The Old Rectory

I first discovered Joanna through her wonderful garden while watching Ireland’s Garden Heroes + was thrilled when the presenters’ + my Garden Hero choice aligned for the episode entitled ‘Gardens That Surprise’.

A few weeks later, I saw her open invitation on the gram to view her garden + jumped at it!

Being the summer hols I had my 2 sidekicks with me + was skeptical of how things would pan out with them in tow.

We were in for a wholesome surprise!

Joanna couldn’t have been more welcoming. She immediately made us feel at ease as we mused round her stunning soulful edible garden trailed by her hens + my 2 chickens.

Fair play to Joanna for what she’s achieved over the years both as a delight to the senses and her gardening ethics.

Ingrid Swan, one of Ireland’s Garden Heroes presenters + renowned garden design + landscaper, describes it beautifully ‘a french potager garden based on conservation agriculture principles’.

She allowed us a peek into her lovely studio where aside from her gardening she runs various screen printing workshops + has a variety of gatherings in the pipeline such as a botanical watercolour class + a foodie experience so stay in the loop on her website / on the gram / sign up to her newsletter.

There was a young family staying in the gate lodge so I didn’t get the chance to see it, but I know in Joanna’s gracious care + from reviews + photos it too is in keeping with the rest of her countryside home.

Joanna truly is a champion of conservation gardening. Unsurprisingly the wildness of her space is a magical place to stay + play!

eco efforts

• the gate lodge has been gently restored over time, balancing old + new, it retains the structure and sentiment of the original building yet incorporates modern conveniences
• geothermal underfloor heating
• the art studio produces as little waste as possible
• Joanna selects materials which are kind to the environment, sources inks locally in Ireland or from the UK + creates textiles reflective of her natural surroundings

good to know

Please note the price above is a flat rate per night for the whole lodge whether there’s one person staying or 4.

An all-weather tennis court encourages guests to a game with the hosts who are always up for a challenge with new talent, with tennis racquets + balls a-plenty.