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| I found this angel hidden in the Garden |
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| Leading to walled garden |
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| Dining |
It is not easy to find Ballyvolane House but the drive is worth it. We were happy to see the gates open and beckoning us.
Ballyvolane House was originally a classical Georgian home built in 1728 for a once Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, Sir Richard Pyne, and modified 120 years later in Italianate style. Those seeking excellent Irish Country House cuisine, prepared by a master chef, the sporting catch of a Blackwater Salmon, painting and inspecting the garden(us) or simply the warmth of open log fires will just love Ballyvolane. Everywhere is peaceful and exudes gentleness and tranquility.
There are 6 rooms, all appointed with care and love for their guests. All rooms are bright, with natural light that seeps through the large double sash windows. Magnificent views overlook the formal terraced gardens to the South and to the North, ancient trees, (including a copper beach) parkland, lakes and the distant rolling hills of the Galtee mountains beckon. A great variety of birds, the occassional red squirrel and plenty of other furred and feathered animal life can all be viewed and admired from the comfort of your room.This was one of the highlights of our visit to Ireland this Autumn. We felt very welcomed by the owners, Justin & Jenny Green
Ballyvolane House & Blackwater Salmon Fishery,
Castlelyons, Nr Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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| This is the Lady's public Bathroom |
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| One bathroom |
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| A bathroom |
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| My brother Thomas takes a break from reading in the drawing room |
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| I always love browsing through coffee table books |
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| There is a book published about Ballyvolane |
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| My brother Thomas enjoying the walled garden |
The walled garden is breath-taking. They grow their own organic vegetables and flowers.
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| Just waiting for you to join us in apres dinner drinks |
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| September brings Autumn colours |
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Sweet Peas
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| I live here too |
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I sketched and did some small painting studies while here. Now to larger canvases.
Have you been to Ballyvolane House?
What an absolutely beautiful place, Helen, and it has been off my radar till now. I feel that I need to trail round Ireland in your wake.
ReplyDeleteHow reassuring that there is a fair chance that there'd be no rabbits in the ladies public bathroom. They can take one so unawares when adjusting one's hat.
I've never been to Ireland at all, but I know it would be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIncredible place you got to tour.
So you are traveling with your brother? (I have 3 of them :)
Hello dearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteI have not been to Ballyvolane House, but how I would love to! What a beautiful place to visit, and should I ever go, I will be sure not leave without taking that sweet donkey with me :)
I watched the youtube clip of My Treasure. This was very moving Helen, and I hope more of your readers have spotted the link on your sidebar. I can really imagine what a wonderful setting your childhood home was through looking at your beautiful painting..... treasure indeed!
Love from Abby and Spotty kisses too xx
Helen! I want to see this all as well! I love the bathroom how relaxing it must have been! And you and the roses magnificent... you are also a rose - I guess you knew already!
ReplyDeleteHello Helen:
ReplyDeleteSadly, we have yet to visit Ballyvolane House. We say yet since, after this marvellous introduction, we feel sure that we are destined to make our ways there one day.
Oh, if only we could have joined you for pre-dinner drinks, apres-dinner drinks, drinks or dinner or indeed a spot of salmon fishing. We are sure that it would have been absolutely wonderful!
Hi Helen .. thanks for coming over to my blog .. great to see Ballyvolane House - I might have seen it years and years ago - but never took it in - what a brilliant looking B & B .. with beautiful views, and exquisite surroundings .. just looks wonderful - no wonder you blog so euphorically about the House .. gorgeous and thanks for all the photos .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHelen,
ReplyDeleteIreland is so beautiful. Thank you for taking be back with you on your beautiful blog.
I will share a cute story with you. My maiden name is Sullivan. I took a holiday with my mom and dad to Ireland about ten years ago. It is a well known fact that my dad has a very poor sense of direction. When we arrived in Ireland, he miraculously found his sense of direction, only to loose it again once stateside.
Slainte!
~Lynne
[w/L}
No I have not visited Ballyvolane Helen or indeed Ireland but it is certainly on my list of must see countries.
ReplyDeleteThe bathrooms are glorious.
Annie xx
What a gorgeous house, and what incredibly beautiful gardens! The photos give a sense of how serene the place is. Thank you for sharing the photos!
ReplyDeleteHello Mise, I would be honoured to have you trail around Ireland with me. We would get into so much mischief and it would be so much fun.
ReplyDeleteSo I take it you have been intruded upon by a rabbit, whilst adjusting you fascinator. I hope you reported it.
My best
Helen xxx
Auntie Bliss, Hello
ReplyDeleteThank for stopping by and I hope your travels bring you to Ireland one year soon.
Yes. I was travelling with my husband and brother Thomas. I have 4 great brothers. It was a most memorable time.
Helen xx
My Spotty Pony- Dear Abby & Spotty
ReplyDeleteI know you would love Ballyvolane. It is the perfect haven to get away from it all. The countryside here is so beautiful and very rich farm land. They take good care of their animals too.
Thank you for watching "My Treasure". It was filmed by Fidelity High Definition TV in Canada (Similar to Public Broadcasting Service in the USA) It is still being shown (they call it an ever green piece in the TV industry) Normally it is run prior to longer documentaries. The crew who filmed me had just returned from filming in Antartica - they were so professional and fun.
Yes, my Irish childhood was wonderful growing up by the ocean and I was so blessed to have 2 great parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
Thank you Abby and Spotty for your friendship.
Helen xx
Emilie's Daughter
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment, I love roses and thank you for comparing me to one. I can also be a bit thorny at times, so that confirms it!! ha ha
I hope you manage to slip over to Ireland one day, as I am sure you would love exploring.
Helen xx
Hello Jane and Lance
ReplyDeleteThat would have been the icing on the cake if you had been able to join us at Ballyvolane. What fun we would have had and we could have had you conduct tours of the garden and maybe even taught us the Latin names.
We shall keep that positive thought and hope one day soon to join you in a meal.
Have a glorious weekend
Helen xx
Hilary Melton-Butcher
ReplyDeleteThank you for following me to my blog.
As my fellow Irishman, Oscar Wilde once said: "My taste is simple, I like the best". Tnis applies to Ballyvolane House.
Have great weekend.
Helenxx
Dreams on 34th Street,
ReplyDeleteDear Lynne
What a wonderful story about you dear father and his sense of direction. I can totally relate to him, I have an in-built European GPS in my body, as I can find my way through Europe with little effort. Put me in North America, where there is a logical grid system and I get confused.
Have a great week
Slainte
Helenxx
Red Roses and Crystal, Dear Annie
ReplyDeleteI like to hear that you have Ireland on your wish list. Travel is wonderful. The bathrooms were divine and such wonderful views. Ballyvolane is a perfect place to unwind.
Helen xx
Hi Louise@ Costmetic Bee
ReplyDeleteThe garden was spectacular on the day we visited,it was about 65 degrees and I am sure it was at least 10 degrees warmer within the walled garden
I hope one day you and your family visit Ireland.
Helen xx
What a gorgeous house. It must give a special feeling to stay there. I've never been to Ireland but my hubby was there He loves the country
ReplyDeleteHelen... the place is just beautiful! There's something in the "mood" and the atmosphere, which says:"Ireland!"
ReplyDeleteThank you for inviting us to your apres dinner drinks. How old fashioned and charming. Can I come to dinner, too? Salmon... I love it! We alwys have a whole big one on the table on Christmas Eve. I have a really funny story about a salmon (last year on Christmas Eve!) SO FUNNY! But I'll tell you another time! Things you have to do to get hold of a salmon on Christmas Eve, and you've just got back from America!
Thank you for posting the lovely images. The rabbit proof gate is so funny! I hope Peter Rabbit doesn't live there, as I know he has a little ladder, which Mopsy, Flopsy and Cotton Tail help him carry any time he needs to get into Mr Mc Gregor's organic vegetable patch to steal his lettuce!
CIAO!
ANNA
xx
Un lugar precioso y encantador, me ha encantado!!!. Saludos muy cordiales.
ReplyDeleteManoli.
No, never visited the place, nor anything like it.
ReplyDeleteBut the place is absolutely charming, just something one would expect to find somewhere in England, Ireland..
The beauty of the gardens, puts anything I´ve seen , to shame.
Thank you so much for showing these pictures : )
I am back from my travels and am now busily trying to catch up with all my favourite bloggers, who have all been so busy in my absence. Ballyvolane House looks like the sort of place I would enjoy visiting so how relaxing to be able to do so virtually this afternoon. Thankyou Helen.
ReplyDeleteI can quite see what you mean about each of these rooms being appointed with great care.
ReplyDeleteThat dining room looks incredibly inviting.
Ballyvolane House - so beautiful .In a perfect setting.
ReplyDeleteMy mother and father took me to Ireland when i was 2. My mother to visit her relatives, of course I do not remember that! Ireland is on my travel list. What a wonderful attractive B&B to stay.
It looks serene and romantic
Your photos say so much Helen.
The gardens are enchanting.
Thank you for sharing .. kind regards val
What a beautiful place Helen!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing it here.
Have a great start to your week!
Hi Helen,
ReplyDeleteAm I having deja vu, is this a re-post. If not it's really spooky as I saw this in a dream.
Hope you had a splendid weekend my dear :-)
Warmest wishes.
Di
x
Hello Marja
ReplyDeleteI hope you manage to visit Ireland one day soon. Perhaps next time your husband takes a business trip you can come along and then have a little mini vacation at Ballyvolane or Ballymaloe House.
My best for a beautiful week
Helenxx
Hello Anna
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your smiling face. Peter Rabbit knows what is good for him and his bunnies. Only organic produce for those little bunnies.
I will look forward to hearing your story about the salmon and Christmas Eve.
I think it would be an absolute joy to have you and my followers for dinner at Ballyvolane. Can you just imagine the fun we would all have. Now that is a dream.
Did you notice my lovely brother managed to smile in this photo (he forgot his Victoria Beckham pout)
Till then, have a wonderful week Anna
Helen xx
Manoli
ReplyDeleteBuenos Dias
Mucho gracias
Helenxx
Metscan
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and your kind words. I hope you will visit Ireland one day as I feel you would find it very interesting.
Wishing you a very pleasant week
Helen xxx
Lindy Lou Mac in Italy
ReplyDeleteWelcome back from your travel Lindy Lou and I will be looking forward to hearing all about it through your blog.
I think you would appreciate and enjoy Ballyvolane House. It is a get away from it all type of place.
My best for a great week
Helen xx
Hello Suze and welcome to my blog.
ReplyDeleteYes the dining room is most inviting and has a formality to it.
The whole House has a welcome feel and I did not include all the great images of handpainted doors, with gilding.
My best
Helen xx
Vals Alentejo
ReplyDeleteHello Valerie
I'm not surprised you do not remember Ireland - two years of age is quite young.I hope you manage to return to Ireland and visit where you mother was from.
Wishing you a great week Valerie
PS So happy to hear you enjoyed "The Way"
Helen xx
Hello Lisa
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support and kind words.
Wishing you a creative week.
Helen xx
Yonks
ReplyDeleteHello Dianne
That is beautiful that you had a dream about Ballyvolane (as my dear late mother would say, coming events, cast their shadows). I wonder if it was featured in a TV show. Perhaps you need to visit Ballyvolane.
Wishing you a great week Dianne
Helen xx
It looks like a great place to visit. The rabbit gate is a must. Rabbits are cute little critters but they can make a big mess of a garden :-)
ReplyDeleteDear Helen, What a wonderful place to stay. When I visit a beautiful house like that I always like to imagine I'm a society lady just on a weekend visit- in Edwardian times, maybe! I love the statue of the Angel and the thought of the walled garden, it does ndeed sound heavenly. Jane x
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm sorry to write twice but after I had left my piece, I read Abby's about 'your treasure' and watched it. It is so lovely, I could almost smell the sea-shore and sunshine too! Jane x
ReplyDeleteDear Helen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place 'Ballyvolane house' is. It's the sort of place we enjoy staying at too. It has history, style and friendly owners. Thank you for sharing. Will you show us the studies you made?
Happy new week,
Madelief
This is an incredible place...so drawn to all the light that is invited into each room...i had to chuckle at the gate preventing rabbits to escape (hee hee) and that donkey was totally adorable....I would classify this as blissful xoxoxx
ReplyDeleteLove that donkey!!! I would love to have my own garden to grow organic vegetables. Have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteKristin xx
Have never been there but would surely love to visit! What grand pictures!!! Thank you ! Cathy
ReplyDeleteDear Helen! What an amazing place to visit! I loved your post, it made me dreaming about going to Ireland some day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment on my blog.
xxLaura
I've never been but it makes your feel like you've stepped into a different world...maybe even a different time! Lovely photos! Your blog is always a delight! ♥
ReplyDeletewow! that place is so gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteparenting articles
Hi Helen! I have nominated you for a Liebster Blog! I hope you are happy. Please have a look at my tonight's post! Congratulations and good night! Christa
ReplyDeleteHelen, you daring doo, is that you in the tub? What a most inviting place you've taken us to, the fires and candles, and wonderful bathrooms, it looks heavenly, and all finished off with superb food, a delightful garden and an adorable donkey! What more could you ask for? Thankyou for letting us see. Have a lovely weekend, with much love Linda x
ReplyDeleteRon aka The Old Geezer
ReplyDeleteThanks Ron for stopping by. You are right rabbits are adorable and never know when to stop eating flower bulbs and stealing. Have a great week
Helenxx
Jane The Booklady
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of you acting the Edwardian lady, that is a wonderful idea. Do you also dress accordingly.
I must say beautiful places make us behave better and can be so uplifting.
Thank you for watching "My Treasure" It was a great experience working with such an experienced film crew -we had so many interruptions from people on the street and they were always kind.
Hope you have a great week
Helenxx
Madelief
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to Ballyvolane with your family one day soon. I know you will love it and particularly with your gardening experience it will mean even more. I am working on some commissions from this trip and once completed I will be delighted to show them.
Thanks for your support Madelief
Helen xx
Mrs Little Jeans
ReplyDeleteI know you would love this place and knowing you, the donkey would be blowing kisses in no time and the garden would prompt beautiful readings.
My best
Helenxx
Kristen
ReplyDeleteWelcome and thank you for visiting and following.
Organic vegetables and fruit, well it just does not get any better than that and also how rewarding it would be.
Helen xx
Grandma K - Hello Cathy
ReplyDeleteWell I feel you must get your calendar out and mark a date for Ireland. You would be very welcomed.
Thank you for visiting and following my blog
Helen xx
Laura@Luxineriors.com
ReplyDeleteHello Laura and lovely to hear from you this week. I know you would have a wonderful time exploring the beautiful interiors and I hope you dream of visiting Ireland is realized.
Helen xx
Lavender Dreamer
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words of support. You are right, it is a difference time when one is at Ballyvolane. It is a harmonious place and life goes along smoothly and gently.
Helen xx
Parenting Articles
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting.
It is indeed a joy to visit Ballyvolane House.
My best
Helen
Emilie's Daughter
ReplyDeleteHello Christa
What a delightful honour to be nominated for the "Liebster Blog".
I am thrilled. This is my first nomination. I truly appreciate your reading my blog and generously awarding this great recognition.
I am rushing over to read your blog.
Helen xx
Flowers on my table
ReplyDeleteHello Linda
Thank you for even thinking that this is me in the bath-tub!!! Ha Ha
Linda I know you would love Ballyvolane House. It has so much character. It is isolated. So one has to like being away from it all.
Lois would love the rabbit door and donkey.
Wishing you a great weekend
Helenxx
I hope I can visit ballyvolane house one day! It looks great there!!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Yvonne
Thanks for sharing the pictures. I lived in England for two years but somehow missed going to Ireland. The fall colours are beautiful, and I have to say this that they come close to competing with New York's Fall foliage.
ReplyDeleteHello Yvonne
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments and I am sure you would enjoy visiting Ballyvolane House. Let's hope one day soon you will visit
Helen xx
Hello Munir
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting. One wonders where the time goes and two years goes by pretty quickly in England where there is so much to see. One day when the time is right you will visit Ireland
My best for a joyful weekend
Helen xx
Wonderful Helen! I am sure you must have found enough inspiration to keep you going for some time. We have only been to Dublin but now that I see your photos...I can see we have lots more to see! Many thanks for your very kind comment. :)
ReplyDeleteJeanne xx
Hi Helen, thank you for your nice comment in Alcira's blog :) I am in Istanbul already, winter here :) have a nice weekend. Aylin
ReplyDeletehttp://lilamoonlight.blogspot.com/
Just beautiful Helen! I've never heard of Ballyvolane, but if ever I am blessed to visit Ireland, I will certainly stop in for a visit, or better yet, a stay, and hopefully the adorable resident in the last image will be there to greet me!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you traveled with your brother, and what a gem he is for allowing you to post him!
xo J~
alyin Good Morning
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping to say hello on your way to Turkey. Have a wonderful time there. One day soon I hope to travel to this beautiful country.
Helen xx
Hello Jeanne
ReplyDeleteYes indeed Jeanne inspiration abounds and I am so excited to be painting some of the vistas.
Jeanne I believe you should make a trip to Ireland before you depart the UK. I will be happy to help you with an itinerary. Just take the ferry over and take a driving trip. Ireland is like Tuscany one needs a car as the gems are on the back roads and the small towns and villages.
Thank you for your visits.
Helen xx
24 Corners
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to stop and visit. I sincerely hope you manage a visit to Ireland. At places like Ballyvolane, there is a natural refinement that one only finds when the owners live and work at the House. Nothing is forced, all flows naturally.
I'm selling myself a return trip.Ha Ha
Have a wonderful week.
Helen xx
so nice! I love the last photo!!! :)
ReplyDelete