About
The Old Byre - Yn Shenn Vaaieagh in Manx - built of sandstone under a slate roof, is in the heart of Peel a few minutes walk from the shops, bus station, harbour and sandy beaches.
The cottage was bought in 1830 by the presnet owner's great-grandfather as part of a farm. Yn Shenn Vaaieagh was then linked to the farmhouse next door by a passageway through what is now the pantry. The kitchen and small sitting room were the cow byre, the front bedrooms a hayloft with outside steps down to the yard.
Sometime in the 1800's the cowshed became a dwelling which grew over time into the present modern, comfortable house.
Today the house has two double bedrooms and one twin room. There's a further tiny ‘bedroom’ off one of the double rooms, exactly the right size for our available travel cot – which is on a shelf inside, its bedding stored ready in the airing cupboard. The bathroom has both a bath and a tiled, shower cubicle. There is a separate WC.
The living room has a dining area and a relaxing sitting space with comfortable settees for six, a desk, and above and beside it shelves loaded with useful information in the form of maps, guide books, routes and trails for walkers and cyclists (both on and off road), fishermen, natural history enthusiasts, adventure seekers and anyone interested in the long and interesting history of the Isle of Man.
We have a strange and eclectic library of books old and new which include children’s books, paperback novels, Manx folklore, Manx history and geology, science, music and even books gained as school prizes by my grandparents in the early 20th century.
The kitchen, which connects with the dining area through a deep opening in what was the rear wall of the former cottage, is well equipped with wooden work surfaces, stainless steel cookware, ample tableware, a microwave and a dishwasher. There is also a snug sitting room with a wood burning stove. A washing machine hides in the under stairs cupboard and there’s a tumble drier next to the freezer in the garage.
Behind the house a walled and decked courtyard garden faces south. It is completely private, enclosed and secure for children. Steps lead up to the garage whose main door opens onto the adjacent lane. The property has central heating, colour TV, PS2 console with games and experimental wifi.
All linen, towels and utilities are included in the rental.
Peel
The cottage is situated in the heart of Peel not many minutes walk from the shops, bus station, harbour and sandy beaches.
The city of Peel is a little known scenic and cultural gem. It’s sheltered to the West by Peel Hill and by St Patrick’s Isle, joined to the hill by a causeway that curves onward into a long breakwater, and to the north by The Headlands. Between these protective arms lies the picturesque harbour, alive these days with yachts as well as fishing boats, and the long, safe and sandy curve of Peel beach.
St Patrick’s Isle, girdled by the protecting curtain walls of Peel Castle, contains the ruins of many settlements dating back to the original fortress built, sometime around 1250, upon the remains of a much older monastic settlement.
Archaeological digs have unearthed evidence of Neolithic, Mediaeval and Viking occupation.
The village, where Peel now stands on the east bank of the river Neb, was originally known as Holmtown and was only later renamed Peel by the English rulers of Mann. It was primarily a fishing community, the largest on the island.
By 1880 there were over three hundred boats carrying the prefix PL sailing as far afield as the north of Scotland and the west coast of Ireland, and more than 3000 men and boys employed at the fishing and ancillary jobs. Much of the catch was exported as salt herrings and, famously, since the 1850’s as Manx kippers. Two of the kipper houses remain today, still smoking the gutted and flattened herring over slow burning fires of oak chips.
With the arrival of the railway in 1873 Peel began to attract tourists, with guesthouses and hotels springing up along the shore, where soon a promenade was built.
The railway line between Peel and Douglas ran until 1967, it’s grand red brick station later demolished to make room for the House of Manannan - though remnants of track and the water tank at which the engines were refilled remain.
You can still walk the twelve mile route of the old railway line to the station in Douglas, from where the same steam trains run a regular service on the narrow gauge line south to Castletown.
The House Mannanan, sited at the top of the harbour, gives a fascinating insight into Peel's place in the island's story.
The Isle of Man
From Peel it's easy to explore the magical Isle of Man. Secluded beaches, abundant wildlife, hidden glens, ancient monuments, world famous motorsports, a surviving Victorian tram and train system and a unique Celtic and Viking past are among the many things that make this island a very special place to visit.
Guide Prices
- Number of Rooms / Units
- 1
Room / Unit Type | Room / Unit Tariff* |
---|---|
The Old Byre | from £475.00 to £750.00 per unit per week |
*As a guide, prices are per room per night for hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and serviced apartments and per week for self-catering accommodation.
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Facilities
Children & Infants
- Accept children (Minimum age)
- Children's videos/DVDs Available
- Cot
- Facilities for children
- Highchair
Leisure Facilities
- Access to golf course
- Cycle hire
- Fishing
- Indoor pool
- Other sporting facilities
- Tennis court
- Water sports facilities
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Secure cycle storage
Payment Methods
- BACS accepted
- Cheques accepted
- Reduced rates for longer stays
Provider Facilities
- Bath
- Cyclist Friendly
- Garden/patio for guests use
- Group Friendly
- Ironing facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Linen provided
- Shower
- TT & Biker Friendly
- Tumble dryer
- Walker Friendly
Provider Features
- In town/city centre
- Townhouse
- Welcome pack
Target Markets
- Marketed as green/environmentally friendly