I visited Schull to work on my novel and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to stay. Firstly, the house is gorgeous. The bedrooms are huge and beautifully furnished, complete with comfortable beds and writing desks. Each room is named after a writer — and each one has its own quirks and benefits. The Carberry offers wonderful light for writing and has the added benefit of a bath, while the Ross gives you pretty views over the harbour. Breakfast is between 8am and 10am, but if you’re working on a project, Katarina will make a late breakfast for you; anything from scrambled eggs and bacon to a full Irish. It seems nothing is too much bother — Katarina’s whole philosophy is to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The house is a short stroll from the local bars and restaurants — though Katarina will set you up with a healthy and filling evening meal for just € 10 a night. You can opt to eat in the dining room or in the living room in front of a blazing fire. Check out the wine list too — there are some pretty tasty choices available. If you want to explore the local area, there are plenty of walks nearby — I’d recommend visiting Sailor’s Hill. See if you can meet Cornelius Griffin and get the story of the metal cross and the watch tower. If you’ve got a car, there are plenty of villages or beaches to explore. The true beauty of Grove House is that it really is a home away from home, without the interruptions! It’s the perfect base for a week or weekend away. I managed to redraft half of my novel while staying here, thanks to the lovely surroundings, relaxing atmosphere and thoughtful service. If you intend to visit this region, make sure you stay here.