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A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom

Photo gallery for A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom

Exterior
Interior
Towels
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, dining tables

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom

We know you will be delighted when you arrive at Close Taggart. These two gold award holiday cottages, Thie Rhennie ("House of Ferns") and Thie Lough ("House of the Lake") can be found well off the beaten track, deep in the countryside, about two miles from the nearest small supermarket, bus routes and village, and six from the nearest town (Ramsey).

Thie Lough has one bedroom and provides the perfect setting for a special break for two.

The owners live on site and will be on hand to greet you and provide any assistance you require, you will have total freedom to enjoy the extensive grounds of Close Taggart which includes a tree house and viewing platform high up in the trees, where you can sit and enjoy a complementary glass of wine. In addition, a further viewing platform provides fabulous views of the setting sun to the west. There is also a summerhouse for guests to use.

The holiday cottages are a great base for nature lovers. The Curraghs where the cottages are located, is an area of wetland and a rich haven of biodiversity with rare flora and fauna. Wild wallabies, normally found in warmer climes, are also thriving here. The animals, native to Australia and Tasmania, have been flourishing ever since a pair escaped in the 1970s from the Curraghs wildlife park, a short distance from the cottages. Researchers believe now there are more than a 100 living in the wild. It is possible to see wallabies living in the wild on one of the short walks from the cottages.

We are very willing to assist with mobility issues, but unfortunately we are unable to accommodate full time wheel chair users due to the layout of the cottage. You can park close to the entrance, with a gravel/grassed area and cobblestones leading to two small entrance steps. Inside the cottage the kitchen and lounge are on the ground floor with normal width stairs leading to the bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.

Kitchen/Dining area: Electric oven, gas hob, fridge, microwave, dining table & chairs

Lounge: Electric fire, comfortable three piece suite, dresser, TV & DVD player

Bedroom 1: Double bed, dressing table, wardrobe, bedside tables

Bathroom: Bath with handheld shower, WC and wash hand basin.

Study: Desk, chairs, music system, sofa.

External Utility Room: With Washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer.

Visit Isle of Man rating: 4 Star Gold Award

Parking: Private Covered Parking

Changeover Day: Flexible, arrive 3pm, depart 10am

Pets: No pets accepted

Children: Not suitable

Power & Heating: Included

Wifi: Free Wifi included

Bedding & Linen: Bed linen and towels provided.

Shop: 2.5 ml Pub: 2.5 ml

Damage: Important! We are committed to protecting our properties which is why we now take a £35 fee from each booking as a damage waiver. This is included in the price you pay and covers you for up to £500 worth of accidental damages to the property that could occur whilst you are staying.

Property manager

Island Escapes

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Property does not allow children

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom
A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom Cottage
A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom Isle of Man
561755

About the area

Map
Isle of Man, Ballaugh Parish

What's nearby

  • Cathedral Isle Of Man - 15 min drive - 18.5 km
  • Snaefell - 15 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Laxey Wheel - 26 min drive - 24.9 km
  • Douglas Beach - 43 min drive - 26.7 km
  • Laxey Beach - 49 min drive - 27.1 km

Getting around

  • Douglas Ferry Station - 27 min drive
  • Isle of Man (IOM) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Central - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Trafalgar Hotel - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Golden Phoenix Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Mini Cafe - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Raven - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Curraghs Wildlife Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Jurby Transport Museum and Milntown House. Grove Museum of Victorian Life and Snaefell are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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A holiday cottage that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Weeks holiday
Wonderful traditional cottage in a tranquil part of the island. Very cosy and great value. Hosts were very kind and easy going people. Gardens attached to cottage were ideal for relaxing. Thoroughly recommend this property. Ideal for couples looking at quiet getaway.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Great Holiday Location
Excellent holiday again at Close Taggart, this is the 3rd year we have been there. Always a warm welcome from the hosts john & Shirley, and as we arrived off the early morning ferry we were able to arrive earlier to the accommodation. Lovely location and the weather was beautiful. There is a welcome basket and basics in the fridge. The garden is beautiful with lots of places to sit and enjoy the view, including the tree house and a view point - took a photo of the Blue Moon from there. We will be back again next year.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A Great Place to Stay
Shirley and John, our hosts, are to be congratulated on making this charming environment. Thie Lough is a comfortable well equipped cottage with many attractive little extras, and is in a peaceful rural setting. The extensive grounds are perfect for relaxation and quiet exploration. We particularly loved the tree house and its many surprises. Close Taggart is a really great place to stay, fully deserving its 4 star rating and enthusiastic reviews. We enjoyed it as a quiet retreat and also as a base for touring the rest of the Island
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fred H.

Back to our home from home.
This is our fourth stay at Thie Lough so it is possibly unfair to put scores and simply say that we would not go back if we did not enjoy our stay. We live within a half hour drive of Close Taggart and when Covid disrupted our Christmas 2020 travel plans we booked 'local' and loved it so much we have repeated each year over Christmas. To those searching reviews I suggest you check back for our earlier ones. If you like what we have said, just book it. Just don't pinch our slot.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Matthew T., London, United Kingdom

Delightful retreat
John and Shirley have created a charming and generous atmosphere. It includes providing a fruit basket and welcome food pack on arrival. The cottage is spotlessly clean and comfortable and decorated with numerous Manx pieces. Their garden is sizeable with various nooks for relaxing in, including a fully weather proof tree house. You may want your own transport because the cottage is some way from the nearest shops. Numerous walks can be made from the cottage which is in farmland and near a nature reserve. We unreservedly recommend the cottage and its warm welcome.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A special stay in a special place
This is a great place to stay. It's spotlessly clean and fresh feeling. The quiet location is excellent for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life but you can easily access lots of lovely places within a short distance and even more distant destinations are not too far. We loved every moment - the peace and tranquility were very special and the amount of birdlife we spotted was a great indicator of just how peaceful the area was. The fact that we didn't talk to the hosts all week showed just how well equipped the cottage was as well as how peaceful the space felt - but it was good to know they were just next door if we did need anything. It was nice to stay in a place with a well equipped kitchen - the only thing I missed was a pair of tongs and the rest of the place was also full of nice touches - the bedside clock radio, the bookcase and games in the study among others. The food in the fridge and fruit in the bowl were also very much appreciated. My only quibble (and it should be taken in the context of everything else being excellent) would be the lack of a shower - but I don't see there's an easy way to fit a shower in the bathroom. We had a busy week visiting lots of the tourist spots. We'd definitely return and perhaps visit some of the more tucked away spots - the little glens and countryside walks. A warm welcome and helpful communication prior to our visit both added to the overall experience. I'd highly recommend a stay here.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Highly recommend to couples who want to relax
Our second stay. Beautiful property in a relaxing location. Well off the beaten track , so a car is essential.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fred H.

Our third time for a delightful stay over Christmas.
As this is our third stay it is hard to know what else we can say that has not already been said. We have known this property for many years so knew the area and the quality already. Shirley and John are excellent hosts, 'invisible' as expected but, THERE if and when required for a chat or to admire their gardens. A truly lovely break of a week, unaffected by the less than clement weather this year, in a warm and comfortable cottage for two. Thank you both for letting us share a small part of your wonderful property once again.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

Perfect winter break
The Isle of Man in winter can be one of hooleys and horizontal rain. Fortunately, whatever the weather, Close Taggart - Thie Lough is warm, cosy and very well equipped (also nicely decorated with holly from the gardens). Shirley and John are generous hosts. The location in the Ballaugh Curraughs means that when the skies are clear there is a wonderful view of the stars from the gardens. This is the third time we have stayed at Close Taggart and each time has been very enjoyable.

10/10 Excellent

Ian H.

Excellent
Friendly, helpful and generous hosts in a lovely and comfortable cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Heerlijk verblijf
Het was een hele mooie locatie, mooie grote tuin, waar je gebruik van mocht maken. Alles wat je nodig had was aanwezig. Bij aankomst stonden en al een paar leuke verrassingen klaar. Kortom heerlijk verblijf gehad.

8/10 Good

arie b.

Very pleasant week
Very good and warm reception. Bathroom does deserve upgrade, showering bit cumbersome. Area very suitable for walking and cycling.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Return visit to Close Taggart
This was our second visit to Close Taggart - and once again, it didn't disappoint. The location is idyllic - the house is set in beautiful grounds, with stunning views of the northern hills. The accommodation is quiet, warm and comfortable, enhanced by lots of little thoughtful touches, and John and Shirley are very welcoming hosts. Thoroughly recommended.

10/10 Excellent

John

Beautiful, quiet and secluded location and the owners could not have been nicer nor more accommodating. The notes and extras when you first enter the cottage are truly exceptional. Without a doubt, the best holiday cottage we have stayed. We have recommended it to all our friends.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fred H.

A second 'staycation' here in what is much more than a home from home.
With Covid precautions in place in 2020 ending our usual run of a year end holiday in the sunshine and warmth we thought to stay over Christmas and New Year much closer to home. As in 8 miles. We knew of these lovely cottages from social visits and booked up to try them. It was such a success that even though Covid travel was less inhibiting in 2021 we booked up for a 2nd stay in Thie Lough without a second thought. We have no regrets. The welcome was as warm as ever and the cottage just as we remembered. The weather was a bit more inclement but the cottage lounge is snug and warm and very relaxing. A comfortable chair, a good book and a glass of Christmas cheer to hand and what more is their to ask for? "The snow is snowing and the wind it is blowing But we can weather the storm What do we care how much it may storm?" Irving Berlin may have had the love but we had Thie Lough as well! The well equipped Kitchen made the domestic chores a pleasure in which to cook and eat our meals and the beautifully decorated bedroom and bed must be one of the most comfortable we have slept in. Under cover parking was just the icing on the cake.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

The attention to detail is outstanding
Close Taggart cottages are rightly renowned as a wonderful place to stay on the Isle of Man. John and Shirley, who own the cottages (and live next door) have put considerable effort into ensuring everything is perfect. The cottage has a comfortable bedroom, a separate study (with books and binoculars), a lounge, and kitchen. The kitchen is fully-fitted, with a helpful list of facilities and utensils that meet the Manx standard for self-catering accommodation. The welcome pack included bread, eggs, cheese, butter, jam, chocolates, as well as tea and coffee and Manxie the cat (who gets to leave with you). Car parking is available under cover (and there is a box of soaps and cloths for car washing too). There is also an excellent utility room with washing machine and drier, and also plenty of local information (including a large wall-mounted map of the Island). If that was not enough, guests at both cottages have full access to the extensive gardens where, again, effort has been invested in surprises and delights for guests (from a croquet lawn through to a lovely platform with a view on which wine or tea can be drunk as the sun sets, and an actual tree house with complementary drinks). More flora and fauna, including wallabies (we did see a large, hefty one hop off into the woodland), may be spotted in the nearby Close Sartfield nature reserve. The beaches, which are extensive, wild, and where swimming is generally safe (if the weather permits), are a few minutes drive away. Close Taggart cottages provide an exemplar of self-catering accommodation that any other provider would find hard to meet, let alone beat. We hope to return. Buy provisions from: Andreas Stores (Dairy Shed yoghurt, Andreas Meat Company); Magher Grianagh Farm Shop; Sandygate Farm shop. On a rainy day go to: Isle of Man Motor Museum, Jurby. Best beaches nearby: any of the Lhen beaches. Eat out at : The Grosvenor, Andreas; Bride Tea Rooms, Bride.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Outback in Andreas.
This is the second time this year we have been up to Thie Taggart and even those the weather was not the best we enjoyed our stay immensley. Shirley and John are brilliant hosts and provide little treats around the cottage that always surprise and delight us. Fruit in the living room and mints and wine in the arms of the Big bear and the small Loagthan lamb. We broused the walks that John and Shirley have researched over the years and written about. This was wonderful as we always have had somewhere to head for and go, even on cool wet days. Also we were surprised at how many GOOD eating establishments there in the down the North. All in all Thie Taggart and Shirley and John have been a bit of magic for us in theses days of Covid. who needs France/Spain/Italy when we have Isle Of Man. ( Ok Ok maybe I would like a bit of a wander around mainland Spain)
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Very nice place to stay
Excellent accommodation, in lovely grounds. Very thoughtful owners who try hard to make guests feel welcome. Well deserved Gold Award.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Idyllic rural retreat.
Well off the beaten track ,so we ate in in the evenings.wonderful grounds to stroll around and relax in. The only problem was “ flakey WiFi” We would go again if we have the chance.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fabulous property in stunning grounds
A warm welcome from John and Shirley at this lovely clean and well equipped cottage in a beautiful quiet location set in stunning grounds with a tree house, viewing platforms and several gardens with seating areas and summer houses in which to relax. A short walk to the Curragh's and within easy reach of Ballaugh, Ramsey & Peel.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Who needs needs long haul when we have the Claddaghs and the our fantastic Island around us.
Thie Taggart and its location are superb. One day we spent exploring the wonderful wetlands and all the flora and fauna ( yes even wild Wallabies) next day up on the Ridge walk from the Black Hut to North Barrule. Had two fantastic, yes truly fantastic, meals at the Ginger Hall and The Good Stuff in Ramsey. Shirley and John Kneale made us very welcome and their accomodation very brilliant with some wonderful little touches in the cottage. All in all 4 days down the north of the Island were great and will live with me/us along side any of our travels.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John D.

A wonderful experience
So often holiday cottages disappoint. My experience at Close Taggart exceeded all my expectations. There was a warmth in the welcome in the generosity of all that was provided above and beyond what might be considered the norm. Lots of considerate extra touches like the fridge stocked with the basics - bread, butter, eggs, bottled water.... And a welcoming bottle of wine, box of chocolates and bowl of fresh fruit. John and Shirly were welcoming but in no way intrusive. They left me my space. The surroundings are beautiful. A wonderful rural retreat. Highly recommended.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Welcome & Tranquil
Amazing welcome, lots of little thoughtful gestures, beautiful tranquil setting surrounded by stunning gardens & countryside
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A dream fulfilled.
We are IOM residents and have known of Close Taggart Cottages almost since they were opened. We had admired them but being so close to home could only dream of actually staying there for a few nights. BUT Covid elsewhere in the world did restrict and cancel our other plans so taking our thoughts to stay closer to home. As in 8 miles?? A Staycation over Christmas was considered but surely Close Taggart would be closed, if not for Covid then for Christmas? We looked on line and they were open. 30 seconds later and we were booked in On line and good to go. Well we knew the local shops and had already booked the Christmas bird with the local butcher so packing was done and dusted. We duly arrived at the appointed time, no Ferry no planes and were met by our Hostess and Host. and after a warm welcome we were handed the keys or to be more accurate told they were in the door already. Inside was a delight. We are experienced 'self caterers' but this charming cottage immediately had the edge on others we have used. Warm hall to hang outdoor clothing and a huge kitchen to the left. After stairs to the upper floor straight ahead to the lounge. Fully fitted and furnished down to a log effect solid fuel stove that worked by remote control. We are used to going out in all weathers to bring in logs seasoned by Scottish rain so this was bliss. All that was lacking was the crackle and smoke. Up stairs were the large fully plumbed bathroom and WC including a full size real bath not just a shower in the corner. Centrally heated too. The bedroom was large with wardrobes, his and hers, and full dressing table etc., The bed had full warm blankets and duvet with a small Tester canopy overhead..Windows were cottage size but in December one must remember that glass can let heat out as well as sun shine in. The piece de resistance came when we opened the other door expecting storage or 2nd bedroom only to find a Study with settee, bookshelves and full size writing desk facing a window over fields. Writing at that desk would have been impossible for me in daylight hours as there was so much happening outside. Buzzards, Gulls, Pheasants etc., plus a field full of Fieldfares and Redwings as well as other native thrushes etc., Wild geese over head. Exactly what one needed should the weather turn too cold to venture out. The kitchen was well equipped with all equipment modern and in good condition. Microwave, Grill and Oven, and Fridge. A full and comprehensive set of crockery and cutlery in the many drawers and cupboards. I could easily live here but the only drawback would be I would never want to leave for a holiday once Covid is finally over. This really was a dream fulfilled. We did not indulge in many of the walks for which John has prepared leaflets and guides but did get to meet the local wallabies for which the Curraghs are famous. The lack of exercise could be put down to the cold snap and high winds experienced with Storm Bella but to be honest a lot of the blame could be placed on the extremely comfortable conditions indoors in 'Lough Cottage' at Close Taggart.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Thouroughly enjoyable.
A beautiful staycation in wonderful surroundings, a very well equipped cottage with everything you could need. Set in stunning gardens with loads of amazing places to sit and relax and enjoy the views and tranquillity. The owners Shirley and John couldn't be more helpful. We enjoyed walks around the curraghs and neighbouring areas with lots of sights of the wallabies and other local wildlife. Although Close Taggart is a very peaceful country location it is only a short drive to Ramsey for shops, amenities takeaways etc., we were so enjoying our stay we extended our stay from 8 days to 12 days and look forward to staying there again.