Gaultier Lodge

was originally the marine lodge, an early 19th century forerunner of the sea-side holiday house, of Lord Huntingdon, built in the Regency style on the edge of Waterford Harbour. Nestling among the sand dunes above Woodstown Strand in County Waterford, it has panoramic views across the mouth of the River Suir to Duncannon Fort, Templetown Bay and Broom Hill in County Wexford, with Hook Head and the open sea beyond.

To the south a series of steep, wooded promontories culminate in Creadan Head, which shelters Gaultier Lodge from the prevailing sea winds, while the high wall along the western boundary protects it from the public road. From the inside, one has the impression that the house is built in a walled garden, with a large and mature wood on the opposite side of the wall.

The house is built on the mezzanine plan, with reception rooms on the upper floor and the bedrooms below. The main rooms have panoramic sea views while the bedrooms overlook the garden. They are all spacious and comfortably furnished, with all modern conveniences. Outside the large gardens and lawns are completely private, with their own gate opening directly onto the beach. The owner, Sheila Molloy, is an entertaining hostess and a good cook with an interest in gardening, painting and horses.

The pretty harbour village of Dunmore East with several good hotels and restaurants, and numerous pubs, is three miles away, while the Passage East-Ballyhack car ferry, giving easy access to County Wexford and the Hook Peninsula, is three miles in the opposite direction. Waterford city is seven miles away and Rosslare Port less than an hour's drive (via the Ballyhack Ferry).

Nearby are the unfinished ruins of Geneva Barracks, an interesting though unsuccessful attempt at establishing an18th century artisan's commune with a layout designed by James Gandon. Activities in the area include swimming, sailing, coastal walks, sea fishing, sailing and riding, and there are golf courses at Faithlegg, the Island and Tramore.


Directions:
From Waterford take the R684 towards Dunmore East. 6 miles beyond the Regional Hospital turn for Woodstown and continue to the T-junction at the beach. Turn right and Gaultier Lodge is the last house on the left, behind a high stone wall (with vehicular access by means of the gate at end, just around the corner).