Quarterlands Glamping
Last week we were invited to stay at a lovely new glamping site just outside Holywood, Co. Down. Fortunately we had a great weather day and the rare Northern Irish sun stayed out for most of our shoot.
Sitting in a field a short walk from their home, Jana & Jeremey have two identical shepherds huts. Both huts have one fold out double bed, a bunk bed as well as a seating area and a small kitchen. As a couple staying in one of these huts we thought it was great and liked the use of the space.
The area surrounding the huts is beautiful with stunning views over Belfast lough and fields all around us with sheep, goats and cows. This place is a great base to stay for exploring the areas around you such as the coastal path, Holywood and Bangor. With its family friendly vibe the space outside the huts is perfect for running around and playing games.
After we spent most of the afternoon capturing the huts we drove about 5 mins to Holwood for dinner. You are always spoilt for choice in this local town as there are so many great places to eat out. As Holywood is somewhere we would go quite often we chose The Dirty Duck as we hadn’t been there in years and it was recommended to us by a few friends. We had a lovely meal and would definitely go back. It is a great spot to go to if you want to enjoy a walk by the coast as well.
We then headed back to the glamping site to set up the fire pit and make some delicious s’mores provided by The Mallow Makers.
After we had eaten far to many s’mores we enjoyed some board games along with a glass of prosecco on the bench outside until it got dark.
In the morning we enjoyed waking up to the views over the lough and sitting outside for the sunrise.
Each hut provides a gas fired hot plate to use outside, with the weather being so good we got it set up and cooked our breakfast. I’m not going to lie, I am not the camping type but it was delightful to be able cook and eat outside and enjoy those views one more time before it was time to leave.
After gathering our belongings, we headed to Grey Point Fort and Helens Bay for a lovely walk by the sea before going home.
After our stay I was able to ask Jana some questions about her accommodation and how it came to be. Read more below….
Hi Jana, can you tell me a little bit about yourselves and what inspired you to start an Airbnb?
Jeremy grew up on this farm and has a real connection with the land. When we were first married, we lived near Dromara however it was always our dream to build a house on the farm. Some years later the dream became reality, and we are now very blessed to live here with our 2 boys and extended family close by.
As our boys were growing up, we spent many a holiday in our caravan and enjoyed the comfort of the caravan but also the outdoors lifestyle. Those holidays sparked the idea that we could provide a glamping experience on our farm where people could enjoy the comfort of proper beds, private cooking and bathroom facilities but be immersed in nature. As with our house these plans took some time to come to fruition but now the shepherds’ huts are here, and we are very excited to open this summer. We hope many people will come and enjoy their stay at Quarterlands.
Is there a meaning behind the name Quarterlands?
Yes, Jeremy has 3 brothers and so when the land was divided up it was divided into quarters hence the name Quarterlands.
If you could sum up the style/feel of your Airbnb in 3 words, what would they be?
Relaxing, Cosy, Bespoke
What do you love most about your accommodation?
The creative use of space and the high ceilings give the huts a roomy feel. On a clear day the view over Belfast lough is spectacular, you can watch the boats going in and out.
For guests coming to stay where would you recommend as good places to visit nearby?
That’s difficult to answer concisely as there are so many wonderful places close by. We are within a couple of miles from Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay beaches. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is also nearby and worth a vist. There are many beautiful walks to be had along the North Down coastal pathway. Bangor and all it has to offer including the beautiful Bangor marina and Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex is ~ 4 miles from our site. Holywood town is less than 3 miles away and there are many wonderful coffee shops and eateries there. Belfast city centre, the odyssey complex which many eateries a cinema and W5 the interactive discovery centre and the world leading visitor attraction the Titanic exhibition centre are less than 7 miles from our site. There are so many more places worth a mention but we’d be here all day so I guess people
List of places to go nearby
Food
The Dirty Duck, Holywood
Indian Ocean, Holywood
Coast, Holywood
Joxer, Holywood
lemongrass, Holywood
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
The Coffee Yard, Holywood
The Bay Tree, Holywood
Lynchpin
Walks and Attractions
Crawfordsburn Country Park
North Down Coastal Path
Helens Bay Beach
Holywood Beach
Titanic Belfast
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum