Not content with creating one of Dublin’s most successful informal restaurants – Eden – Jay Bourke turned his attention to hotels with his most lavish project to date.
Bellinter House is an elegant Palladian gem that’s been transformed into a chic Meath bolthole. Designed by Richard Castle (Carton, Russborough, Powerscourt, Leinster Houses) it’s set on the banks of the River Boyne in 12 acres of parkland near Navan, less than an hour from Dublin and Dublin Airport.
The interior has been restored with meticulous attention to the architectural integrity of the building, but with an original, contemporary twist. Public rooms include the fanciful Drawing Room tricked out with retro furnishings, worn floorboards, grand old fireplaces and huge windows commanding views of the rolling countryside.
All day dining is available there, including excellent afternoon tea, which is popular with the locals. The Games Room and Library are relaxing spaces packed with board games and books, while the small Bellinter Bar is perfect for ‘pints and cocktails’; bar food available any time.
A cosy Wine Bar in the basement, which is adjacent to the restaurant, offers an interesting, competitively priced wine-list. Outdoors, when the weather permits, the terraces and lawns are ideal for dining al fresco.
Accommodation, in 34 individually styled rooms, is divided between the Main House (capacious and extravagant), East and West Wings (modest in size) and several restored outbuildings (charming and chic).
Though all rooms feature luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down pillows, centrally controlled mood lighting, and Italian multi-media 40” plasma screens – and the complimentary cafetière coffee, selection of teas, bottle of milk and tea cakes is especially thoughtful -the eclectic mix of hand made and old furniture doesn’t always work in harmony.
The bathrooms are spacious and beautiful, but, while most have a full bath and/or power showers, some are shower only, so it’s best to establish which you’re being allocated when you book. The Voya certified organic seaweed toiletries are especially nice, and reflect the speciality seaweed baths on offer in the hotel’s spa.
The pool house is a glamorous contemporary add on, with a glass wall overlooking the countryside and a beautiful infinity pool. On the guide’s visit the pool house needed a thorough spring-cleaning to match the pristine standards in the bedrooms.
An outdoor hot tub beneath trees is an appealing facility, although the outdoor pool has never been in operation during the Guide’s visits.
The gardener does a good job outdoors but several pieces of sun-faded rubbish in the car park, and a broken glass on the driveway show more care should be taken with grounds maintenance. Fishing on adjoining Boyne; overlooks Royal Tara Golf Club grounds, spa, massage, indoor and outdoor ‘pool, leisure centre, walking, cycling, fly-fishing, pool table.
Small Conferences/Banqueting (42/124), secretarial services, free broadband wi/fi; children welcome (under 6s free in parents room, cots available free of charge, baby sitting arranged).
Rooms 34 (19 shower only, 5 family, 7 ground floor); all day room service. B&B room rate €225-380.
Eden Restaurant:
Modelled on its iconic sister restaurant in Temple Bar, Eden is the most exciting thing to happen Meath’s dining scene in recent years. The elegant restaurant in a vaulted basement with natural daylight has well spaced tables, leather swivel chairs and an unusual mustard carpet with discrete graphics that evoke the nearby Hill of Tara.
The menu reflects this modern decor, with quality fresh produce used imaginatively in contemporary combinations and an accessible, affordable wine list.
Service is friendly and informed, ensuring both residents and non-residents have a relaxing experience.
Seats 90 (private rooms, 20, outdoors, 20). Restaurant L Sun only 1-3pm, D daily 6-9.30pm; set Sun L Fri-Sun €30; early 2/3 course D €25/30, 6.30-8pm; also a la carte ; house wine €24. SC 12.5%. Not suitable for children after 7pm (high chair, childrens menu); reservations required; food served all day, 11am-11pm in the drawing room. Restaurant closed 24-26 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
