TIME AND SPACE

Cathrine Burke and Niall Campbell have created a modern retreat in Horn Head on the tip of Co. Donegal. Their approach at Breac.House, focusing on local crafts and striking architecture, has given the traditional concept of bed and breakfast a new lease of life, writes SIOBHÁN BREATNACH

How have you redefined the concept of B&B?

We wanted to take all the things that people love about the B&B experience and take it to the next level of modern hospitality to include concierge style bespoke service, thoughtful design, simple but delicious local food, extra services such as our seaweed bath and wood fired sauna and a sense of total and complete privacy and relaxation.

We toyed with so many names for the concept as we are probably closer to the European concept of an inn so we generally define ourselves as a modern retreat.

Why was it important to incorporate the work of nearby craftspeople?

For us, modern travel is all about connection. We feel strongly that even those with us for a short stay should feel some connection to the people and this place.

When guests arrive, the first thing we do is bring them to the large window in the living area that provides an almost complete view of the northwest coast from Sheephaven Bay across to Bloodyforeland.

Almost everything they see, touch, taste and experience during a stay comes from people who live within that view. It has been one of the great joys of the project to work so closely with so many makers, some just starting out and some representing the very best of Donegal’s craft heritage.

Keeping it local – makers to look out for Donegal Natural Soap Co Bespoke toiletries Muck n Muffins - Breakfast crockery Eddie Doherty - Tweed throughout the house The Veneerist - Wooden bathroom beakers and wooden rituals box McNutts - Linen sauna towels The Pear in Paper - Bespoke prints Atlantic Equipment project - Picnic bags Superfolk - Bespoke prints Tricia Harris - Living room unit and in-room chairs Simon O’Driscoll - Sofa and table

How do you define luxury?

We believe modern luxury is about time, space and generosity. Life is very busy for most people so the last thing you need on a break is to feel constrained or limited in any way.

So we provide the time and the space to do loads or nothing, to just be, to catch up with each other, to sleep and eat and to breathe. Our concept of generosity is simply that once you book with us, you have everything you need whether it’s pre-dinner drinks or unlimited supplies of treats and mineral water.

What was the inspiration behind the name Breac.House?

Breac.House takes its name from the town land of Lurgabrack on Horn Head in which we are situated. Lurgabrack is an Irish language name, meaning ‘the specked shin’, which describes both the speckled landscape and our location at the shin end of the leg that is the Horn Head peninsula. In a nice local geographic and linguistic twist of fate, the Irish name for trout is also ‘breac’ meaning the specked fish. As we also overlook an inland lake, which is famed for its stocks of brown trout, we knew the concept was going to be important to us.

Breac House in Horn Head Co Donegal

Where’s good to eat nearby?

There is a great food scene in Donegal comprising some fantastic longstanding establishments and newer ventures by young chefs returning to the area. In our local town of Dunfanaghy, guests absolutely adore the sourdough pizza in The Rusty Oven. For something special with views over the bay, it’s hard to beat The Cove. There are also great options including Fisk in Downings, Batch in Falcarragh and Teach Coll in Magheraorty.

Aside from Breac.House, where would you choose to staycation in Ireland?

Obviously we are pretty biased on this one as there are so many amazing locations and hospitality providers in Donegal.

Donegal has everything from the beautiful family run country houses, Rathmullan House and Castle Grove House, to more modern accommodation with amazing food at Carnaween House (Narin/Portnoo). Further afield, Inis Meain Restaurant and Suites is a very unique place and it’s really hard to beat the sublime food and amazing hospitality at The Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna.