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
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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 tepe
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