids occupied for hours (while not watching the real thing - the World Cup on the TV), The house itself is gorgeous with a fantastic restoration to the original farmhouse. Beautifully furnished but not too precious with children roaming about. Loads of space for a big group to cook and eat together and enough room to allow people a little privacy as well. Fantastic paintings on every wall and a really special atmosphere. We love West Cork - but with young kids, we wanted to be close to a town for urgent essentials. The River House is perfect as it is only 3 miles outside Skibbereen but has the advantage of being an oasis of tranquility and total privacy. West Cork itself is always beautiful, cosmopolitan and bustling with fantastic villages, beaches and outdoor activities - never mind the scenery. What made this holiday so much more special was the excitement in coming home to the River House in the evenings for more craic. We were blessed with good weather but if it had rained every day, I know that the holiday would still be a success. Coleen and Jim were more than helpful in our every request and the booking and arrival process could not have gone more smoothly. Every email was responded to promptly. The River House was a pleasure from start to finish and we hope to return for another week to remember.

6/10 Okay

giorgio a.

Liked: Location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
vacanza all'insegna della natura
La casa è in un punto meraviglioso completamente a contatto con la natura e vicino a punti da visitare. L'unica pecca è stata la pulizia che non ci è sembrata fatta molto bene,.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Con O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect getaway
We absolutely loved our week at River House - loads of space to relax and explore. The house is well equipped and really beautiful - full of interesting, quirky features and art work. We managed a quick dip in the river and made use of the riverside campfire. Also a wonderful location - great for exploring this lovely part of Cork. The hosts were really helpful too.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Lovely property, everything you need. Location fabulous.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monica H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful old house with character
Loved this house - gardens, river, art and beautiful homely kitchen and conservatory . Amazing location too! Enjoyed the peace and tranquillity and access to river swimming and nearby lough Hine.
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

deborah m.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our week at River House!
We loved the location, house and gardens. Very well equipped house with lots of quirky and interesting artwork everywhere. Loads of books, games, dvds and the kids loved the huge trampoline and goal post in the garden. The fully working bathtub outdoors was a great surprise! Would highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Elaine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Great location. Secluded and quiet

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A place for moments...
A unique house in a unique setting with a unique atmosphere. The house welcomes you with an intimacy that is immediate. There is no settling in, there is only settling down - quickly wondering how you can spend as much of your time here as possible within what is already too short a time. We will be back...
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020