Currarevagh House

‘A winding drive through woodland takes you back in time’ to Henry and Lucy Hodgson’s Victorian country house on a 180-acre estate on the shores of Lough Corrib. ‘Say goodbye to the distractions of modern life,’ advises our inspector. ‘Currarevagh doesn’t bother with faddish “luxuries”.’ Instead, enjoy ‘the essential beauty of the house’ with its ‘thick old carpets, wonky standard lamps, fish in glass cases, and whirring, chiming grandfather clock’. Bedrooms are 'lovely, some rather more faded than others’, with handwoven rugs, ‘sweet-smelling’ Irish toiletries, fresh flowers – and who needs TV, with lough and mountain views? At night, Henry pours drinks, and chats, before banging the gong to herald an exceptional dinner, cooked by Lucy. The menu features 'fine Irish produce with an imaginative twist' and might include wild venison, celeriac and thyme, baby leeks, artichoke crisp, grape and sherry jus. After a similarly lavish breakfast, you can take a picnic, roam the estate, hire a boat, discover why this is a wildlife and environmental sanctuary and renowned fishing destination. ‘It was unforgettable to be somewhere so remote, so beautiful, so private. I hope it never changes.’