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Review submitted by Liane from Sydney, Australia (Submitted: 18 Oct 2011)
I spent a wonderful week in "Jacks Cottage" in October 2011. Bridie and Ben made me feel so welcome and remained scarce throughout the stay giving me the privacy I craved but were always there when needed.
The pictures dont do the cottage justice, the rooms are all tastefully decorated, immaculately clean and the attention to detail such a wonderful surprise, from Bens original paintings which are exquisite to Bridies personal touches, every consideration is made to ensure the stay is comfortable for their guests.
The bedrooms are very comfortable with gorgeous views of the garden, the kitchen well stocked with everything you need to cook any meal and the living spaces cosy and well appointed with fireplace, seating and amenities.The bathroom is wonderful with a deep and comfortable claw tub and walk in shower.
You can sit outside in a gorgeous garden and enjoy the sunshine or take a short stroll down to the river which is breathtaking.
Getting up the lane which is incredibly narrow is a bit of a challenge but once you do you will be rewarded with a wonderful quiet haven away from it all.
Ive stayed in all sorts of accommodation from six star hotels to basic rooms in Asia and can honestly say this was one of my favourite places to stay, Ill definitely go back again and again if theyll have me.
Review submitted by Robert from Vienna (Submitted: 1 Aug 2011)
We loved the cottege, very quiet and very good support from Bridie and Ben,
Thank you for the graet time at your place!!!
We will be back!!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 29 Sep 2010)
Spent a wonderful week here, end of August/early September, 2010. A 5 Star cottage and a 5 Star bathroom!
Beautifully maintained cottage and gardens in a unique location by the River Blackwater.
Had no problem with the access lane it is well maintained, no potholes keep in a low gear and enjoy the views!
Great area for canoeing and boating - I used the slipway at nearby Villierstown Quay (10 mins drive) for good access to the river.
Cottage is equipped as a home, rather than a holiday let. Very cosy old character maintained, but with all mod cons.
Great place for wildlife: kingfishers, herons, otters.
Interesting area for touring too- beaches, mountains and historic towns all in easy reach.
The friendly owners live just behind the cottage but the cottage itself is very private.
Just loved it here! Highly recommended.
Review submitted by Vanessa from Grayshott (Submitted: 17 Aug 2010)
Jacks Cottsge is a beautiful cottage, full of character, and in such a peaceful location. It was lovely and clean and made very welcoming by Bridie and Ben - flowers everywhere, and a welcome pack of groceries.
It was very good value for money and met our expectations exactly. The description was very accurate.
The down side to this property is the very narrow lane which approaches it - a definite case of breathing in and holding your breath! Also, 5 people sharing a bathroom was at times inconvenient - someone always needed the loo when I had just got into the shower!
However, I would definitley recommend this property to a friend as the advantages, definitley outway the disadvantages.
Review submitted by Nicola from West Hendred, Oxon (Submitted: 6 Aug 2010)
We had a great 2-week holiday in Jacks Cottage. The cottage is extremely pretty and fulfilled all our expectations and more. It was lovely at the end of the day to come back to somewhere so quiet and peaceful. We were instantly relaxed by the location and the wonderful slower pace of life. The cottage is excellently equipped, clean and homely, with lovely well kept gardens. Our three small children and dog loved it also, they especially enjoyed the gardens, the walk down to the river and the hide, for watching the wildlife. We could not have wished for better hosts in Ben and Bridie they were fantastic. We will definitely return to Jacks cottage.
Review submitted by Elizabeth from Raliegh (Submitted: 27 Jul 2010)
Driveway was a bit difficult to navigate, but the cottage was well worth the trouble. Beautiful and well-kept 300 year old cottage with the added up-to-date amenities most people would need. Hosts were very friendly, kind and helpful. The local scenery was beautiful (property located on the Blackwater River). And there was plenty of things to see and do within a reasonable travel distance (day trips).
Review submitted by Jane from Nr Wellingborough (Submitted: 30 Jun 2010)
A fantastic property! If youre looking for peace and quiet, relaxation, cosy surroundings but still with lots to do and see in the area, then this cottage is ideal. We had a superb week (helped by great weather - we didnt have to get the waterproofs out at all!) in these idyllic surroundings. Cottage is more of a home than a holiday let, the gardens were lovely and you can wile away hours sitting by the river. Ben and Bridie are fantastic hosts too. Cant think of anything negative to say! Well definitely look to stay again in the future.
Review submitted by Marybeth from Round Lake, New York (Submitted: 6 Apr 2010)
Our stay at Jacks Cottage began with a trip down a lane reminicient of the cart and horse era. Very narrow, very picturesque, the scenery is breathtaking. After the first day we were pros at manuevering it as we were treated to a treasure at the end of the road. The cottage is straight off a postcard and pristine in its condition. The restoration and loving care given to every detail was exceptional. Our hosts, Bridie and Ben could not have been more gracious. Some of the walls were enhanced with beautiful artwork produced by Ben, a modest artist of masterful proportions. A state of the art bathroom was sparkling! A great soaking tub and warming towel rack. How welcoming! The grounds are immaculate and conscious attention paid to living green. We were perfectly located for day trips to the south,west and east...and always couldnt wait to get back to our oasis,the wood for the wood stove plentiful and fragrant. Oh, and the birdsong was joyful! Thank you Bridie and Ben, weve just come home and we long to return already!
Marybeth and Courtney Max
Review submitted by Alan from Lanner (Submitted: 8 Sep 2009)
An absolute jem! Dont go there if youre looking for hustle and bustle - it is sadly lacking!
It is such a beautiful spot and the cottage is chocolate box outside and very well equipped inside without loosing any of its charm. If I had to selec t one thing that could be better - I couldnt!
The lane to it isinteresting and I wouldnt want to drive it in anything too wide or low.
Review submitted by Annie from Belfast (Submitted: 22 Aug 2009)
Jacks Cottage is a hidden gem of a getaway destination. Its website photos barely do it justice. To us it was the perfect chocolate box old world cottage that one dreams of as a child. Better still its surroundings simply could not have been bettered in terms of sheer scenic beauty and peace. Our week flew in this very comfortable, pretty cottage which was so tastefully and thoughtfully decorated within. Im ashamed to say we did not do much touring of the surrounding area as we were so content to sit in the garden, watch the river go by, bird spot or try to look out for the otters. Our only problem now is that we dont want to rent other cottages in the future as we feel nothing can live up to this wonderful experience. Our huge thanks to the owners Ben and Bridie who were so kind and welcoming and made sure that we wanted for nothing. They really made the week for us!
Review submitted by Richard from Harrow Middx (Submitted: 11 Aug 2009)
A beautiful property, in lovely peaceful surroundings. Thought the children may not like location but they totally loved it. Lovely beach at Ardmore nearby, Lismore castle and gardens also near. Otters to be seen in the river at the bottom of the garden if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
We were looked after brilliantly by Ben & Bridie, it was lovely to have some welcome items tea, coffee, bread, jam etc
Would definitely recommend this property
Review submitted by Kees from Rosmalen (Submitted: 5 Aug 2009)
Paying from Holland is only possible by creditcard. This cost 50 euro. From GBR you can pay by debit card. Because theire is no 3 digit number on this Dutch card you can not use this. Why is their not a possibility to pay by bank transaction. It takes only a few days to get the money at Villarenters.
We are very possitive about the cottage, the surrounding and ofcourse the hosts mrs and mr Brittain.
Greetings from Kees and Patricia.
Note for the hosts: (Bridie, we send you the wooden cheesedisk very soon)
Review submitted by Joan from Dublin (Submitted: 20 Jul 2009)
Very pleasant. Quaint. Exactly as described.
Review submitted by Joyce from Wigan (Submitted: 8 Jun 2009)
Maybe it is that Jacks Cottage is at the end of the lane that made us feel it was our own private tranquil place and nobody elses! We came in May and the hedgerows were full of spring flowers and a few steps through the gate the peaceful blackwater river amazed us. The cottage itself has kept its traditional charm and yet has every modern day comfort. Most holiday cottages have mixed reviews this one being the exception, we could hardly tear ourselves away from this sunny relaxing haven ...........happy memories.
Review submitted by Demi from Woodbridge, VA (Submitted: 13 May 2009)
We really liked the location. Although, we did not have that much time to enjoy the cottage. The little time we spent there was great.
Villarenters reply:
Review submitted by Beatrice from Liestal, Switzerland (Submitted: 7 Apr 2009)
Once we arrived at Jack Cottage (the finally part of the way is a little adventures) we were at exactly the place we had wished for when we booked our vacation!
Peaceful nature, wonderful house (which is very well equipped) and people.
We spend a wonderful week at Jack’s Cottage, there is lot’s to do and see and it is also very nice to just spend time in this hide-away.
We recommend Jack Cottage for couples, families with children… for all really who need a break from the busy world!
Thanks Bridie and Ben.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 20 Jan 2009)
We’ve just returned home from our second visit to Jack’s cottage. Without a doubt this is the perfect hideaway for a stress free break. From the minute you step into this charming cottage, you will fell relaxed it’s hard not to in such peaceful surroundings. When you open the half door it is obvious the care and attention that the owners Bridie and Ben have poured into the restoration of this 17th century cottage. It is not so much a holiday cottage but a “home from home”. The cottage has every modern convenience you could want and has wonderful touches the bathroom is fabulous!!!
We found lots of great beaches and nice towns nearby. Our children (age four and two) had a wonderful time here enjoying the surrounding area and making new memories and have not stopped talking about it since we returned home. We’ll definitely be back and look forward to making new memories of Jack’s cottage in the years to come.
All in all Jack’s cottage is the perfect getaway for a relaxing, stress free break.
Review submitted by Dagmar from Durmersheim (Submitted: 19 Jan 2009)
"A little piece of heaven down on irish earth"
We spent our winter holidays at this beautiful traditional cottage in the area of the Blackwater Valley. The owners have restored the old house with love and carefulness and created a great accomodation with the charm of the past times.
But with all modern conveniences. We loved it to sit in front of the fireplace after an exiting day in the surrounding countryside. Or we took a relaxing shower in the luxury renovated bathroom. Everything is all right to enjoy a wonderful stay! There is only one thing we would like to tell you... The lane down to the cottage is really narrow and a little bit adventurous.
But believe us: "Practice makes perfect!" We can recommend Jacks Cottage warmly!
Review submitted by Erin from Portland,Oregon USA (Submitted: 28 Dec 2008)
My dream came true when we stayed here for our honeymoon (fall 2008). Beautiful cottage, well maintained with very generous owners. In all honesty did not want to leave such beautiful, unspoiled land near Blackwater River. Spent a week and had great day trips to Lismore, Ardmore and Cork and Ballycotton. We love the outdoors and spent every day bird watching and every night watching bats and owls. Nothing but peace and serenity! WONDERFUL!!
Review submitted by Wynand from Orpington (Submitted: 4 Sep 2008)
Jacks Cottage is even more beautiful than the pictures suggest and offers everything needed for a truly relaxing break. Its secluded location, right on the river, makes relaxation almost inevitable whilst its convenient proximity to many of the main tourist-sites in Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary and Cork means that days out are not spent in the car.
The Cottage has been decorated and furnished to a very high standard and the owners are expert in making people feel welcome. Every effort is made to make the cottage feel like a home away from home, with a full range of appliances and kitchen utensils.
This is one of the best cottages weve ever stayed at and it will be our first choice of places to stay if we holiday in South East Ireland again.
Review submitted by Joanne from Co Down (Submitted: 24 Jul 2008)
The cottage is the perfect rural retreat - a picture postcard Irish cottage with all modern conveniences inside. Perfect location for children and also pets as it is very isolated with no traffic. Everything you could need has been provided in the cottage - and you will feel that you are home from home.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 26 Dec 2007)
25th Aug - 1st Sept 2007
What a wonderful cottage! The peace and quiet was a far cry from our normal city life and we all felt at home here. Visited Waterford Crystal, Blarney Castle, Lismore Castle and Ballysaggartmore Towers. Had a gorgeous meal at the Mill restaurant in Dungarvan and explored the town. I think this will be the first of many visits to Ireland, so we may well return to this beautiflu little hidey hole.
Many thanks from
Corinne and Ben Fisher
Kiristie Johnson
Jo Heal
Exeter, Devon, UK
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 26 Dec 2007)
7 October 2007
What an amazing, awe-inspiring, peaceful place on earth. We had an incredible weekend of hiking, canoning, nature watching and listening and simply relaxing. There is no question in our minds that we will be back...and not in the too distant future. Thank you so much for everything.
Megan and Jack Hogan
Kilkenny, Ireland
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 26 Dec 2007)
14 Nov to 5 Dec 2007
What a paradise, so peaceful, quiet and love the view over the reeds to the river. I came here stressed and go away feeling much better. Bridie, Ben and family your cottage, surrounds and hospitality are priceless. Thank you.
Jody and Bruce Bradfield
New Zealand