September marks our wedding anniversary. And having not been far all year, I booked a short staycation which took us back to the beautiful North Coast. We stayed at an Airbnb property called ‘The Cook’s Quarters’ at Camus House in Coleraine. From there it was a short drive to the beaches at Castlerock and Benone.
No matter how familiar the scene and no matter how often we visit, I am still struck by how beautiful these beaches are. And so we spent most of our first day enjoying the sea air and taking in the spectacular scenery. Then it was time to head home to our cottage to enjoy a glass of wine outside, warmed by the fire from the chiminea.
I should also mention at this point that our accommodation was characterful and cosy. It’s set in beautiful grounds overlooking the River Bann. The cottage ‘The Cook’s Quarters’ is part of Camus House, built in 1685 on the site of Saint Comgall’s Monastery. It’s the family home of our host Nicola. During our short stay, I made friends with the family dog Basil and their cat Billy who, I have to say, stole my heart.
Billy the cat and some scenes of the gorgeous old outbuildings that surrounded our cottage
The Cook’s Quarters
Downhill Demesne
Our second day was spent exploring Downhill Demesne. It’s a National Trust property consisting of the remains of Downhill Castle and the world famous Mussenden Temple. We took a wander through the fading golden tones of the hay meadow, reaching a point where the dome of the temple rose in the distance beyond the swathes of seedheads. And then we continued on to the edge of the headland to admire the sea beyond. The colours, tones and textures of this part of the world at this time of year are just breathtaking.
Mussenden Temple and the hay meadow
All in all, it was a wonderful weekend in a beautiful part of the world so close to home and the perfect way to start September.
You can find out more about The Cook’s Quarters, Coleraine here:- https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/44476175?source_impression_id=p3_1632601413_F4ZVhpF8Qual70pI&guests=1&adults=1
Stay well and stay safe,
Paula x
Lovely….hope you had a wonderful relaxing visit and a very Happy Anniversary! ❤️❤️
Thank you so much pals xx
You are fortunate to be in a very beautiful part of the country. It is a long drive up from Waterford but we have been several times for holidays, mainly garden-visit based.
Yes thankfully it is less than an hours drive from here and the improved roads make it easier. Hope you are keeping well.
All well here; gardening away and getting out when possible. Planning spring outings to snowdrop gardens in the North!
Yes I am waiting on a bulb delivery from Farmer Gracy. I think I ordered 100..should keep me busy for a while. Sad I can no longer order from Sarah Raven
Yes, I was in the middle of ordering colchicums from Potterton’s Nursery last week when I realised he can’t send them to me. I was so annoyed!
I like the name Downhill Denesme. 🙂
Billy the cat looks a sweetheart.The area looks a wonderful place to visit. Happy Anniversary. X