Banoge House, Donaghcloney is the perfect place to enjoy quality time with your nearest and dearest this summer. After a year of missing family and friends, many of us are hoping to make up for lost time, get everyone together under one roof and 'catch up.'
This charming, spacious country house is just the place! Situated just 40 minutes from Belfast, outside Moira, in the quiet little village of Donaghcloney.
Almost hidden from view from the country road by the expanse of trees, as you make your way up the drive to this beautiful house, you will be amazed by the extensive gardens. I particularly love the huge monkey puzzle tree at the top of the drive and imagine sitting in its shade on a warm summer's day.
Standing in front of the house, you still really have no idea of the vastness of the interior. The porch at the front would be perfect for morning coffee or sipping something stronger into the evening. Opening the door to the large hallway, admire the handcrafted staircase that will lead to all those bedrooms!!
To your left is one of the large reception rooms with seating in the bay window overlooking the fields. You will find another large sitting room on down the hall and a library. On the other side of the house is the large, rustic, country style kitchen with a table to easily seat the whole family as well as a more formal dining room and the internal courtyard (one of my favourite places in the house).
Upstairs you will find all those bedrooms and bathrooms across the second and third floors. Banoge House can sleep up to 24 guests with a variety of double rooms and family rooms with additional single beds. Each room has its own character in keeping with this period home. Many of the rooms have their own en
suite or Jack and Jill bathroom, which makes this house ideal for a large family or group of friends- lots of space.
There is also a separate 2 bedroom apartment with its own entrance to the rear suitable for larger bookings.
Wandering outside to the gardens, you will soon realise that there is a lot more to discover than first meets the eye. The steps to the large lawns are really just the start. You are struck by all the vivid colours and fragrance from the flowers and shrubs with a path that meanders through the beds. Follow the path under the arch created by apple trees (so pretty!) to the bottom corner of the garden to find a 'secret' seating area and more lawns behind this.
Of course the gardens can be enjoyed by everyone but I think they are particularly special for children. So much space to explore and enjoy- like your own little country park for the duration of your stay! Watching my children running around the gardens was a pleasure.
You can even add on a hot tub for the duration of your stay (ask at time of booking).
There is so much space inside and out to explore but if you do want to get out and about, there is plenty to do in the area. If you are looking for family fun, head to Tannaghmore Gardens (10-15 mins drive away). There is a large children's play park, picnic area and farm. It is also home to the 'Kissing Gate' for all those romantic couples.
The recently refurbished Lurgan Park is 10 minutes drive away too. It is the largest urban park in Northern Ireland- great for walks around the lake and the new children's play park is a hit with parents and children alike or drive to Oxford Island Nature Reserve for nature walks, wildlife and bird watching.
For retail therapy and eating out, you are only 15 minutes drive from The Boulevard Shopping Mall, Banbridge. There are also many take- aways locally that will deliver to the door if you don't fancy cooking!
So, for a unique and memorable stay with family or friends, look no further than Banoge House, Donaghcloney.
Banoge House is available to book exclusively for your family/ group stay on a self-catering basis. To book, contact bookings@banogehouse.co.uk or call 07876 522477. You can also message them via their Facebook.
Always book direct and quote 'STAYCATIONS NI' at the time of booking for best rates. Ask about their packages and add-ons (including hot tub) to make your stay even more special.
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