Late to arrive, but Early to experience and appreciate the tranquility, creature comforts, warmth and endearing appeal of "Late & Early" Cottage (also, hereafter lazily referred to as "L&E"). L&E is an exquisite and well-appointed country retreat, in a beautiful rural setting -- a near-perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. L&E, however, is not far enough away from the city to be described as "remote", but is near enough -- should one so wish -- to be within easy reach of "civilisation" and its dubious by-products, "civilians" and "civil society", however one may choose to define these ambiguous terms! The L&E cottage is easily accessible from Belfast by vehicle and is in close proximity (walking distance!) to both Saintfield (fields, yes, many of them en route, but as for the Saint, none was evident to our hapless holidaymakers from South Africa and Yorkshire!) and Ballynahinch (give an inch or two!). The joys of our week-long stay were immeasurably enhanced by a caring and hospitable (but suitably discreet) L&E hostess, the convivial company of good friends, and the sheer beauty of the surrounding countryside, both before and after being blanketed in wintry snow.Bracing country walks and daily excursions to several sites of local interest were, despite the cold weather, themselves all the more pleasurable on account of knowing that, on our return home each evening -- sometimes late, sometimes early! -- we would be welcomed by the glow and warmth of both hearth and heart, qualities that epitomise "Late & Early". Along with the comfort afforded by the cottage's excellent and easily operated amenities (alas, we had no need for the TV -- a sign, surely, of a true holiday?), we were favoured, too, with some of the Nation's finest (beverages, that is!) and many splendid meals, lovingly prepared and gratefully consumed -- all of which served to sustain and restore one's weary body, as well as invigorate mind and soul. Love and laughter abounded within the walls of L&E.The conundrum facing L&E guests each night was, simply: "Do we retire early and rise late?" or, rather, does one extend the joys of the day late into the night and, yet, still be sufficiently refreshed and inspired to rise early the following morning? For the most part, the latter option prevailed. No reason, therefore, not to burn the candle at both ends!So, too, as late as this review of L&E is penned ... "Better late than Never"? ... it has been prompted by the freshness of mind, the clarity of thought, a keen vigour, and the sense of exhilaration accompanying each early morning rising (as often as not, ahead of the dawn!) in this delightful part of Northern Ireland. This exhilaration translated into a readiness to face, embrace and enjoy the sites, scenes and activities of every new day and, yes, also time to relax at leisure with one's family and friends. The time to do so? In the opinion of this reviewer, "the earlier, the better", for "later" may not eventuate and may -- indeed, more than likely, would -- result in a regret of missed opportunities, for who knows, we may not pass this way again.Thank you, "L&E", for enabling us to truly enjoy our time of "R&R" in NI.
Late & Early Cottage is a UK Lodging based in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland. Late & Early Cottage is located at 93 Ballynahinch Rd, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7LZ, UK.
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