Currarevagh House

‘A long private road through woodland’ leads to Henry and Lucy Hodgson’s Victorian country house, ‘lost in time’ in 180 acres, overlooking Lough Corrib. ‘I’ve never stayed anywhere like it,’ wrote our inspector. ‘It was unforgettable to be somewhere so remote, so beautiful, so private.’ Enter to find ‘thick old carpets, ageing wallpapers, an ancient bagatelle table, fish in glass cases . . .’ Bedrooms are ‘lovely, some rather faded’, with ‘comfortable beds, wide views of lough and gardens, large, light bathrooms, no door keys’. An electric shower ‘gasped and rattled’ but did the job. At 4 pm tea is served with ‘delicious, freshly baked cakes’. At night, Henry dispenses drinks and bonhomie before banging a gong to summon all to a dinner cooked by Lucy, of dishes such as crab with apple, fennel, kohlrabi and tomato; lamb with muhammara, carrot, wild garlic; baked Alaska with wild damson ice cream. Breakfast brings a full Irish and more. ‘I had baked cannellini beans with barrel-aged feta on sourdough – delicious.’ Fishing and boating are among tranquil pastimes. Loyal guests come back year after year. ‘I understand why. I adored it.’