Frewin

Frewin was a rectory for over 150 years and its earlier fortified annex dates back to the 1600s. Thomas, a restorer of old homes, antique collector, and raiser of rare-breed animals, found a family link while he was refurbishing the house: his great-aunt Susan had written her name on the back of one of the cupboards in the maid’s room in 1912. If you do not mind having your own private shower room down the hall, you can stay in Aunt Susan’s room. The other three bedrooms are small suites with sitting room areas—one has a claw-foot tub in the bathroom and the other two have showers. Our favorite, the green room, has a king-sized bedroom and, through the shower room, a private library which can double as a sitting room. There’s lots of interesting furniture (a praying wall and sideboard from Glenveagh Castle) and pictures (the library is covered with old Vanity Fair prints). Regina and Thomas are hospitable and easygoing. If you want to stay for a week, there is one little cottage tucked into quiet corners of the 2-acre garden. Ramelton is a 17th-century town with handsome houses and old riverside warehouses. A scenic route winds up Fanad Peninsula to Rathmullan and Portsalon.