Four linearly constructed suites cantilever across a hillside in Cork, Ireland overlooking the River Lee below, while five others—floating amid the trees—are constructed in distinctive octagonal shapes that leave a minimal impact on the countryside. These immersive accommodations, along with an exclusive residents-only clubhouse, make up the Woodland Suite Experience, which will debut at the Montenotte hotel in August.
Designed by the hotel’s owners, Frankie and Jo Whelehan, together with Irish architecture firm Henry J Lyons and Dublin-based Kingston Lafferty Design, the suites are a lesson in minimalism with nods to Scandinavian and Japanese design sensibilities. “One of the key challenges was ensuring [the suites] were set amongst the woodland that surrounds the Montenotte,” says John Burgoyne, associate architect at Henry J Lyons. “We worked closely with the local council to create a project that’s harmonious to the landscape, as well as using pre-existing features within the architecture.”
Inside each dwelling, a restrained material palette features natural silver travertine floors and bronze mirrored wall finishes, complemented by American oak joinery. Delicate putty tones with earthy accents pair with custom rice paper that diffuses daylight into a soft glow, “creating an intimate, romantic setting that evokes a sense of calm,” says Róisín Lafferty, founder of Kingston Lafferty.
The beds, as well as the freestanding stone bath basins, are positioned to face expansive scenic views, merging “the indoors and outdoors as much as possible,” she adds, “to give a unique experience within the Irish landscape.”
The Montenotte has partnered with charity Hometree to launch the Nights-for-Nature tree planting initiative. For every stay at the Woodland Suite Experience, a tree will be planted in honor of the guests to support the conservation of Ireland’s woodlands, promote land regeneration, and enhance biodiversity.
A wet bar in the River Suites
The River Suite living area is awash in earth tones and organic forms
The Woodland Suites offer immersive forest views
A spacious gathering area in the Clubhouse resident suite
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