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The Cow House WINNER of BEST HOUSE 2014

19 reviews
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Kitchen, Living Area
Living Area
Wicklow Mountains
1 of 19Kitchen, Living Area
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Overview
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
4 guests
7 nights minimum
Holiday Rental House
WINNER of 'BEST HOUSE' 2014 at the Architecture Ireland Awards- RIAI. The Cow House is a recently restored 19th Century farm building set in the grounds of June Blake's internationally acclaimed garden. This beautiful contemporary renovation was designed by Architect's Michael Kelly and Dan Costelloe. The Cow House has its own timber and glass elevation set back behind the restored granite elevation. It has an independent ground floor structure of timber posts, timber/steel flitch beams and timber joists, supporting first floor timber structural frames which in turn support the 15m long laminated timber ridge beam. This enables the rafters to span from the ridge to the walls permitting the roof space to accommodate two en-suite bedrooms. The partitions are formed from European birch faced ...WINNER of 'BEST HOUSE' 2014 at the Architecture Ireland Awards- RIAI. The Cow House is a recently restored 19th Century farm building set in the grounds of June Blake's internationally acclaimed garden. This beautiful contemporary renovation was designed by Architect's Michael Kelly and Dan Costelloe. The Cow House has its own timber and glass elevation set back behind the restored granite elevation. It has an independent ground floor structure of timber posts, timber/steel flitch beams and timber joists, supporting first floor timber structural frames which in turn support the 15m long laminated timber ridge beam. This enables the rafters to span from the ridge to the walls permitting the roof space to accommodate two en-suite bedrooms. The partitions are formed from European birch faced plywood. The ground floor is one space for cooking, dining and sitting. The floor is a heated polished concrete floor cast from local sand and granite. The floor steps as the original cow houses stepped. The kitchen island is formed from the same cast concrete. The granite walls on the east and south have been lined with solid Douglas Fir. The stairs is baroque in conception and design. The lower section is formed from cast concrete, dense, solid and load bearing in contrast with the upper section, a semi solid hanging assembly of laminated plywood. Upstairs there are two unique bedrooms with glass lined en suite bathrooms. Four bespoke roof lights allow light and sunshine to animate all spaces within the house. The contemporary garden is set within the grounds of a Victorian Steward's house and farmyard. 'June Blake's Garden is that rare thing, a plant collector's paradise with a strong design framework. The planting is bold, brave and brilliant.' Jane Powers, Sunday Times.' The effect is startling in it's beauty, like the spilt content's of a jewellery box'. Fionnula Fallon, The Irish Garden. ' June's new garden is a rare treat, a modern garden that draws in the visitor and wraps them in flowers, welcoming yet stylish, and an example of virtuoso design and expert plantsmanship.' Shirley Lanigan, The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland. The Cow House is a dream location for garden lovers. It is within walking distance of the acclaimed Hunting Brook Garden owned by June's brother Jimi. Russborough House and Garden is 5 only km from The Cow House. Other gardens within a short distance are Mount Usher, Powerscourt and The Dillon Garden. There are many other interesting private gardens which June has access to. Activities within easy distance: Hill walking / Hiking in the Wicklow Mountains Water sports on Blessington Lake. Punchestown Racecourse is 13 km, Curragh Racecourse is 30km, Leopardstown Racecourse is 25km Golf courses – South County/ Lisheen Springs Golf Club is 3km, Citywest Golf Course is 6km, Palmerstown House 15km, K Club is 18km, Tulfarris Golf Club is 15km and many more within a short distance. The amenities of Dublin City are a thirty minute drive. More
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House Rules
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Kid Friendly: Yes
not suitable for very small children due to the floor and stairs - please discuss before booking, No shoes allowed in house.
Bathrooms
2 Attached (ensuite)
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About the Owner
June/ Niamh B
Languages spoken:English
Response Rate:89%
Response Time:Within a day
Listed Since:April 2013
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1 - 10 of 19 reviews

Reviewed 12 August 2019
What a treat........

We were met by Dara who gave us the warmest welcome and showed us around the amazing Cow House. We had booked because it stood within the grounds of June Blakes wonderful garden, it was the garden we had come to see but oh boy...More

Date of stay: August 2019
2  Thank Kim H
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed 8 July 2019
Beautiful design in a very special surrounding

We stayed in the Cow House which is a very modern design accommodation. Large area downstairs with comfortable seating, dining table and fully equipped kitchen. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. Very friendly and welcoming hosts who have plenty of good tips and advice for...More

Date of stay: June 2019
2  Thank Dutch1505
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed 4 July 2017
Great House, Lovely Garden

No wonder, the Cow House won an architecture award after completion in 2014. It is a true gem. A very comfortable wooden house inside an old stone "mantle". Being an architect, I loved the detailing and the use of materials. The house is compact but...More

Date of stay: June 2017
Thank 735gerritv
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed 6 June 2017
3 nights stay in The Cow House

We spent three nights staying in the self catering accommodation onsite. The Cow House has been converted to an extremely high and unique standard. The interior is open plan which made it great to share with friends. The welcome we received from June, Dara and...More

Date of stay: May 2017
Thank RonaB121
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed 18 April 2017
Perfect location, beautiful property.

Stayed for about 10 wonderful days. June Blake is a great host. We rented The Cow House and our friends rented the adjacent Turkey House. The architecture of these places is truly remarkable. The wood work and construction are stunning, the engineering and workmanship amazing....More

Date of stay: April 2017
Thank darwindan
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Reviewed 13 January 2017
Peaceful location with beautiful views.

Good amenities and the owners helpful with all our requests. Tranquil, peaceful with stunning views.

Date of stay: December 2016
Thank Navigator660488
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed 23 November 2016 via mobile
Fantastic

Such a beautiful place to stay, brilliant location and easy to access. Internally the house is cosy and perfect for the winter weather. We all found the owner and family to be very friendly and very helpful, going out of their way to make sure...More

Date of stay: November 2016
Thank Sam M
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A Holiday Lettings verified reviewer
Reviewed 9 November 2016

Date of stay: April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveller and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed 21 September 2016
Beautiful holiday home!

We spent a wonderful week at the Cow House; a unique and special holiday home. The location right outside of Blessington was perfect for us. A short trip to anything we wanted to visit including my wife's hometown, Russborough House, the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Brittas...More

Date of stay: August 2016
1  Thank Kevin T M
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed 25 August 2016
With attention to detail

Guests at the “Cow House” can explore the enthusiasm from June for beauty and attention to detail: In the garden and in the house. The historical house radiates warmth and security, even though the architecture is modern. Lots of light is in the house, an...More

Date of stay: August 2016
Thank Alexander C
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Amenities
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Kid Friendly: Yes
DVD Player
Grill
Central Heating
Dishwasher
Dryer
Freezer
Refrigerator
Internet Access
Kettle
Linens Provided
Microwave
Parking
Private Garden
Shared Garden
Stereo System
Cooker
Toaster
Towels Provided
TV
Washer
Wi-Fi
Fishing Nearby
There Is A Golf Course Within 30 Mins Drive
Horse Riding Nearby
There Are Tennis Courts Nearby
Watersports Nearby
Beach Or Lakeside Relaxation
City Getaway
Cycling Trips
Hiking Trips
Rural/Countryside Retreats
Short Term Rentals (4 Days Or Fewer)
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Availability
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Map
+
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Access
Car advised
How to get there
65 Dublin Bus from City Centre passes the door. Nearest Luas station (Tram) is CityWest (Saggart) Co Dublin
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Cancellation Policy
  • 100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
  • 50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
  • 25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
  • No refund available if you cancel thereafter

Enter your trip dates to see an exact cancellation policy.

*Booking fee is excluded from refund amount

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Cow House WINNER of BEST HOUSE 2014
The Cow House WINNER of BEST HOUSE 2014 is able to accommodate up to 4 guests. See all property details.
The Cow House WINNER of BEST HOUSE 2014 has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.
The Cow House WINNER of BEST HOUSE 2014 has 2 bedrooms available. See all property details.
Stays at The Cow House WINNER of BEST HOUSE 2014 must last at least 7 nights. See all property details.