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Beech Hill Country House

Beech Hill Country House

Derry/Londonderry, Ireland

Built in 1729, this Georgian style country house is situated among woodlands and greenery. Beech Hill Country House’s tranquil setting today hardly reveals the property’s eventful past. Once the location for United States Navy marine barracks in the 1940s, the property became a vital part of World War II. Because of this, the hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years, including John Kerry and Bill Clinton.

The country house’s decor encompasses the historic charm of the property. Marble fireplaces, peach walls, photographs of past well-known guests, and floral prints fill the common spaces. The 28 bedrooms share a similar design and all vary in size and design due to the nature of the original building. Two dining options at the hotel include a fine dining option in the Ardmore Restaurant while drinks are served in the adjacent lounge, and the more casual Cellar Bar. Ingredients are locally sourced and the majority come from the property’s own walled garden. Numerous walking paths are located on the grounds and some contain information about the history of the sites.

OUR OPINION:

This is a fascinating hotel with rich history and extensive grounds. Staying here, you are within driving distance to the heart of Derry/Londonderry city.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Audley Travel Specialist Lydia

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Rooms

The guest rooms are spread throughout the original Georgian house and newer garden wing. Because of the differences between the structure of the original building and more modern wing, each room varies in shape, style, and design. Most rooms in the original house have a historic charm design with deep red and gold hues, antique furnishings, original features such as intricate crown molding and fireplaces, and gold framed paintings. The rooms in the new wing are more contemporary with gray and white hues and simple furnishings.

Location

Nestled in the countryside just a short distance from the heart of Derry/Londonderry, Beech Hill Country House is situated on quiet grounds yet is within driving distance to the area’s main attractions. The semi-remote location encourages that you eat on site, as the nearest quality dining option outside of the house restaurant would be in the city itself.

Food and drink

Breakfast is served in the bright and airy conservatory and includes an extensive buffet along with a cook-to-order menu. The Ardmore Restaurant serves a variety of fine dining cuisine in a relaxed, yet elegant setting. Views from the dining room overlook the grounds and walled garden, where most of the restaurant’s ingredients come from. Diners can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in the front spacious lounge, where afternoon tea is also served.

Facilities and activities

The countryside estate offers numerous activities for you to enjoy. You can book horseback riding or hire bikes in advance, to enjoy on the estate, or you may like to tour the walled garden. In addition, there are numerous woodland walking trails some of which contain information on World War II and the estate’s past.

Tour ideas in Derry/Londonderry

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Beech Hill Country House as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Derry/Londonderry city tour
      Old cannons in Derry/Londonderry

      Derry/Londonderry city tour

      Derry/Londonderry city tour

      Discover the history, culture and landmarks of Derry/Londonderry as you walk the city streets and fortified walls with a private guide. You’ll hear about everything from the Williamite War to famine history, emigration, civil rights, and the Troubles.

      View details

    Derry/Londonderry and nearby places