Laois Chamber Alliance CEO, Caroline Hofman, this week caught up with Iveta Melgaile and Patrick Bowe, owners of The Ranch Cabin, located near Errill.
Tell us a bit about The Ranch Cabin and why you decided to set up your business?
“We are ideally located on the border of three counties Laois, Kilkenny and Tipperary in the centre of Ireland.
“The Ranch Cabin provides unique cabin accommodation with views of the beautiful Slieve Bloom mountains.
“The idea for the Ranch Cabin was born when I was pregnant with our little girl, and I thought of so many families in Ireland who don’t really know what farm life is about and have never had that experience.
“We are a working dairy farm so we milk for a living. Coming from Latvia, we have many places dotted all around the country that you can go and visit and stay on a farm, meet farm animals and enjoy living in timber accommodation with hot tubs in a country setting.
“That’s how it all came together and this is all available here in the Ranch Cabin. Saunas are a big part of my culture and something we also have available here for our guests to use during their visit.
“Hot tubs are just an additional luxury added to it.”
What is different and compelling about what you offer?
“Outdoor cooking is part of the farm experience and we have a BBQ hut and a fire pit with a large hanging pot to make outdoor stews or soup, not something many places have here in Ireland.
“We also have a sports field for our guests to have some fun.
“So along with our special cabins, all of these things in a private garden gated make it a unique country escape with tours available for visitors to see milking on the farm and the chance to meet our farm animals.”
Do you have any news or expansion plans you’d like to share with us?
“We are delighted to have now finally opened part of our one-of-a-kind Pond Beach Resort. This is a very unique and different experience we have brought to Laois.
“We have palm trees, Bali beds, exotic fish, and luxury accommodation with private porches and heated hot tubs with views over the pond and waterfall.
“We also plan in time to have a local story teller for guests around our fire pit.”
Where would you like to see The Ranch Cabin and The Bond Beach Resort in 5 years’ time?
“In 5 years’ time I would like to see our Pond Beach Resort being finished with sauna therapy rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and Bali bar with BBQ style dining, including live shows and an exotic atmosphere.
“I truly believe if you do a good food people will come. If you provide something different they will come also.”
What is your favourite place to visit in Laois and why?
“I love visiting Durrow Castle and the woodland walks.”
Visit www.ranchcabin.ie to find out more.
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