Westerly House | 6-Bedroom Manor in Ballylickey Reendesert

Ballylickey draws visitors seeking West Cork’s coastal quietude, yet few discover properties commanding genuine waterfront positioning with accommodation for twelve. Westerly House stands on the Bantry Bay shoreline—a six-bedroom, five-bathroom manor where tidal rhythms shape daily rhythm and salt air carries through open windows at dawn. This is the kind of rental that transforms a gathering from adequate to unforgettable, beginning the moment you glimpse the bay from the approach drive.

Inside Westerly House

Westerly House sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms distributed across two levels, each zone designed for independence and function. Ground floor living centers on a kitchen-dining expanse anchored by substantial island cabinetry seating twelve, with commercial-grade oven and hob, dishwasher, microwave, and coffee machine ensuring meal preparation requires no compromise. The master bedroom occupies the ground level too—a double room with direct en-suite bathroom featuring shower, WC and washbasin—a deliberate placement eliminating stairs for guests who prefer ground-level sleeping. A dedicated cloakroom with WC and washbasin serves arriving guests. The main living room flows naturally from the dining area, while a separate lounge houses television and Xbox, allowing simultaneous activities without collision.

First floor accommodation splits between west and east wings. The west wing contains three bedrooms: a double with en-suite bathroom (shower, WC, washbasin), a second double room, and a twin bedroom, plus a shared family bathroom with bath, washbasin and WC serving the non-ensuite guests. The east wing holds two further doubles: one with en-suite bathroom featuring both bath and shower (shower, WC, washbasin), and a second featuring a distinctive freestanding bathtub with washbasin and separate WC—this room alone justifies extended stays for those valuing bathing ritual. Total bathroom count reaches five, a ratio that eliminates morning queues entirely.

Practical amenities support extended stays: washing machine, tumble dryer, hairdryers distributed throughout, and Wi-Fi connectivity spanning all areas. The iPod dock in the living room accommodates personal playlists. Three kayaks with life jackets store ready for immediate water access, requiring no external hire or transport logistics.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The property commands one and a half acres of cultivated grounds descending toward Bantry Bay. Gardens feature established pathways encouraging exploration, with benches positioned for observation—sunrise views from the eastern slopes, sunset perspectives across the bay’s western expanse. The patio area immediately adjoining the house accommodates extended al fresco dining and congregation, while the charcoal barbecue anchors warm-weather cooking around dusk service.

The outdoor heated jacuzzi represents the property’s signature relaxation feature, positioned to capture water views while soaking. Unlike smaller portable units, this installation holds temperature through cooler months (October through April), meaning guests enjoy therapeutic immersion regardless of season. Evening immersion becomes ritual—the waterfront backdrop, occasional boat lights moving across the bay, the specific quality of West Cork quiet intensified by water.

The floating pontoon extends into Bantry Bay via private gangway from the pine-fringed shore—a genuine mooring rather than symbolic decoration. Guests can secure boats, conduct water sports, or simply station themselves with afternoon drinks as the bay’s activity passes. Morning swimmers access the water directly; evening fishermen cast toward deeper channels; kayak enthusiasts launch directly without trailer transport. This infrastructure positions Westerly House among County Cork’s properties with genuine water-sport capability.

Location: Ballylickey and the Surrounding Area

Ballylickey itself—a village of approximately 600 residents—sits 5km southeast of Bantry, the larger market town serving West Cork’s tourism and commercial infrastructure. Bantry contains supermarkets (SuperValu and Dunnes Stores within the town center), restaurants spanning casual to fine dining (including established venues like Bantry House Restaurant and The White Room), and traditional pubs maintaining local character alongside visitor accommodation. Bantry’s harbor remains active, with fishing boats and recreational vessels anchoring—a working port rather than manicured resort environment.

Glengarriff lies 10km northeast, a village historically known for mountain passes and scenic touring. Garnish Island (Ilnacullin), accessed via small boats from Glengarriff harbor, showcases Italian and Japanese garden design imported to Irish soil—a 37-acre cultivated experience on rocky outcrop, visitable May through October (weather permitting). The journey itself across sheltered water offers marine wildlife observation: seals, seabirds, and occasionally larger cetaceans.

Beaches within 15km include Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty (20km east)—a 1.5km sand strand backed by low dunes, excellent for families and swimmers. Garretstown Beach, closer at 12km southeast, offers rockier character with rock pools for children’s exploration. Ownacoomb Cove, accessible via walking trail from Ballylickey village, provides sheltered bathing and picnic facilities for day visitors.

The Sheep’s Head Peninsula extends westward from Ballylickey, a driving loop approximately 35km incorporating narrow coastal roads, sheep farming landscape, and terminal headland views toward the Atlantic. Dunmanus Bay curves north, with small harbors at Dunmanway and Castletownbere supporting fishing communities and visitor exploration.

Kerry Airport operates 60km north (approximately 75-minute drive), serving Dublin, London, and European routes. Cork Airport lies 90km southeast (90-minute drive) with broader European connectivity. Both facilitate guest arrival without requiring long transfers.

Seasonal considerations matter: May through September offers warmest conditions and lowest rainfall, with July-August reaching peak tourism. April and October provide milder weather with fewer crowds—ideal for couples or small-group rentals. November through March brings Atlantic storm potential but dramatic skies and empty beaches reward weather-tolerant visitors. Winter heating (working fireplace and central systems) supports cooler-season occupation.

To explore similar properties in the region, browse our villas in County Cork or our broader luxury rental collection across Europe. For additional options throughout Britain and Ireland, visit our full property portfolio.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family gatherings: Westerly House accommodates three-generation reunions—grandparents claim ground-floor master, middle-generation families occupy first-floor doubles with children in twins, teenagers claim Xbox lounge for independence. Separate bathrooms eliminate morning schedules.

Corporate group retreats: Twelve-person capacity supports executive teams or professional associations. Kitchen island functions as meeting/breakfast hub, lounge provides breakout space, gardens offer walking-break circulation. Wi-Fi supports remote work; entertainment systems accommodate evening team-building.

Friends’ reunions: Six double and twin rooms suit friendship groups reconvening annually. Shared spaces encourage congregation; private bedrooms ensure rest. Kayak equipment and pontoon access create structured group activities.

Wedding parties: Post-wedding gatherings of 10-12 guests occupy the space naturally. Heated jacuzzi accommodates evening socializing; barbecue enables casual dining; sleeping capacity concentrates guests without external accommodation logistics.

Couples seeking spacious retreat: Smaller groups claim master bedroom and one additional double, accessing full facility range without emptiness. Bay views, pontoon access, and heated jacuzzi support extended honeymoon or anniversary stays.

Practical Information

Capacity: 12 guests maximum, distributed across 6 bedrooms (3 doubles with en-suites, 2 doubles without, 1 twin) and 5 bathrooms.

Nearest airport: Kerry Airport, 60km north, approximately 75 minutes driving via N71. Cork Airport, 90km southeast, approximately 90 minutes driving.

Nearest major supermarket: SuperValu Bantry, 5km, or Dunnes Stores Bantry, both within central town (5-10 minute drive).

Included in rental: Utilities (heating, electricity, water), Wi-Fi broadband, linen and towels, heating for outdoor jacuzzi, kayaks with life jackets, use of barbecue. Standard cleaning occurs at changeover; mid-stay cleaning available at additional cost.

Check-in/Check-out: Flexible timing available upon request; standard 16:00 check-in and 10:00 check-out accommodate varied travel schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions about Westerly House

How many guests does Westerly House sleep?

Westerly House accommodates 12 guests across 6 bedrooms: three doubles with private en-suite bathrooms, two additional doubles, and one twin bedroom. All beds are double or twin (no single beds), with five total bathrooms distributed throughout the property, eliminating morning bathroom competition. Additional sofa beds or camp beds cannot be added within fire safety regulations.

What is the nearest airport to Westerly House in Ballylickey?

Kerry Airport lies 60 kilometers north, approximately 75 minutes driving time via the N71 scenic route. Cork Airport, 90 kilometers southeast, provides alternative access in approximately 90 minutes. Both airports operate daily European flight schedules; Kerry handles Dublin and London routes primarily, while Cork maintains broader European connectivity including Paris, Amsterdam, and Alicante services.

What is the best time of year to rent Westerly House?

May through September offers peak weather with warmest temperatures and lowest rainfall—July and August bring peak sunshine but also peak tourism and crowds. April and October provide superior value with mild conditions, fewer visitors, and dramatic Atlantic light. November through March experiences Atlantic weather systems with potential rainfall, yet rewards weather-tolerant guests with empty beaches, reduced accommodation costs, and moody coastal atmosphere. Winter heating (working fireplace plus central systems) makes cooler months entirely comfortable for guests valuing quiet solitude.

Is Westerly House suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property includes three kayaks with child-appropriate life jackets, direct water access via pontoon, and nearby family beaches (Inchydoney Beach and Garretstown Beach within 20km). Ground-floor master bedroom positioning eliminates child falls from stairs. The property contains board games and children’s books for indoor activity. However, parents must supervise water access closely—the pontoon and bay represent working water environments without lifeguard presence. The heated jacuzzi operates at safe temperatures but requires parental supervision. Clonakilty village (20km east) contains family restaurants and activities; Glengarriff and Garnish Island (10km northeast) offer child-friendly touring destinations.

What is included in the rental price at Westerly House?

Westerly House includes all utilities (electricity, heating, water), Wi-Fi broadband throughout, linen and towels, outdoor jacuzzi heating, three kayaks with life jackets, barbecue use, and standard cleaning at changeover. The kitchen is fully equipped with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, and coffee machine. Xbox gaming system, iPod dock, television services, and working fireplace with firewood supply are included. Mid-stay cleaning, additional kayak excursions, boat mooring, or private chef services can be arranged at additional cost upon request.

What restaurants and shops are near Westerly House?

Bantry town center (5km away) contains SuperValu supermarket, Dunnes Stores, pharmacies, and restaurants including Bantry House Restaurant, The White Room, and The Snug traditional pub. Glengarriff village (10km northeast) offers O’Neill’s Seafood Restaurant and local cafés. Clonakilty (20km southeast) provides more extensive dining including Inchydoney Beach Restaurant with bay views. For daily shopping, Bantry SuperValu operates 5km from Westerly House, with fresh produce markets in Bantry town three days weekly (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Specialist food shops in Clonakilty include organic suppliers and local artisan producers within 20-minute drive.