A Presidential Vacation at Ireland's Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle is world-renowned for its status as perhaps the finest castle resort on the Emerald Isle. And rightly so, as its fine dining, deluxe accommodations, spectacular amenities, wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic lavish interiors offer relaxation and stimulation alike. Now the resort has gone one step further with its first four poster bed and bespoke treatments through its Presidential Suite.

Styled by No. Twelve Queen Street, the posh Bath England design firm, the centerpiece of the four room suite – with sitting room, dressing room, bathroom, and bedroom -- is its four poster bed (the first in Dromoland Castle, at least in modern times). More about that in a moment! The high-ceilinged rooms sport gorgeous gothic details in the cornice, architraves, and doors, while the large windows offer sweeping views of the Castle's lake and grounds.

With the goal of respecting the essence of the space while creating a comfortable, light, luxurious experience, the design scheme uses soft golds and aquas together with silver gilt and nickel. To retain the historical character of the castle rooms while bringing them into the present day, these tones were incorporated into the bed finish and wallpapers, fabrics, pictures, furniture (which feature a mixture of painted finishes and natural wood tones), and lighting.

The sitting room, which includes a writing desk positioned at the large window, has documented hand printed damask wallpaper called St. Antoine: hand-brushed clear ivory with the design printed by a block in a soft yellow-gold. A complimentary documented woven damask fabric is used in the curtains, showcasing a clear aqua tone with designs detailed in soft cream and yellow that borrows from the wallpaper. Simple and elegant, the curtains have a bullion trim on an integral pelmet and are hung on painted cream poles with decorative finials. The upholstery fabrics are equally lovely, each of woven aqua/cream tones to complement the wallpaper and curtains. The artwork includes mirrored framed 18th century flora and fauna prints and a large portrait of an 18th century lady.

Using color and fabric to lead the eye through to the bedroom, the design's centerpiece is the gorgeous four poster bed. Both it and the window treatment fabric reflect the furniture, with a soft gold lining in the drapes and aqua and gold embroidered cushions on the bed. Chinese toile wallpaper in soft aqua and silver unite the room's features. A playful Chinese lacquer wedding chest hides the television in an alcove opposite the bed. Light fills the room through the bay window with its two wing chairs, creating a unique and soothing breakfast nook.

The dressing room is quite large. The curtains are made of the same aqua damask fabric used in the bedroom and sitting room, while the furniture is bespoke: the dressing table features the same finish as the bed, and the gothic wardrobe is finished in paint of cream and yellow with gilt detailing.

The bathroom, too, is a wonder to behold. Also quite large, the stand-alone bath takes pride of place in the middle of the room. In the middle are two basins with mirrors and excellent lighting. The separate shower room – consisting in fact of his-and-her showers -- is large as well. Marble graces not only the floors and the walls but also the floor and walls of the shower; mosaic slips in the floor and wells provide interesting detailing.

All in all, a gorgeous space well worthy of its name.

About: Dromoland Castle