17 minute read
Do it yourself
Do it yourself.. As the country begins to open up Lorna Hogg suggests a number of self-catering options
The charming Blanchville in Co. Kilkenny
As we come out of lockdown, the idea of getting away, to new surroundings and experiences has never been more appealing. It’s what we all dreamed of for the past year. However, many people are now understandably wary of crowded resorts and `close encounter’ holidays. Despite our jabs, many of us now want a holiday or break which involves keeping our distances. So, what better way to get the family together, (within current Covid restrictions) than on a self catering break, ideal if you have vulnerable family members?
Self catering breaks are proving a popular holiday choice this year, and if you have not experienced one in recent years – you will be amazed at the range of properties, styles and stays that ae now available. Forget about childish memories of worn sheets, broken kettles and dirty chipped crockery – plus restrictions. From country cottages to cool urban dwellings, seaside retreats or sleeping under the stars – the choice is now extensive.
Your idea of getting away might be to retreat - to pure luxury, with no cleaning, shopping or cooking to distract you from the views, local restaurants and multi channel television.
Alternately, you might want to try the newly popular Glamping – often summed up as `luxurious camping – for posh people’! You might yearn to get away from it all, to peace and quiet - or let the grandchildren run free and make as much noise as they want in a large house. Whatever your preference, be it chilling in peaceful solitude, gathering together a bubble of (allowed) friends, or all generations of your family - there is a holiday home from home waiting for you.
As any experienced traveller knows, the key to a successful trip lies in research, and holiday homes are no exceptions. Some properties have their own websites. Others are linked to Irish self catering or tourist websites. Don’t overlook UK or international websites - some have excellent examples of Irish self catering homes.
When researching, it is also worth noting that many of the top rated and most popular sites have owners or staff on hand. With thorough checking, you can then discover the kind of holiday home that will pass the ultimate test - will you be regretful to leave, and book your next stay before you do go?
Catering to your demands..
The Oak Barn, Dunany Eco Lodge, Co Louth
Dunany Oak Barn in Co. Louth is a traditional build, but with a very modern style. Its 800 square feet are made from green oak and it has full eco-cred. There is geo thermal underfloor heating, eco friendly electricity – 50% from a renewable source and even Irish well water. It also has views to match, with 180 degrees sea views, is near a sandy beach – and just 50 minutes from Dublin Airport. The building can provide a home for a family to six absolute maximum, or three to four adults. The hosts are on hand to help and advise. The Barn has 2 bedrooms, 1 upstairs, one downstairs, bathroom, kitchen and open style living room, plus outside terrace. There is also a large garden, and easy access to golf, plus easy access to historic Carlingford. and Drogheda. www.travelagenciesfinder.com
Croan Cottages, Kilkenny
Just 20 minutes from Kilkenny and set betwen Dunnamaggin and Knocktopher, these five award winning self catering modern build cottages are set in the grounds of the historic Croan House, an eighteenth century manor house. The hosts are on hand, to help and advise.
The cottages are, however, in traditional design, 3 and 2 bed, with all modern conveniences we love, and set around a court yard. Many of the original aspects of the house and estate remain, however – lime trees give shade, there is a duck pond, and walled gardens still produce fruit and vegetables.
This a dog-friendly area, so your pooch is welcome.The two bed cottages (at time of going to press) have a starting price of €315 for two nights off-peak, and €345 for 2 nights for a 3 bed version. The cottages are just 20 minutes from Kilkenny, with an array of
activities in the area -- golf, shooting, fishing horsetrekking. Castle Morres demesne is nearby, and 2000 acres of forest park to roam. www.croancottages.com
The Gables and Longbow, Co. Kilkenny
The Gables is a cosy eighteenth century fishing lodge, dating back to the days of the splendid Archerstown House. It is ideal for country lovers – waking up to the day, with birdsong from the magnificent horse chestnut trees, before viewing the walled garden or taking country walks, catching fish from the river for supper, and finishing the day enjoying a range of local pubs. Here also, the hosts are on hand. This three star lodge sleeps five – one double bedroom with walk in bathroom, one twin bed upstairs, and a single downstairs, with bathroom and shower. The double bed toom has a TV/DVD. There is a fitted kitchen, open turf fire, and patio plus BBQ. Guide dogs are welcome, family pets can go to nearby boarding kennels. Rates off peak range from €500 to €800.
Longbow is an eco friendly architect designed house, complete with grass roof, sleeping six. Expect full 4 star style here, with a master bedroom ensuite, and also a double, and geo thermal heating. Off peak rates start from €599 for five to six nights, but 2 night stays are also possible. www.gables.ie
Blanchville, Co. Kilkenny
This splendid house is an Historic House letting, and guest observations do mention the words `Downton Abbey’. The 1800s building is just a few minutes from Kilkenny, so it is perfect for city slickers, who want some rural charm as well,. The house has been lovingly restored to the period style of of its earlier days. With six bedrooms, it can take groups of 16 to 20, and is ideal for large family gatherings, or celebrations. Prices on application.
Happily for the rest of us, Blanchville also offers a converted Coach House, with two dwellings which sleeps 5/6 each and have been beautifully restrored and converted – with a period sensitive kitchen/diner. Prices range between €500 - €600 a week off-peak or €150 per night. There is also a pretty Garden Cottage, with two bedrooms, sleeping six, but be aware - unsurprisingly, it is often booked out months in advance, www.blanchville.ie
Woodland Song, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
This designer created rural retreat at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains is open plan, which maximises the splendid views. It can take 8 guests, with two sitting rooms, both up and downstairs, 3 bedrooms and an open gallery. One of the four bedroom has a spa, and there are three bathrooms – no morning queues here! Outside, the acre and a half of gardens are landscaped, utilising a stream, and a boardwalk which takes you through a trail. Low light pollution means that this house is perfect for viewing expanses of starry skies. Children do need supervision, however, as there is also a lake and plunge pool. www.housetrip.com
One of the cottages in the Woodlands Song complex near Tullamore
Bagenal Harvey Cottage, Co Wexford
If you have ever hankered after the Tudor lifestyle, complete with romantic castle surroundings, medieval gardens, a tower house and spectaclar views, this Heritage Precinct Tower House will fit the bill nicely. The two cottages are set in the original cow house – hard though it is to believe. Oak beams are now matched by wooden flooring, the period furnishing blends beautifully with traditional open fireplaces, now set to new use. That’s just the interior. The surroundings are a large part of the appeal. Its two cottages are set in suitably romantic surroundings, nestling against the old Tower House of Bagenal’s Castle. They are surrounded by a lavender garden, herbs garden, flower and vegetable planting, an orchard – and an ``enchanted beech walk’’. Accomodation includes 2 King and 3 Twin bedrooms, plus crib plus one half bath, one ensuite and one full bathrooom. In the unlikely event that you might become bored wandering around the surroundings, you can also take a trip to the nearby Saltee Islands, and Wexford is nearby Prices start off peak from €500 for 2 nights. www.housetrip.com wwwtripadviser.com
Homes from home..
When it comes to looking for your ideal break, the exhaustive – and sometimes exhausting, list of online self catering spots can seem a daunting task. However, there are ways and short-cuts to narrow down the available selection, to suit your needs. further with the desirability of the home – which is an advertisement in itself. If, however, your circumstances allow you can consider not just off-peak, but last minute deals, or short breaks, e.g. a few days, or mid-week stays, you can get some excellent deals, even on expensive sites. If, however, you are planing a big family re-union, then you may have to aim for some months of waiting time.
Don’t just look at companies or services – check the online review sites. Not only do they list the top and most popular properties, they will have homes that you may never otherwise hear of. As well, the layout of reviews means that you can swiftly categorise the layout, area, size, room number, inclusive services or general style of each property, and this can save considerbale time. Remember also, details of Covid restrictions, responses and details of house cleanliness should be amongst the first details to catch your eye when searching a website.
It is also worth typing in the type of property you are searching for - e.g. size, bedroom numbers, area. Remember, whilst many self catering properties are listed on websites, which handle their bookings, many property owners are just as anxious as you for a good match. They want clients who will treat their homes with respect. Such a search can also help with niche interests - e.g. eco, luxury, suited to disability or pet friendly.
Whilst prices and facilities were correct at time of going to press some facilities and properties as well as prices may become unavailable at short notice. Check websites for latest details and bookings.
www.tridentholidayhomes.ie www.dreamireland.com www.hometogo.com www.selfcater.com www.westcoastsholidays.ie www.hogansholidaycottages.com www.imagineieland.com www.expedia.ie www.tripadviser.ie
Have you considered when making your will to leave a legacy gift to a cause you care about?
Everyone should have a will
Only three in ten Irish adults have made a will, yet making a will is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. As a legal document, it ensures that proper arrangements are made for family and friends, and that your assets will distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights and conditions. With so many benefits associated with this important process, the decision to make a will should be straightforward.
If your wishes are not expressed in a will, then the law (called Succession Law) determines how your estate is distributed according to strict legal rules. It can also mean that your estate might not be divided in accordance with your wishes.
Why make a will?
There are a number of important reasons why a person should make a will but the most important reason is that you decide what happens to your estate when you are gone. Your will should be prepared by a solicitor who will advise you of the tax and legal implications of your decisions and who will use your outlined instructions to draft your will. Before making an appointment with your solicitor, it is helpful to take note of the following:
• Your assets, their value and their location. • Your nearest relatives. • Your executor(s) – this is the person(s) that will administer the estate in accordance with the directions set out in the will. This person should be someone that you trust and who is responsible. • The proposed division of your estate – which refers to all of the money, property, assets, interests and things of value controlled by a person while alive.
Your solicitor can then take you through any legal restrictions (if applicable), special circumstances, inheritance tax and types of will. than you might think and your solicitor will discuss what is necessary for drawing up this important personal document when you make your appointment.
Once family and friends have been looked after and all other important personal decisions have been made, deciding to leave a legacy gift to a charity is a wonderful way to support a favourite cause in the future. Large or small, every legacy is a generous gift of hope and trust for the future.
Steps to Making a Will
1. Make An Appointment
Avail of expert advice and support. Take the first step to discuss your wishes and decisions for the future
2. Look After Loved Ones First
Why a will is important. A will provides for loved ones, assigns guardians, protects your assets and helps reduce inheritance tax
3. Consider A Legacy To Charity
Your gift may be big or small and is tax free. If you have a cause close to your heart, please consider leaving a gift to that charity in your will
Protecting what is most vital – a home for life
Threshold has been at the heartbeat of communities for more than forty years. Thanks to kind and generous supporters, Threshold is helping families to keep their precious and beloved homes. Because like our supporters, we believe in stopping homelessness before it starts.
If you have never had to call Threshold, you might be one of the lucky ones. But for so many renting in Ireland, Threshold is the first line of defence for those at risk of losing their home. From every corner of Ireland, Threshold receives 300 requests for help a day. Requests to stop illegal evictions, requests to prevent illegal rent increases, requests to help a tenant have their heating fixed in the cold winter months. In the last year alone, Threshold supported over 36,000 men, women and children at risk of homelessness. For every tenant privately renting in Ireland – we're just a phone call away.
Protecting renters – a changing story
At Threshold we support families and individuals of all ages. Typically, renting in Ireland has been associated with younger people – as a stepping stone to buying a first home. But the number of renters aged 40 and over has increased by 23% between the 2011 and 2016 Census and based on our experience with clients, we see this number increasing in years to come.
Karina Timothy, Western Regional Services Manager at Threshold says, “This speaks to a key societal challenge that the entire country will face in the very near future. There is an increase in the proportion of older people who are renting, living with little security of tenure and paying high rents. These renters are vulnerable to the risk of homelessness that is inherent in the current instability of the private rented sector.” This instability has never been so stark as when Covid-19 hit. What was already a difficult situation for renters, turned into an emergency, as those most disproportionally affected by Covid-19 are in need of greater protections. Despite the government’s protections, and the moratorium on evictions, our phone has still been ringing.
But thanks to Threshold’s donors and supporters, we are still here to help.
Frank’s eviction
Frank is one such renter we supported during the lockdown restrictions. Frank is in his seventies, and worked his whole life as a post-man. He has a wicked sense of humour and loved nothing more than to stop and chat on his rounds. But now in his retirement, his rented house was sold suddenly with his new landlord, his problems started. “He wouldn’t deal with any issues I had in the house. He’d be angry if I contacted him. Over time, the roof got worse and worse – it started leaking badly. The most serious problem was when the heating system broke down at the coldest time of the year – it was freezing for months. I didn’t even have hot water.”
Then an eviction notice dropped through the letterbox. And Frank’s world dropped to rock bottom:
If you know of anyone who is facing an eviction or struggling to pay the rent – please tell them to contact Threshold straight away by calling our National Freephone Helpline on
1800 454 454
“I knew I couldn’t do it anymore. Covid had me isolated. I felt so alone. I was trapped – I couldn’t live in the house with no heating and all the other problems. And now I was being thrown out – with nowhere to go – in the middle of a pandemic. I knew I badly needed help.”
A neighbour told Frank about Threshold. He phoned us and explained what was happening. Things started to change immediately.
Offering a helping hand – for as long as it takes
Thanks to the support of kind people from all over Ireland, Threshold was able to help right away. Róisín, one of our Housing Advisors, set to work. After thoroughly investigating the case, she was able to tell Frank the eviction notice was illegal – because of Covid-19, evictions weren’t allowed. We were delighted to help Frank and so many others like him. Because of donations from generous people who care about homelessness, we were able to support Frank to have his case heard – and won – at the Residential Tenancies Board. Frank was delighted and relieved. “No one knows the hours and hard work Threshold puts in for you. They stayed with me for over 9 months answering all my worries whenever I called. Róisín was there for me until I found a new suitable home. They gave me back my confidence. The feeling that I had the right to demand basic standards and conditions for the home I paid rent for. That I could fight an illegal eviction. Róisín was always at the end of the phone with her knowledge and her big heart.”
Thankfully, Frank has left all the stress, hurt and fear behind. Today, thanks to kind donations like the one you can make today, he received a settlement through the Residential Tenancies Board and he is now happy in a warm, wellmaintained, mobility-friendly home.
How you can help
At Threshold we are not only supporting people like Frank to protect their rights and keep their homes, but also to act as a voice for the older renters in Ireland. In 2021 Threshold will be conducting extensive research into the viability and suitability of private renting for older people. This work will be carried out in partnership with ALONE and will be utilised to inform policy proposals to Government.
If you would like to support someone like Frank, and to help to amplify the voices of senior renters in Ireland, please make a donation to Threshold’s home-saving services. • Call us on 1890 43 44 45 • Write to us at 25-28 Strand Street Great Dublin 1 D01 XP04.
To learn more about Threshold’s services, please go to
www.threshold.ie
Who we are
When a family, couple or individual suddenly find themselves at risk of homelessness, Threshold takes immediate action to help keep them in their home.
• We offer free, confidential and expert housing advice.
• We challenge unreasonable rent increases and illegal evictions.
• We act as a point of contact to provide guidance and negotiate solutions between landlord and tenant.
• We are a frontline service for those most at risk of losing their privately rented accommodation.
A gift in your Will – and our gift to you
Legacy gifts are an extraordinary way to help those at risk of losing their safety, their security – their home. At no cost to you, you can leave a life-changing Gift in your in your Will to help us to create a better and more secure future for people like Frank.
We have partnered up with LawOnline (www.lawonline.ie) to offer you a free Will-making service. This free and simple to use service means you can make a Will for free or amend an existing Will for a significantly reduced price.
There is no obligation to leave a gift to Threshold to use the service, but of course if you do, your support will help to protect families from homelessness for future generations. To use this service, or to find out more about leaving a gift to Threshold in your Will, just contact us in confidence on 01 635 3629 or email us at legacy@threshold.ie.
