THIS GLOSSY LIFE CABIN FEVER Apart from the crowds but reassuringly close to five-star facilities luxe hideaways have become the main attraction, says PENNY McCORMICK T he lure of rural escapism has never been stronger, it seems. Glamping or glamorous camping which embraces everything from tepees to yurts to cabins and cottages is officially the most popular accommodation search for the curious, aesthetic conscious traveller right now (Canopy & Stars said 40 per cent of its bookings last year were for cabins). And its time to banish notions of draughty huts, dampened spirits and chemical toilets (or worse). Whether your ideal cabin is a Scandi-style timber hut, or more of an Americana backcountry vibe (with a hot tub maybe), a homemade shed with a sheepskin rug, or a pretty coastal cottage with a rocking chair on the verandah, then its never been easier to feed your fix, especially in Ireland. The glamping trend emerged in the late 1990s coincidentally the last time when global travel was not accessible to many. Typical glampers are baby boomers and millennials in search of alternative experiences. What unites them is their urban lifestyle and desire to have weekend trips within driving distance. Celebrity advocates include Kate Bosworth and Gwyneth Paltrow (both favour the RANCH AT ROCK CREEK's cabins, Montana), Jennifer Garner (who starred in HBO's Camping) Carly Simon, (who lives full-time in a cabin) and most recently Taylor Swift whose Folkore album seemlessly blends with the thriving #cabincore contingent. Chic cabins present a business opportunity for hoteliers seeking to augment or upgrade their accommodation. Take for instance the posh new POND SUITES at Marlfield House, Gorey. It was never about adding a block of rooms to the main house, rather it was about using the garden and offering another experience for new or returning guests, explains co-owner Laura Bowe. The five Pond Suites are named after wildlife on the estate, from hares to herons, including the Peacock suite, named after George, Marlfields resident peacock (it 36 February 2021 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE Soho Farmhouse includes a five foot mural by up-and-coming Dungarvan artist Ciara Gormley). This is tiny house living at its best, all served with large patio terraces facing onto the pond which is surrounded by lush planting and ancient oaks. Theres a gated entrance overlooking the duck pond and a running track which weaves through the meadow. Guests take all of their meals at the main house, bar those who prefer to enjoy breakfast in bed. Room service is also available throughout the day. Should it rain there is a buggy to take guests the short distance to their suites. Its clear that Bowe, a former film set and interior designer, had fun creating these rather special rural retreats. She describes the dêcor as eclectic with accessories and furniture from Irish and international designers such as Andrew Martin and From Jaipur With Love. Striking murals and Crittal-style patio doors (made in Dublin by Lambstongue) and impeccable sustainable credentials are key features. Theres underfloor heating so no need to pack thermals for an overnight stay. So cosy are they, says Bowe, a candle would be sufficient to heat them. Add complimentary homemade cookies, generous mini bar, snacks and Voya bath products, plus large roll-top baths and heated towel rails and this haute country living is catnip for couples looking for a romantic break. Ornithologists will enjoy spotting the resident kingfisher and other species, while botanists have acres of garden to admire. Bowe tells me, We plant 8,000 bulbs annually in the entire garden, 2,000 of which have just gone into the new landscaping around the suites. These alternative hospitality options are popping up across the country, reassuringly close to five-star facilities, they appeal to those who were previously put off by the thought of roughing it, but have read Cabin Porn (the now iconic coffee table book published in 2015 aimed at lumbersexuals) and want to try it out for both size and authenticity. A cabin stay allows guests to immerse themselves in nature without making compromises with comfort. Take CABÜ BY THE LAKES, a hideaway which opened last summer, poised on the lakes of Lough Oughter in Killykeen Forest Park, Co Cavan. The 28 design-led one-to-three-bed cabins are perfectly styled with woodburning stoves, Loaf furnishings and smart TVs. Onsite facilities include a restaurant, an essentials shop, a spa-like retreat, plus fishing and water sports from The Jetty. Its perfect for some forest bathing. Irish hotelier Catherine Dundon, who spent time in Canada and the US where a Little House in the Big Woods is a familiar offering, not just a book, wanted to replicate the idea at DUNBRODY HOUSE, Co Wexford, which she owns with husband Kevin. In addition to a gate lodge and and 1830s Stewards House on the grounds, theres now a Cosy Cabin in the woods, with plans to add several more. Guests who booked last year came in search of a digital detox. They really needed to get back in touch with nature in a peaceful place. Typical guests have PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS / HAPPY WITH WHAT WE HAVE / FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWDS / TALKING POINTS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021 with THE IRISH TIMES www.thegloss.ie DRESSING DOWN CHANGING THINGS UP BROWN THOMAS, GRAFTON STREET, DUBLIN 2 CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE THE GLOSS MONTHLY REMINDER SIGN UP to receive a monthly reminder by email when THE GLOSS is out so that you never miss an issue. Simply register your details on WWW.THEGLOSS.IE. PU B LI S H E R JA N E M C D O N N E LL E D I TO R SA RA H M C D O NN E LL D E PU T Y E D I TO PEOPLE PLACES THINGS TWO UP LEAGUE CO U Gloss~ip February fashion, fiction and frivolity ES Y IV Frida Kahlo, Winston Churchill and Edith Warton all loved WFB (working from bed) à la Miss Monocle by Slim Aarons. RS MICHAEL KORS Upgrade lockdown learning with The Science of Well-Being Course Always set the right atmosphere. inductionAir Plus guarantees fresh air in your open kitchen and maximum flexibility for perfect hosting thanks to the combination of a modern induction hob with a powerful and integrated ventilation unit. siemens-home.bsh-group.com/ie The future moving in. BSH Grou PEOPLE PLACES THINGS A ATHFLOW The new fashion buzz word for 2021? Athflow. It's where athleisure meets elegance. Smart enough for a client Zoom meeting, stretchy enough for an online Pilates class. 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The exceptional, finest and most prized; d INTERIOR S + D ESIGN at I NTE RI ORS + D E S I GN 25 Rockhill, Main St, Blackrock, Co Dublin 01 9631383 info@rockhillinteriors.com www.rockhillinteriors.com STRAP 25 Rockhill, Main St, Blackrock, Co Dublin 01 9631383 info@rockhillinteriors.com www.rockhillinteriors.com PEOPLE PLACES THINGS Fashion Notes Sand Kaia blazer, 349; www.aninebing.com. Blue Original straight-leg jeans, Totême, 216.41, at Brown Thomas. STRAIGHT-LEG BALMAIN VICTORIA BECKHAM by Aislinn Coffey VALENTINO BOOT-CUT STYLING IDEAS BALLET PUMPS What to wear with new denims 18 February by NIGEL OREILLY TRINITY DIAMOND RING 2.03ct Intense yellow radiant cut diamond with two 0.50ct DVS1 radiant cut diamonds in 18kt rose gold, €36,000. NOR by Nigel OReilly, Castlebar, Co. 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Call us today to book your design consultation Gaggenau authorised partner 46 Serpentine Avenue Ballsbridge Dublin 4 +353 1 660 4856 www.mcnallyliving.ie BOOKS Reading Notes by Orna Mulcahy E venings are long and diaries empty, so its a good time for vicarious thrill-seeking. Daisy Buchanans debut novel INSATIABLE, Sphere, €14.99, delivers, with its vivid reminders of a time when people worked in offices, mingled at parties and snogged each other DESIGN INTERIORS BESPOKE FURNITURE Creators of luxury homes Head Office/ Ballycoolin Showroom Units 12/13, Block 8 Blanchardstown Corporate Park Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 01 820 8480 Deansgrange Showroom Unit F, Deansgrange Business Park Kill Lane Blackrock, Co. Dublin 01 207 0702 +353 1 820 8480 JEWELLERY Paris Hilton's pear-cut 20ct diamond engagement ring. LOVE IS IN THE AIR In these months of uncertainty, diamonds last forever. 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THIS GLOSSY LIFE CONTEMPORARY COTTAGES OWENMORE COTTAGE, BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE HOTEL, CONNEMARA USP: This luxurious self-catering six-bedroom cottage opened last year and can sleep up to twelve guests. Surrounded by forest on the 700-acre Ballynahinch estate, it has views of the winding Owenmore Riv THIS GLOSSY LIFE CIARA NIGHTS IN NATURE The Cabin Convert Zoomed, Zoflored and zonked out, Ciara has a pending Q2 strategy document to complete. As a financial analyst she is advising a client on the prospect of a long term bounceback. For this she needs complete silence and order. Aware that the IN THE NEWS STAR POWER JUSTIN SULLIVAN Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants who both received doctorates from UC Berkeley, served as California attorney general and San Francisco district attorney, before being elected to the Senate in 2016. Last month, she became the first African-American Redefine luxury with Book a design consultation and transform your home kubekitchens.ie Sandyford 01 297 3064