Strand House, Ballymena

County Antrim. Sleeps up to 5

Step through the bold red stable door of this cottage to discover the quirky internal layout. Take in the sea views from the bedroom or head outside to feel the sand between your toes on the wide sandy beach. Families, history enthusiasts and walkers will love the secluded location.

Sitting in the heart of the Antrim coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you may recognise the dramatic landscape surrounding the cottage from the Game of Thrones series. Inside, the layout downstairs is definitely unusual, but you’ll find a living room with woodburner, separate dining room, bathroom and hallway (not necessarily in that order, but that’s part of the fun). Upstairs there’s three bedrooms; a double, a twin and a single. Make the most of sunny seaside days and nights in the enclosed grassy gardens front and back, where the picnic table provides a great spot for an al-fresco family meal.

With its secluded setting just north of the village of Cushendun, Strand House is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The village (which is now cared for by the National Trust) was built in the Cornish style in 1912 by Baron Cushendun in attempt to please his Cornish-born wife. The sheltered bay is also where you’ll find amenities like the pub, tearoom and shops. Or stay closer to home and relax on the beautiful sandy beach that curves right past the cottage. If you’re a nature lover, there are red squirrels to seek out in the forest at nearby Glenmona House.

Explore the folklore-filled Antrim coast and the Glens by foot or car. You’ll be rewarded with pretty villages, waterfalls, plunging gorges, winding coast roads, Bronze Age standing stones, legendary Slemish mountain and even views across to Scotland on a clear day. Don’t miss the lively Heart of the Glens festival if you’re staying in August. For more sedate and chilled days, then the beaches at Cushendall, Ballygally, Glenarm and Carnlough all hit the spot. Or head to Carnfunnock Country Park for gardens and panoramic coastline vistas. When you come to stay with us, the funds from your holiday go towards work like the scrub clearance and woodland management programme that you might see in action at Glenmona woodland.