On a quiet country road at the edge of the historic Ballylough Estate, discover the utterly charming Drum Gatelodge - a romantic and unique hideaway for two in the stunning County Antrim countryside.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

Formerly the home of a family of estate workers, Drum Gatelodge has been beautifully renovated and extended to offer a wonderfully memorable holiday home for two lucky guests. Every effort has been made to create a welcoming, homely space, so you and your special someone can enjoy a total retreat from busy life. And, just 3km from popular Bushmills, Drum Gatelodge is also the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of Northern Ireland.

Once you’ve pulled up on the driveway, you’ll soon agree that Drum Gatelodge is possibly one of the prettiest former gate lodges you could ever find. Built at the end of an avenue of beech trees, this two-storey circular lodge is reminiscent of a story-book castle, complete with leaded arched windows and rooftop crenels!

Stepping stones lead you to the wooden front door, where floor-to-ceiling glass windows feature on either side to create light and space in the modern hall inside. A beautiful tiled floor (complete with luxurious underfloor heating), a pretty rug and pictures around the wall will make you feel instantly at home – so you can begin enjoying your holiday the very moment you arrive.

To your left is the original circular gate lodge. The ground floor now features a beautifully cosy living room, with an original stone floor and a peat-burning stove. Curl up in one of the plush armchairs, perhaps with a book from the selection on offer, and unwind as you warm your toes in this pretty room.

A winding staircase wraps the wall, taking you to the mezzanine level above. Here you’ll find the stunning double bed, with its impressive wooden headboard and footboard. A huge rug covers the polished wooden floor, while an antique chest of drawers and bedside tables bring a further reminder of Drum Gatelodge’s Georgian history.

On the other side of the entrance hall, the modern extension continues, and it’s here you’ll discover the bathroom – complete with a bathtub – and the kitchen. Everything you could possibly need to whip up delicious dishes together has been provided, including all utensils, an electric oven, a microwave and a fridge-freezer. And, once dinner’s ready, enjoy it at the wooden table for two, listening to your favourite songs on the radio as you dine.

Outside Drum Gatelodge is your very own private patio, complete with garden furniture – perfect for soaking up the sunshine and listening to birds chirping in the trees around you. With the sounds of the countryside, the fresh air, and a gorgeous breeze to enjoy, surely nothing could be more relaxing!

Keep reading

At a glance

  • Former gate lodge in Country Antrim, renovated and extended to provide romantic self-catering accommodation
  • Sleeps two (1 double bed); travel cot for infant available on request
  • Brimming with original features and modern luxuries
  • Outdoor patio with garden furniture
  • 3km from Bushmills
  • Visit Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, the Bushmills Distillery and more

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly

Facilities

Sleeps 2, double bedroom, private bathroom, bath tub, bedding & towels provided, well-equipped kitchen, microwave, electric oven, fridge/freezer, kitchen utensils & equipment, underfloor heating, briquette burning stove, sitting room, radio/CD player, iron & ironing board, patio area, parking.

Local activities

Giants Causeway, walking, cycling, ‘Game of Thrones’ filming location, golf, distilleries, horse riding, vineyards, fort, museums, sea tours, beaches.

More information

As well as providing a peaceful rural haven, Drum Gatelodge is ideally located for exploring some of Northern Ireland’s most famous attractions. The sensational Giant’s Causeway is just a 15-minute drive away – a must-see when you’re in the area. 25 minutes away is Dark Hedges – famed for its recent appearance in Game of Thrones, as is Dunluce Castle, perched atop a cliff on the County Antrim coast. And, of course, no visit to the area would be complete without a trip (or two!) to the Bushmills Distillery – Ireland’s oldest and arguably the best!

Romance, relaxation and a resplendent location – Drum Gatelodge certainly delivers when it comes to creating the perfect holiday. The only decision you have to make is for how long you’ll stay…

Things to note

One dog is permitted upon prior arrangement, cot for infant provided if required on request.

Where you'll be staying

Bushmills, County Antrim

What the guests of Drum Gatelodge say

“It was lovely to revisit the Drum Gatelodge in Antrim, and
enjoy old-world style (with some cosy modern comforts too!) It’s a great
location for exploring the area, with the Giant’s Causeway and sandy beaches
within easy reach. And you can bring your dog too!”

“Drum Gatelodge is 5 minutes drive to Bushmills, and 10
minutes drive to the Giant’s causeway. An hour and a half from Belfast, and
just 30 minutes away from coastal route sites west and east of the Causeway,
including Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Cushendall, Ballintoy Harbour, Dun Luce
Castle, Portrush, Port Stewart beach and Downhill Demesne. It’s also about 20
minutes drive from the Dark Hedges, a very popular Game of Thrones site.
Despite all of this on the door step, the Drum is cosy and very peaceful”.

“Eleven nights of quiet sleep and relaxation and as many days
hanging out in the remarkable Drum with my books and my own company! Lots of
trips and walks along the Antrim coast remind me of how wonderful Northern
Ireland is as a holiday destination. The Drum itself is warm, comfortable and
has all one needs to ‘check out’ from the busyness and ‘check in’ to some time
for re-charging energies and creativity”.

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