As the signboard states the house is called Honeysuckle Cottage,
even the name evoking a certain image, (which it lives up to,) although
only of recent years being known by this name, given by the present owner, Michael Gavin, a
local builder and accomplished carpenter who bought the place in
a dilapidated condition. He has lovingly restored it, retaining much of
the originality, but incorporating modern features like central heating and double glazed
windowpanes fitted into authentic frames, (none of yer upvc stuff
'round 'ere mate). Solid wood tongue and groove planking replaces the original concrete
floors and the doors and furniture are all reclaimed and refurbished
real didgro. I figgers that's wood - stuff that did grow.
Everything has been restored or renewed, as Michael's first intention was to live here himself, which he did during much of the three-year restoration period, but then decided to rent it out as a holiday let, having also built himself a wooden chalet house in a forested mountain area close by, and favouring the latter as his permanent home.
The holiday rental venture didn't take off as expected, so when Lisa put an advert into a Mayo newspaper 'Country house wanted, must be remote and pet friendly', Michael responded. After a viewing, and brief negotiations, a deal was struck, and we took tenancy on August 1st 2008.
Anecdote. Inside the house, there are no conventional ceilings, instead, rooms go all the way up to the reconstructed roof, which, inside is insulated and wood-panel lined. In the central living room the height is some 15 feet. It is a stunning feature. When we returned home, I had to explain the other aspects of the house to Lisa, as all she could remember was the huge fireplace and massive chimney breast stretching up into this impressive void.
I asked Michael how old the property was, and was surprised when he replied ''About 90 years,'' as not only does it look much older, having two-foot thick stone walls, it had the feel of a much older homestead.
It was then I knew I needed to learn more about the history of this house and the surrounding area.
In fact, this quest has become so interesting and informative, and with so many strange happenings occurring, it was logical to create this site, and share the knowledge gained and the ongoing experiences. In fact, there are many who are impatiently waiting to read these words, as I currently lay out the opening pages.
The dwelling is about 150 metres from a country lane and reached by ascending a blackberry bush and similar plant-life-lined driveway. At the top, the cottage is to the left. Michael has created a semi-formal garden area at the front, abounding with flowers, plants, (obviously including honeysuckle), herbs and various bushes and small trees, all surrounded by a white picket fence. It is a joy to be amongst, and, have the view from the bedroom window on awakening. Taking occupancy in August, with flowers still in bloom was a real joy.
In the above view, beyond the garden you can see a line of ancient gnarled oak trees. From since meeting a former occupant, Mary, I have been able to approximately date the building to about 250 years old, and the majestic oaks may well be a lot older.
Just in front of the tree-line meanders a babbling brook that wends its way down to join the stream that runs alongside the road. After heavy rain, and we certainly get plenty of that in Ireland, it turns into a rushing torrent. It has even been known to flood.
Local legend has it, in the field beyond the oaks, there was, and maybe still is, a fairy garden.
Fairies? Nobody believes in fairies.
Surprisingly, there are more people than you might imagine who would disagree. It could be said we really do have fairies at the bottom of the garden, well, to the side at least.
In any event, on an ambient day, with birds singing, the brook babbling and the trees rustling in the breeze, it certainly is a magical place to be - fairies or not. Lisa often brings students out here for a meditation session before classes.
'Tis my intention to make the area into a proper meditation garden. The land is very stony, a legacy from various buildings that have stood on it and since fallen down. Using these stones I plan a waterfall, rockery and fountain, using water pumped from the brook and returned further along.
With wind chimes, lights in the trees and the view of Croagh Patrick in the distance, it will be a wonderful place to sit on a balmy evening and deliberate on life.
Below the oak trees, stretching down to the road is what once was the kitchen garden, so when we have hacked through the undergrowth, and tilled the sod, it will may well be returned to its former usage. Apparently the ground is relatively stone free.
Not much more to say about the outside. The back and N.E. side of the house is surrounded by a two metre high wall, holding back the fields beyond. Between this and the house it is concreted, and has potential for multiple uses, as only needing roofing. A greenhouse is logical. A kitchen extension or conservatory would be good, but of course would require fully sealing.
We have ten cats. During the daytime they can roam around at will, or come in the house, but preferably not all at the same time. For sleeping at night or daytime siestas they have access to a multi-box equipped shed.
Because outside is lacking any under-cover storage, and I need a workshop where I can indulge my passion for woodwork, one idea is to site a shipping container, maybe more than one, we certainly have the space.
Bit ugly, big steel box dumped on yer plot.
To some people they may well appear so, but with ingenuity can easily be disguised to blend with the landscape. The whole subject of utilising shipping containers interests me greatly, and I may feature the concept at a later date.
Let's take a look inside now. You coming Tom?
Might as well. I'll get the kettle on an' make a brew.
Everything has been restored or renewed, as Michael's first intention was to live here himself, which he did during much of the three-year restoration period, but then decided to rent it out as a holiday let, having also built himself a wooden chalet house in a forested mountain area close by, and favouring the latter as his permanent home.
The holiday rental venture didn't take off as expected, so when Lisa put an advert into a Mayo newspaper 'Country house wanted, must be remote and pet friendly', Michael responded. After a viewing, and brief negotiations, a deal was struck, and we took tenancy on August 1st 2008.
Anecdote. Inside the house, there are no conventional ceilings, instead, rooms go all the way up to the reconstructed roof, which, inside is insulated and wood-panel lined. In the central living room the height is some 15 feet. It is a stunning feature. When we returned home, I had to explain the other aspects of the house to Lisa, as all she could remember was the huge fireplace and massive chimney breast stretching up into this impressive void.
I asked Michael how old the property was, and was surprised when he replied ''About 90 years,'' as not only does it look much older, having two-foot thick stone walls, it had the feel of a much older homestead.
It was then I knew I needed to learn more about the history of this house and the surrounding area.
In fact, this quest has become so interesting and informative, and with so many strange happenings occurring, it was logical to create this site, and share the knowledge gained and the ongoing experiences. In fact, there are many who are impatiently waiting to read these words, as I currently lay out the opening pages.
The dwelling is about 150 metres from a country lane and reached by ascending a blackberry bush and similar plant-life-lined driveway. At the top, the cottage is to the left. Michael has created a semi-formal garden area at the front, abounding with flowers, plants, (obviously including honeysuckle), herbs and various bushes and small trees, all surrounded by a white picket fence. It is a joy to be amongst, and, have the view from the bedroom window on awakening. Taking occupancy in August, with flowers still in bloom was a real joy.
In the above view, beyond the garden you can see a line of ancient gnarled oak trees. From since meeting a former occupant, Mary, I have been able to approximately date the building to about 250 years old, and the majestic oaks may well be a lot older.
Just in front of the tree-line meanders a babbling brook that wends its way down to join the stream that runs alongside the road. After heavy rain, and we certainly get plenty of that in Ireland, it turns into a rushing torrent. It has even been known to flood.
Local legend has it, in the field beyond the oaks, there was, and maybe still is, a fairy garden.
Fairies? Nobody believes in fairies.
Surprisingly, there are more people than you might imagine who would disagree. It could be said we really do have fairies at the bottom of the garden, well, to the side at least.
In any event, on an ambient day, with birds singing, the brook babbling and the trees rustling in the breeze, it certainly is a magical place to be - fairies or not. Lisa often brings students out here for a meditation session before classes.
'Tis my intention to make the area into a proper meditation garden. The land is very stony, a legacy from various buildings that have stood on it and since fallen down. Using these stones I plan a waterfall, rockery and fountain, using water pumped from the brook and returned further along.
With wind chimes, lights in the trees and the view of Croagh Patrick in the distance, it will be a wonderful place to sit on a balmy evening and deliberate on life.
This is Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain, as viewed from our front door. It is synonymous with religion being introduced into Ireland, Read the page, it's fascinating.
Below the oak trees, stretching down to the road is what once was the kitchen garden, so when we have hacked through the undergrowth, and tilled the sod, it will may well be returned to its former usage. Apparently the ground is relatively stone free.
Not much more to say about the outside. The back and N.E. side of the house is surrounded by a two metre high wall, holding back the fields beyond. Between this and the house it is concreted, and has potential for multiple uses, as only needing roofing. A greenhouse is logical. A kitchen extension or conservatory would be good, but of course would require fully sealing.
We have ten cats. During the daytime they can roam around at will, or come in the house, but preferably not all at the same time. For sleeping at night or daytime siestas they have access to a multi-box equipped shed.
Because outside is lacking any under-cover storage, and I need a workshop where I can indulge my passion for woodwork, one idea is to site a shipping container, maybe more than one, we certainly have the space.
Bit ugly, big steel box dumped on yer plot.
To some people they may well appear so, but with ingenuity can easily be disguised to blend with the landscape. The whole subject of utilising shipping containers interests me greatly, and I may feature the concept at a later date.
Let's take a look inside now. You coming Tom?
Might as well. I'll get the kettle on an' make a brew.
