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Saratoga Lodge

In a particularly unspoilt and peaceful part of the country, just below the famous Devil's Bit in the Silvermine mountain range, Valerie Beamish's lovely classically proportioned house on a working stud farm is well-situated on an open, sunny site looking out over the hills.

Good equestrian paintings enhance the large, traditionally furnished reception rooms opening off a spacious hall and there is also a little TV room for children. Bedrooms are very comfortably furnished, and two new bathrooms are planned at the time of going to press. (A drying room, sports equipment room, indoor sports room and hard tennis court are also to be added.)

Valerie takes great pride in giving guests a good breakfast, and she's also willing to cook 4-course dinners on request (using home-produced vegetables, herbs and honey), and make picnics - this is extremely hospitable house all round.

Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cots available free of charge, baby-sitting arranged). Pets by arrangement. Garden, walking, cycling, tennis. Golf, fishing, horse riding, hiking, racing (horses, greyhounds), cheesemakers and garden visits all nearby. Rooms 3 (all en-suite, 1 shower only, 1 family room, all no smoking). B&B €55 pps, no ss. Residents' D €30, on request. House wine €12-18. Closed 23 Dec-3 Jan. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

From Templemore, take the Nenagh road for 3km (2 m); take 2nd turn right at the B&B sign. Take left at next junction (2.5km/1.5m); house is on the left.