Business Details
38 Years
experience
Award-Winning Rural Retreats in Northern Ireland
Brookhall Cottages, nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, has been offering unique self-catering accommodation for over three decades. Established in 1988 by Pauline and Sam Johnston, our business began as a working farm before evolving into a premier rural retreat. Our portfolio includes four traditional cottages, each meticulously restored to combine historical charm with modern comforts. The 13th-century Brookhall Church, fully restored in 2003, serves as a distinctive wedding venue certified for both religious and civil ceremonies.Recognised with the 2012 Tourism NI Award for Best Self-Catering Cottages, we pride ourselves on exceptional hospitality, local expertise, and maintaining the heritage of our 30-acre estate. Guests benefit from our deep-rooted knowledge of the region, having hosted visitors since the early days of our transformation from farm to tourism destination.
Services
Self-Catering Cottages
Wedding Venue Hire
Fishing Lake Access
Animal Encounters
Local Tour Guidance
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in Northern Irish hospitality
- Our cottages won Tourism NI's Best Self-Catering award in 2012
- We provide exclusive access to a 13th-century restored wedding church
- Our owners share extensive local knowledge for personalized recommendations
- We maintain a working farm with friendly animals for guest enjoyment
What people say
Unique and quirky
Well equipped
Outstanding owners
Tasteful furnishings
Historic setting
Services
Self-Catering Cottages
Our four traditional cottages combine historical character with modern comforts, featuring fully equipped kitchens, quality furnishings, and private parking. Each sleeps 2-4 guests, with wood-burning stoves for authentic atmosphere. Guests enjoy exclusive access to our 30-acre estate with gardens and resident animals.
Wedding Venue Hire
The restored 13th-century church offers a unique setting for weddings of all denominations, with adjoining banqueting facilities. Certified for civil ceremonies, the venue accommodates receptions with kitchen access. Our team provides guidance for event planning while preserving the site's historical integrity.
Fishing Lake Access
Our spring-fed fishing lake hosts private carp angling sessions, maintained with sustainable practices. The former trout farm turned fishery offers tranquil surroundings with equipment storage available. Guests combine fishing with cottage stays for immersive countryside experiences.
Animal Encounters
Explore our working farm's resident animals including pigs, ponies, and poultry. Supervised interactions allow guests to feed and learn about our rescued animals. The grounds feature historical farming implements for educational tours complementing the self-catering experience.
Local Tour Guidance
Benefit from our owners' extensive local knowledge for discovering Northern Ireland's hidden gems. We provide personalized recommendations for nearby attractions, dining options, and scenic routes, enhancing your rural retreat with curated regional experiences.
People
Pauline Johnston
Co-Owner
Co-founder with 30+ years' experience transforming Brookhall from a working farm to award-winning cottages. Recognized as Farm Woman of the Year in 2000, she oversees guest experiences and maintains the estate's heritage.
Sam Johnston
Co-Owner
Co-owner instrumental in restoring the 13th-century church and managing historical aspects of the estate. A keen historian, he previously conducted farm tours while maintaining the agricultural legacy of the property.
Questions
What types of accommodation do you offer?
We provide four self-catering cottages sleeping 2-4 guests each, featuring traditional Irish architecture, modern amenities, and private parking facilities.
Can I host a wedding at Brookhall?
Yes, our fully restored 13th-century church hosts weddings for all denominations, with certified civil ceremony facilities and adjacent banqueting space available.
Are pets allowed in the cottages?
We welcome well-behaved pets in designated cottages with prior arrangement, though guests should exercise caution around our working farm animals.
What local attractions are nearby?
We provide recommendations for nearby attractions including Hillsborough Castle, the Mourne Mountains, and local dining options within 10 miles of our estate.
Is there fishing access available?
Our spring-fed lake offers private carp angling sessions with equipment storage, available for guests staying in our cottages.
How accessible is Brookhall for disabled visitors?
While our historic cottages have limited accessibility, we provide ground-floor accommodations where possible and can advise on suitable arrangements for disabled guests.
