There’s a great sense of history when you enter the front hall of Glenlohane, a Georgian residence in parkland, overlooking the rolling fields and trees of its surrounding farmland.
Desmond and Melanie Sharp Bolster, together with their son Gordon, represent the 6th and 7th generations of the same family living at Glenlohane since the original house was built by John Sharp in 1741.
Grandly proportioned, it contains furniture and memorabilia dating back some 250 years and, as you wander through the beautifully furnished drawing room, dining room and library, you’ll feel very much a family guest. Indeed, you may find Gordon seated comfortably in the library - with its welcoming log fire – and you’ll be invited to sit and chat.
The Sharp Bolsters offer genuine hospitality in their home. On arrival, cups of tea are offered in the family kitchen, where the dogs are in residence, and there are no public and private areas - guests may use facilities of the entire house as if staying with friends, and dinner is available by arrangement.
There are four guest bedrooms, one with double bed, two with twin beds, and a single room. Rooms have long windows overlooking the terraced lawns and gardens, with stately trees and lush pastureland beyond. They are large and full of character, with beautiful antique furniture and paintings, comfortable armchairs and wonderful separate bathrooms.
With any number of attractions in the surrounding area and slightly further afield, Glenlohane makes an ideal base. Interestingly, all three Sharp Bolsters are motorcycle fans and, under Gordon’s guidance, are now offering motorcycle tours from Glenlohane.