As it’s name suggests. Lough Bawn House sits on a lake, the staggeringly beautiful Lough Bane (An Loch Bán), the largest and deepest of a group of three lakes outside Collinstown in County Westmeath.

In 1820 George Battersby built the classical Georgian house on this bucolic spot, and it has remained in the family ever since. As is typical, it passed from son to son over the centuries, but it is now in the safe custody of a female descendant, great-great-greatgranddaughter, Verity Butterfield.

Throughout the seasons this is a serene and welcoming place in which to unwind. There are numerous activities close by such as castles, gardens, horse racing, music festivals and golf courses. Or simply relax in the homely drawing room near a log fire.

The kitchen is Verity’s domain. It is here she creates delicious, innovative, often vegetarian dishes, so she is particularly inspired by the likes of Yotam Ottolenghi, whose books sit alongside Mrs. Beeton’s, Nigel Slater’s and her grandmother’s handwritten notebook in the crammed cookery bookshelf. Many of the vegetables she prepares come from the kitchen garden and the pollytunnel.

The lake, which contains the purest water in Ireland, yields fresh trout that often features at dinner. Day fishing passes are available locally and use of Verity's boat is available to guests.