Family-run Co Antrim retreat awarded four stars by Tourism NI

(L-R) Steven Kane, Senior Quality & Standards Advisor at Tourism NI pictured with Emma and Pete Hathaway, owners of Peatlands.

A luxury countryside retreat near Ballymoney has received a major tourism boost after being awarded four stars by Tourism Northern Ireland’s Quality Grading Scheme, recognising the high standards, comfort and distinctive experience it offers visitors to the North Coast area.

Peatlands, a secluded family-run accommodation business set within three acres of mature gardens and woodland in Co Antrim, has been formally accredited following Tourism NI’s latest quality assessment.

The retreat comprises two luxury shepherd’s huts, which inspectors found combine exceptional craftsmanship with distinctive character, while offering guests privacy, comfort and a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape.

Nature-led luxury in a secluded woodland setting

The latest assessment found that Peatlands reflects its rural setting through a carefully considered blend of nature, sustainability and artisan craft.

Inspectors said the huts were “well placed to maximise privacy and cleverly designed with the modern traveller in mind”.

Surrounded by woodland rich in wildlife, trees, wildflowers and shrubs, the setting was highlighted as a key part of the guest experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature from the moment they arrive.

The site’s appeal lies not only in its accommodation, but in the sense of seclusion and calm it offers — a growing draw for visitors seeking quieter, more restorative breaks close to the North Coast.

Tourism NI praises ‘quiet luxury’ and sustainability

Steven Kane, Senior Quality & Standards Advisor at Tourism Northern Ireland, said the retreat fully deserved its new accreditation.

He said:

“Peatlands offers a beautifully executed example of quiet luxury guest accommodation, where thoughtfully designed shepherd’s huts, high standards of comfort and genuine, personalised hospitality come together seamlessly.

“A small, family-run business, Peatlands offers guests a peaceful escape ideally positioned just a short drive from some of the North Coast’s most iconic landmarks.

“Set within a peaceful natural landscape, visitors can explore Garry Bog, an important and rare biodiverse peatland habitat of significant environmental and cultural importance.

“The retreat demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and guest wellbeing, with distinctive touches such as freshly baked artisan treats, prepared within the on-site bakery, and carefully curated spaces that create a truly restorative experience.

“The owners have created a high quality, memorable retreat that fully merits its four star accreditation and I wish them every success for the future.”

The mention of Garry Bog underlines the wider environmental appeal of the location, linking the guest stay to one of the area’s ecologically significant peatland habitats.

Owners say recognition is a major milestone

Peatlands has been awarded four-stars by Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme.

Owners Pete and Emma Hathaway said the four-star award marks an important moment as they continue to establish the business.

They said: “We are delighted to have received a four-star grading from Tourism NI. As a relatively new accommodation business, the quality grading scheme is invaluable in helping guests book with confidence, while also recognising the high standards we work hard to maintain.

“The grading is particularly meaningful for an independent, family-run business like Peatlands, where we aim to offer something a little different: an understated, slow kind of luxury rooted in nature, good food, and meaningful, creative experiences.

“We’re proud to be part of the scheme and grateful for the support and guidance from the Tourism NI team as we continue to establish Peatlands as a distinctive and high-quality place to stay near the North Coast.”

Their comments reflect a growing trend across Northern Ireland’s tourism sector, where smaller independent operators are increasingly building experiences around wellbeing, sustainability and locally rooted hospitality.

What the four-star grading means

Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme serves as an official benchmark for visitors booking accommodation across Northern Ireland.

The scheme gives travellers a clear indication of the standards of accommodation, service and cleanliness they can expect.

It is open to a wide range of accommodation providers, including hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering properties, hostels and guest accommodation businesses.

Properties can achieve a rating of up to five stars, making Peatlands’ new four-star accreditation a significant endorsement for a relatively new, independent business.

For the Ballymoney and wider North Coast tourism market, the recognition adds another high-quality stay option for visitors exploring the Causeway Coast and inland attractions across north Antrim.

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At a glance

• Peatlands near Ballymoney has been awarded four stars by Tourism Northern Ireland

• The retreat features two luxury shepherd’s huts

• It is set within three acres of mature gardens and woodland

• Tourism NI praised its craftsmanship, privacy and sustainability

• Owners Pete and Emma Hathaway said the recognition is “particularly meaningful” for their family-run business

• The site offers easy access to the North Coast and nearby Garry Bog

• The award comes through Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme