The Gate Lodge is situated on the property of The Old Rectory, Dunganstown. Gently restored over time it includes integrated modern conveniences with the structure and sentiment of the original building. The interior is ambient and full of natural light. Large patio doors face south west onto an intimate courtyard space which then leads to breathtaking views across the valley. As well as being very spacious the house is cosy; heated with geothermal underfloor hearing and a solid fuel stove.

The space
Welcome! The Gate Lodge is part of the Old Rectory which was the Rectory for Dunganstown, Redcross and Conary parish up until the 1960's. Since then the property has been owned privately. Joanna, Simon and their growing family have lived at the property since 2002 and over the years have restored the main house, gardens and out-buildings whilst introducing their own design and practical needs of rearing a family.
The Gate Lodge is situated along the property's boundary to the road. The building's south west facade was rebuilt using local stone and retains it's generous arched entrance which was an original feature. This glass patio-doored entrance leads to the Lodge's own little garden where guests can enjoy a coffee in the sunshine or an evening barbeque. Guest access to the building from the car is through a separate entrance to the garden patio doors and does not involve climbing any steps.

The interior is double height with an upstairs platform corridor linking the 2 bedrooms. There is a bathroom with a shower upstairs and a bathroom with a bath downstairs. The main living/kitchen/dining area is large and light filled -so much so that it has been used for life-drawing workshops in the past.

The living area has a modern wood burning stove which heats the entire open-plan space along with geothermal underfloor heating. Other conveniences include a washing machine, Nespresso coffee machine, fan oven, 4 ring electric hob, microwave, Smeg free standing fridge/freezer, iron and ironing board and an essential collection of cooking and dining utensils/crockery. Tap water is clean to drink and collected by a water pump on the land. The property has locks and keys on all external doors of which the guests are given a set. A cot and high chair are available on request as well as some children's toys.

Breakfast cereal, bread, milk, tea, coffee, juice and some jams are left out for guests on their arrival. Free range eggs and homemade jams are available to buy from our neighbour who leaves them at her gate with an honestly box, they are quite delicious!

Guest access
Vehicle access to the Gate Lodge is via an entrance directly adjacent to the building. The host family use the main entrance to the property which they would like to keep private.. Guest parking is in the yard beside the outbuildings which are connected to the Gate Lodge. Guests are welcome to enjoy the gardens and property at the Old Rectory with respect to family life and on-going garden/outdoor projects!

There is an all-weather tennis court which guests are welcome to use. The host family are always keen for a game with new talent and there are plenty of tennis racquets and balls on the premises that can be borrowed.

There is a children's wooden fort and swings which guests are welcome to enjoy.

Other things to note
Guests should note that their stay at the Gate Lodge is a rural experience. Currently there are 8 sheep in the paddock, 1 (very friendly) dog, 1 cat, 1 terrapin, 3 budgies and sometimes a visiting pony or Joanna's horse, who is kept in livery at a stable yard across the road - he does like to visit every so often!

Guests are requested to respect neighbouring farms that keep live stock. No trespassing into fields is permitted or disturbance to resident or neighbouring animals. The local community take pride in looking out for each other and are mindful or horses, children, tractors, cyclists and walkers on the roads.