What better way to enjoy a rustic weekend than at Bellinter House, a restored Irish Country House on the banks of the River Boyne. Chic, comfortable, and only a stone's throw from Dublin, the original house (built in 1750) has been meticulously restored by designer Pierce Tynan, and updated with the best of modern Irish design.

The bedrooms have big beds, crispy white linen sheets, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. The spa is organic (using seaweed-based Voya products) and country house dining has finally entered the modern era with Eden Restaurant (we suggest the fresh oysters from Carlingford Lough).

And if simply lounging about admiring the view isn't your thing, you can take a dip in the indoor infinity pool, bubble up in the outdoor hot tub, or sweat it out in the steam room or sauna. There are also plenty of walking trails along the river and in the surrounding countryside for an Austen-esque stroll. The house keeps wellies on hand to keep your toes dry!

Your toughest choice: whether to grab a pint and challenge your friends to a game of billiards, or try you hand at dry fly brown trout fishing (the house has rights to three miles of river). Tough, eh?