Shelburne Lodge is Tom and Maura Foley’s guesthouse and exclusive self-catering rental in Kenmare.
Maura, a well-respected culinary figure in the Irish food world, was surrounded by food from an early age. Her mother Agnes spent her time baking and cooking. She was Maura’s first culinary influence before she went on to cook alongside some of the UK and Ireland’s best chefs, with many more coming to dine in her acclaimed restaurants, The Lime Tree, Packies and The Purple Heather.
Alongside her husband, Tom Foley, Maura began welcoming guests to Shelburne Lodge in 1996.
‘Shelburne Lodge has a long history in Kenmare and we couldn’t resist purchasing it,’ explains Maura. ‘We initially bought it as our family home, but we then made the decision to turn it into a high-end guesthouse.’
Tom and Maura have been welcoming guests to their multi-award-winning four-star Georgian Country House since 1996. Dating back to the 1700s, this historic house is set a short five-minute walk from Kenmare town.
Maura, whose talents don’t just lie with cooking, also has a keen eye for interiors. Thanks to her exquisite taste, Shelburne has been sensitively restored and guests enjoy both comfort and elegance
‘Tom and I did have experience of renovating the old schoolhouse, which we turned into our restaurant, The Lime Tree in the early 1980s. However, the restoration of this Georgian farmhouse was still a big undertaking for us,’ explains Maura. ‘It took five years before we were ready to open it as a registered guesthouse.’
This story is from the June 2021 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2021 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Look up!
This issue our gardening expert Conrad McCormick focuses on climbing plants.
#madeinireland
Support local and add a little artistry and originality into your home with this month's pick of Irish brands and makers.
My Home: Dundalk
Ceramicist Sarah McKenna tells us more about the place she calls home.
Ciao Sicily
This month Marty O'Neill takes us to the historic and picturesque island of Sicily.
Contemporary Class
This Belfast home needed a contemporary kitchen scheme that was functional, durable and made best use of the existing space.
Total Transformation
A complete renovation of this period-style home in Co. Down allowed the owners to create the kitchen they had always wanted.
A Family Connection
Embracing biophilic design combined with bold colour gives this home a unique look that’s easy on the eye and functions perfectly for a busy family of four.
AWARD WINNING KITCHENS
Direct Wholesale Kitchens has just been named as Kitchen Supplier of the Year at the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards for the fourth year running. We take a closer look at the company’s winning ways and discover the key to its success.
Meeting The Brief
This large home in Holywood, Co. Down was given the all-star treatment thanks to design expert Kunal Trehan.
Lakeside Retreat
Mairead and John’s summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire draws inspiration from its stunning unspoilt surroundings, with natural materials and textures enhancing its effortlessly cool New England vibe.