Gatsby House

An ultra-chic 5-bedroom house with stunning interiors hidden in a small town in Co. Donegal

The brainchild of Amanda Swanwick and Brendan Kirwan, Gatsby House must be the loveliest house rental in Co. Donegal. Its location in Ardara is an unlikely one, for this is a quiet town with not a lot going on. But it's the stunning scenery that draws people here - glorious mountains, glacial waterfalls and heathery moors. It's Ireland as you dreamed it would be, but with none of the blarney.

The house dates back to the 19th century and underwent a lengthy refurb, and then a short stint as a hotel (called O'Fabulous), before becoming the stylish bolthole it is today. The 5 beautiful ensuite rooms are decorated in rich velvets and cool silks, with calligraphy adorning the walls, and rolltop baths or deluge showers. Amanda and Brendan can book a private chef for slap-up dinners, or you can enjoy good Irish pub grub down the road. For pure indulgence on a wild and little-known coastline, bring your most glamorous friends and play at being F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda for a while.

Highs

• The location: far away from tourist crowds and surrounded by gorgeous countryside
• Incredibly stylish: Ralph Lauren furniture, Farrow and Ball wallpaper, Designers Guild fabrics and Jo Malone smellies
• Only 5 rooms: it's a great place to celebrate special gatherings with friends and family

Lows

• It's a bit of a hike to get here: a flight to Londonderry, then a 1.5-hour drive
• This part of Ireland can be pretty 'soft' (i.e. rainy)
• Only one bedroom has a bath; the rest have showers
• It's a non-smoking house (or is that a high?)