GO STAY: Breac House
The 3 panel seaweed block print on Japanese washi paper was specially commissioned by Cathrine and Niall from Superfolk in 2017 and takes pride of place in the living and reading area.
Have you ever dreamed your very own holiday home, perched atop a cliff with epic views across rolling Atlantic waves? In our dreams, this retreat is designed by award-winning architects, has a private outdoor sauna, seaweed baths, a wide-ranging library of top design and food books, with walks, hikes nearby and breakfast delivered straight to your room. Sounds like a dream right?! Now, what if we told you this place is a reality...
Breac House is a modern guest house retreat at the far edge of Ireland. The guest house balances luxury and comfort with the surrounding landscape’s natural beauty. This is a place to get away, in the complete sense of the word.
We have been working with Cathrine and Niall since they first opened Breac House two years ago and recently we called for a visit.
On the day that we visited owners Niall and Cathrine were busy preparing for the season ahead; following the peace and calm of the winter months. After a warming lunch, of fresh homemade soup and bread, we took a look around.
It was a crisp sunny day, clouds rolled by overhead and low wintery light was bouncing and casting captivating shadows all around. We couldn’t help but pick up our camera and try to capture the beauty of this special place.
After a steep uphill drive we arrived at the hilltop retreat. Breac House was designed by the award-winning MacGabhann Architects.
Between wintery hailshowers; a warm glowing light
Owners Niall and Cathrine describe that their vision for Breac House was “to create a unique, contemporary retreat which would bring new visitors this very special part of Donegal. Breac House brings together our love of all things Donegal, quality Irish design, real food, local heritage and, of course, the opportunity to explore the amazing beaches and mountains”.
A barrel collecting rainwater runoff from the roof
Views back towards the snow capped peaks of Glenveagh National Park.
Horn Head where Breac House is situated is a dramatic headland surround by sea, cliff, beach, forest and bay. The peninsula, part of Sheephaven Bay, is classified as a Special Area of Conservation. The cliffs rise straight out of the water to a height of about 600 ft/180m and are an internationally important colony for breeding seabirds.
A Superfolk Ash trivet in the kitchen at Breac House
A sneaky view towards the large Superfolk seaweed print hanging in the reading area
Spectacular and refreshing views from the guest bedrooms at Breac House
Wintery hailstones and the seating area overlooking the bay next to the private outdoor sauna.
“Breac House” logo on the sauna exterior
A private guest bedroom balcony overlooking the bay.
Newly commissioned ink drawings on watercolour paper by Superfolk
Ink ink brush drawings of “Gorse” by Superfolk
The Donegal tweed used throughout Breac House is made by one of Donegal’s legendary handloom weavers, Eddie Doherty. Eddie's workshop is in Ardara, the home of Donegal tweed and he uses only local Donegal wool and traditional weaving methods.
