I’d found Roseville on the web, seduced by the images and what was offered – which as we all know can sometimes be disappointing in reality. Happily, this was most definitely not the case on this occasion as Roseville was even more impressive on arrival.
Centrally located, just off Youghal’s high street on Ireland’s medieval South East coast, yet hidden from view within a walled garden oasis, Roseville House offers the perfect place to stay. A lovely Georgian house with a separate wing housing two self-contained suites, each with their own entrance, Roseville has been lovingly restored and stylishly updated by its owners Caroline and Richie, who hail from the town.
We stayed in the spacious superior suite on the first floor. With Juliet balconies overlooking the delightful garden the suite has an abundance of natural light. Contemporary light wooden flooring and stylishly furnished, the suite has a super-comfortable king-sized bed with crisp Egyptian cotton bed linen, two wing back chairs, dining area, a hidden larder cupboard (more of which later), flat screen TV, modern flame-effect electric fire and generous storage space. The bathroom is a good size with a walk-in power shower as well as a freestanding roll top slipper bath, with complimentary Irish organic toiletries. Local artworks grace the walls and with other tasteful touches make the suite feel more like a home-from-home rather than tourist accommodation.
With such attention to detail it goes without saying that Roseville was spotlessly clean. Definitely a new breed of upmarket accommodation that offers a high level of personal service and breakfast, served in your suite at a time of your choice. Not your typical bed and breakfast accommodation. In fact, with the hidden larder it’s almost like having your own apartment.
It’s always exciting, even as an adult, to find a hidden cupboard that has lots of treats. And the treats here were fabulous. In addition to the usual selection of tea and coffee, there were cereals, a selection of locally made goodies, a fridge with complimentary fresh milk and water, toaster, kettle, bread board & knife and sufficient crockery/cutlery to be able to help yourself to the odd snack and enjoy a glass of wine or two during your stay. Almost like having your own apartment.
In the evening, on Richie’s recommendation, we ate at the wonderful Ahearn’s restaurant a few minutes walk away. A Youghal institution dating back three generations, now run by husband and wife team David and Kate, Ahearn’s specialise in fish and seafood with a well-deserved reputation throughout Ireland. Certainly our meal was delicious.
As a light sleeper I’m highly affected by slightly uncomfortable beds, inadequate window coverings and, particularly, external noise which staying in different accommodations regularly can sometimes cause problems. I’m not an easy guest. No such problems here – I slept like a log at Roseville!
Breakfast at Roseville was exceptional and, I have to say, far superior in terms of quality, presentation and quantity than many breakfasts I have eaten in up-market boutique and luxury 5-star hotels. With 15 minutes time-slot options between 08.00 and 09.45 to choose from you are given the extensive menu the night before to make your choice. With a selection of home made bread, preserves, yoghurt, OJ, smoothies and muesli for starters as well as six choices of cooked hot breakfasts, you won’t go hungry. We didn’t eat for the rest of the day. We elected to walk along Youghal’s lovely boardwalk beach beforehand and returned for a late breakfast at 09.45, delivered to the suite complete with silver domed plate covers bang on time. Delicious.
Youghall, pronounced Yawl, has a fascinating history dating back to the 9th century when the Vikings first established a small settlement there and has some of Ireland’s best examples of medieval buildings. Roseville was built in 1863 on reclaimed land behind Youghal’s original enclosed medieval walls. In 1987 Richie’s family bought the house and ran it as a successful bed and breakfast establishment for many years until it was sold. Richie tells me he was waiting on tables from the age of 10. Hospitability is in his blood and it shows. After travelling and working in various countries Richie and Caroline bought Roseville in 2015 with a view to refurbishing and offering something more upmarket and different. Friendly, super-efficient and keen to share his knowledge of this fascinating area, Richie is the perfect host and, together with Caroline, they have created a little oasis for travellers to this area.
Unfortunately we were only in Youghal for one night but could happily have stayed at Roseville for much longer and will definitely return. For anyone wishing to explore Ireland’s South East coastline with its medieval history and amazing beaches this is a good base from which to explore. Very handily the house is located next to a large free car park so no problem parking and it’s very easy to find.
With prices from E110 Roseville offers exceptional value for money, particularly given the superior accommodation and high quality breakfast. It comes as no surprise that Roseville has recently been included in Lucinda O’Sullivan’s Great Places to Stay 2019. Her ‘Little Black Book of Great Places to Stay & Eat in Ireland’ is a prestigious guide to Irish accommodation – of all types – and where to eat. She is Ireland’s most widely read Food and Hospitability Critic and tells it as it is – warts and all. Needless to say, no warts at Roseville!
Chrissy Nason was a guest at Roseville House in May 2019.
Read more about Youghal and Chrissy’s tour of Ireland’s Ancient South East.