Fern Lodge - Uk51604

Fern Lodge is one of a small group of single-storey lodges set in open farmland outside Peel, on the island’s west coast. Timber cladding, a slate-grey roof, and grass running away from the door towards the hills.

The approach is a concrete path across the lawn to a pair of dark glazed doors, with room to leave a car alongside. The lodge is detached, so what sits behind the bedroom windows is field rather than a neighbour. On a clear day the ground falls away to a long view of the uplands.

Sage, oak and a wall of glass

Inside is open-plan and bright. Two navy leather sofas face each other across a cream rug, sage cushions and a low round table between them, a television on the wall and French doors onto the grass. The kitchen runs along the far end in white gloss with oak worktops, holding an oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher and kettle, with a compact dining table and two moulded chairs under the window.

Two rooms, four beds

The main bedroom takes an extra-large double beneath plantation shutters, green floral bedding and a table on each side. The second has two single beds, a wardrobe and a small desk by the window. Washing is split across two rooms: a walk-in shower behind full-height glass in one, a basin, WC and heated towel rail in the other.

The decking and the lawn

A timber deck holds a stone picnic table and benches set into gravel at the lawn’s edge. There is a barbecue, and enough grass around the lodge to send children out onto.

Out towards the west coast

This is farmland rather than town, with Peel and its castle, harbour and Fenella Beach a drive away down the coast.

Best for

Two couples, or a family of four who would rather look at fields than at someone else’s wall.