Experience luxury at Caragh Lake House in County Kerry, with scenic lakefront views, private gardens, and spacious retreats perfect for relaxing stays, family gatherings, and exploring the Ring of Kerry.

The House

Caragh Lake House is a luxurious, privately owned lakefront home set on the shores of beautiful Caragh Lake in County Kerry. Surrounded by mature woodland, open water and the mountains of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the house offers an exceptional combination of comfort, privacy and natural beauty in the heart of the Ring of Kerry.

Originally built in the early 1970s, Caragh Lake House was designed by local architect Harry Wallace. Its distinctive low-slung, stone-fronted design reflects the modernist architecture of its era while allowing the house to sit naturally within the surrounding Kerry landscape. Wallace was known for his architectural work throughout Killarney, Kenmare and South Kerry, creating buildings that responded thoughtfully to their setting.

That connection between the house and its surroundings remains central to the experience today. Large windows frame panoramic views of the lake and mountains, while the home’s orientation draws natural light into the living spaces throughout the day. From quiet mornings overlooking the water to evenings gathered together after exploring Kerry, the house was created as a place in which guests can slow down, reconnect and enjoy the landscape.

Following careful updating, Caragh Lake House now combines its original architectural character with the modern amenities expected of a luxury holiday home in Kerry. Spacious accommodation, comfortable interiors and direct access to the lakeshore make it ideal for families, couples and groups seeking a peaceful and memorable Irish escape.

Caragh Lake, also known as Lough Caragh, is a freshwater lake situated between Killorglin and the coastal village of Glenbeigh on the Iveragh Peninsula. Formed within a glacial landscape and fed by the Caragh River system, the lake lies beneath the dramatic peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range.

The lake covers almost five square kilometres and is known for its clear water, small islands and long tradition of salmon fishing. Much of Caragh Lake and the surrounding river catchment forms part of the protected Killarney National Park, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment Special Area of Conservation. This protected setting supports an extraordinary natural environment of native woodland, mountain habitats, rivers and lakes.

Life at Caragh Lake House follows the gentle rhythm of the water. Guests can begin the morning watching the light move across the lake, spend the day exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply enjoy the stillness of the private lakeshore. Direct lake access creates opportunities for waterside relaxation and outdoor adventure, while the peaceful setting makes the house equally suited to reading, resting and spending uninterrupted time together.

A Special Place on the Ring of Kerry

Caragh Lake House is perfectly positioned for discovering some of the most celebrated scenery and attractions in County Kerry. Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe, Rossbeigh Beach, Carrauntoohil and the Wild Atlantic Way are all within reach, along with the towns and villages of Killorglin, Glenbeigh and Killarney.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, golf and scenic drives, or explore the beaches, mountain passes and historic landmarks of the Ring of Kerry. After a day of adventure, the house provides a secluded lakeside retreat in which to relax and take in the ever-changing views.

More than simply a place to stay, Caragh Lake House is part of the story of this remarkable landscape. Its 1970s architecture, private lake frontage and extraordinary mountain setting come together to create a holiday home with a genuine sense of history and place—a setting for peaceful escapes, shared adventures and unforgettable memories in Kerry.

Our New Chapter

YOUR HOSTS

“The view and location of Caragh Lake House is something special, it's a space where relaxation, recreation, and connection with the environment come together says Ettienne . “It has a rare kind of peace. You feel it the moment you arrive.”

Caragh Lake House is now lovingly stewarded by Ettienne and Annemarie van Vrede, their two daughters and supported by a community of their friends, who bring together a global perspective and deep hospitality roots.

Ettienne originally from South Africa, with a background in luxury hotels and a lifelong love of adventure, action, and untamed places. Annemarie is Irish - a third-generation hotelier - she is also a qualified interior designer, bringing a trained eye to space, flow, and materiality. Uniquely, Annemarie is certified reflexologist, with a deep belief in balance, restoration, and the energy of a people and a home.

Together, they bring a quiet attentiveness to every detail and a deep respect for atmosphere - preserving what makes the house special, while gently elevating the experience for today’s guest.

They now open its doors to guests from Ireland and around the world who come seeking exactly that: space, beauty, stillness - and a place that feels both rooted and rare.

“It’s a place that invites stillness,” Annemarie says. “Our role is simply to honour that - to allow guests to experience it in their own way.”