Since its original performance by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, Moon River has been one of the world’s most loved songs. Now get ready to fall in love with the house that shares its name.
Moon River Cottage is located on the Mill Road in Ballinacarrig Lower, just outside Ballinaclash in Co Wicklow.
An enchanting home that dates from the 19th century, it is a stunning 3 bed waterside residence that offers luxurious living, a rich history and magical gardens on its two acres of grounds which is wonderfully situated in a woodland setting, above the banks of the Avonbeg River.
Truly the stuff of fairytales, Moon River Cottage is steeped in charm and heritage. Dating back to 1838 but rebuilt in 2009, it was originally a blacksmith’s forge and the present day house retains the granite and footprint of the original structure, blending historical authenticity with modern luxury.
Moon River Cottage is a truly enchanting elevated riverside property with the handcrafted treehouses, private river access and picturesque granite bridges lifting this fabulous home into a one-of-a-kind offering rarely seen.
The cottage itself is an inviting single-storey home featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and bright, airy interiors.
Moon River Cottage boasts three generously proportioned bedrooms, two bathrooms (including an en-suite), a guest WC, a spacious sunroom and a comfortable living room with a multi-fuel stove.
The open-plan kitchen and dining area is a showpiece of elegant functionality. With flagstone flooring and exposed beams This space blends traditional charm with modern amenities.
The kitchen is equipped with a Rangemaster stove, quartz countertops and a bespoke hand painted tiled backsplash depicting herbs, butterflies and birds found on the property.
Double patio doors open onto the south-facing veranda, allowing seamless indoor-outdoor living.
The River Room (sunroom) is accessed via two steps from the kitchen and features wide-plank French rustic oak flooring and large windows framing breathtaking views of the gardens and river.
The living room, with its vaulted ceiling, raised stone hearth and multi-fuel stove offers a cosy yet refined space. Double patio doors from here also lead directly to the veranda.
The bedrooms are calming and light-filled with views of the garden and climbing roses, with French oak flooring and also with patio doors that provide direct access to the veranda and gardens.
The master suite includes an en-suite bathroom, fully tiled with a walk-in shower, while the family bathroom features both a bath and a large walk-in shower.
The L-shaped, south-facing veranda is a standout, day to day usable feature, covered with character Yorkshire flagstones and reclaimed redbrick from Belfast's docks. Herbaceous flower beds and the river are in full view from the veranda as well as a spectacular living Willow arch. Perfect for al fresco dining or relaxing, it offers uninterrupted views of the gardens and river.
The gardens at Moon River Cottage are sublime. Think Harry Potter, Beatrix Potter, Lord of the Rings and Breakfast in Tiffany's all rolled into one with still more scope for your own imagination and footprint.
This rather unique property offers approximately two acres of organic, wildlife-friendly grounds. Bounded on one side by the Avonbeg River, these gardens combine natural beauty and biodiversity with harmonious and thoughtful design. The river is a central feature, leading to a secluded bathing area with a small mooring for kayaks or canoes.
The gardens are alive with towering native trees, including 100-foot firs and cypresses, a graceful weeping willow over the river and fruit and nut trees such as apple, cherry, hazelnut and walnut trees for the red squirrels.
The gardens of Moon River Cottage are also rich in flora and fauna, with herbs, wildflowers, and ornamental shrubs like rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias providing year-round colour and fragrance.
A private granite humpbacked vehicular bridge spans a picturesque stream, with a hand forged iron bridge by the natural pond fed by the Well, designed to feel like a Monet painting.
Two handcrafted treehouses elevate the property to something truly extraordinary. One, suspended above the Avonbeg River, is accessed via a wooden walkway and is fully electric and features a savannah-style terrace with views of the river and woodland.
The second treehouse, built around a massive eucalyptus tree, offers a lookout point over the gardens. Both structures are works of art, blending seamlessly with their natural surroundings. The gardens are lit discreetly with outdoor lighting that highlights the bridges, underlighting of trees, riverbanks, and pathways, creating a magical atmosphere in the evenings.
Located just a short drive from the vibrant towns of Rathdrum and Avoca and about an hour from Dublin City and Dublin Airport, this secluded yet accessible home is perfect for those seeking peace, comfort, a connection to nature and something that extra little bit special.
Find out more about Moon River Cottage on MyHome at www.myhome.ie/4944176 or contact Richard Brennan of selling agents Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes.
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