Life in the digital age can be a demanding affair, with constant phone calls, texts and emails about everything from work to social events it can often be difficult to find time to disconnect and relax.
Even in our downtime, we're scarcely an arm's length away from a phone or laptop and the nagging temptation to stay up-to-date and connected.
However, the morning I awoke with the sun streaming in the window as it rose over the shores of Lough Neagh, I felt those temptations fade away. It was like the perfect lazy Sunday morning, with no obligations or hurry to start the day - and that's the kind of experience Chloe and Andrew Patterson are looking to foster for their guests.
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The couple are the minds behind Lough Neagh's Mirror Houses, a beautiful little spot on the shores of Ireland's largest freshwater lake that combines the feeling of a rustic country holiday with the amenities we've come to expect in modern living.
The Mirror Houses are a set of single-room dwellings on Andrew's family farm, and as the name suggests, they're mostly made of glass, allowing the sun's rays to shine through as it rises over the lake each morning.
For those concerned about privacy, there's no need to worry. The exteriors are reflective during the day, making it almost impossible to see inside while giving you a perfect view of the lake. At night, you can see inside the cabin if it's lit from within, but there are privacy walls on either side of the structure to prevent anyone from peeking - and if you're truly concerned, there are curtains to cover every window.
The interior is stylishly furnished with a sleek contemporary kitchenette, a cosy dining space and a comfortable bed that has just the right pop of colour. The wooden back wall and ceiling, accompanied by sleek black window frames, make the space feel quite homely while still maintaining a sense of elegance.
The only sectioned-off space in the entire pod is the bathroom, which is walled in with frosted glass rather than the clear windows that surround the rest of the structure.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a tray full of treats, sourdough bread, and two pots of butter and jam produced locally. These made for a perfect light breakfast as we sat on the wooden terrace on that first peaceful morning.
The breakfast was followed by a quick steam in the on-site sauna and a cool rush of water from the bucket shower, which will certainly wake you up in the morning.
The Mirror Houses present a great opportunity to reconnect, both with your partner and the wider natural world. The hosts provide each pod with a 'digital detox box' which you can lock your phones into to prevent the mindless social media scrolling we've almost all fallen into the habit of.
Just a stone's throw away from the Mirror Homes is the Portmore Lough Nature Reserve, which provides a great walking trail with plenty of animals to say hello to along the way. Andrew and Chloe are also working on setting up bike rentals, which will allow guests to head for a cycle around Lough Neagh and take in the area's stunning natural beauty.
If you're looking for something a bit more lively, the guesthouses are just a fifteen-minute drive from Antrim Town, which has a variety of lovely pubs and restaurants.
During our stay, we relied on the little guidebook provided by the Patterson family, which briefly ran through some of the top local restaurants and activities in the area. The booklet was invaluable, allowing us to wine and dine like a pair of locals who know all the best spots.
For those who can't quite leave the city behind, the houses are just over a thirty-minute drive from Belfast, so even if you're not into the whole 'modern life detox' thing, there'll be plenty for you to do and explore during your stay.
After a relaxing day spent exploring, we retired to the guesthouse, and it's at night when the experience really shines. While the terrace is ideal for a fresh-air breakfast, it's also perfect for chilling out with a glass of wine in the built-in hot tub.
The hot tub is covered during the day, so debris doesn't get in, and the water is maintained to a crystal clear standard. At night, it's illuminated from below, and even in the chilly March weather, it makes for quite the romantic atmosphere—although it should be noted that you will need to provide the wine yourself.
So, all in all, if you're looking for a relaxing stay to get away from it all and connect with your partner while still looking to enjoy a few of the comforts of modern life, look no further than the Mirror Houses at Lough Neagh (Insta: @loughneghmirrorhouses).
EXCLUSIVE MIRROR OFFER
For 10% off stays at Lough Neagh Mirror Houses, use the code Spring10 at booking. This discount code is valid from Thursday, April 10 until Thursday April 24, 2025 (oodhotels.com/accommodation/lough-neagh-sunrise)
