Our journey & why we love welcoming guests to Kionslieu Farm in the beautiful Isle of Man

A welcoming haven

Nestled in the tranquil slopes of the Isle of Man, Kionslieu is more than just a picturesque retreat; it is a labour of love, a story of transformation, and a welcoming haven for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. My husband Tony and I have lived on this beautiful island all our lives, and our journey at Kionslieu began in 1985 when we took a leap of faith and moved to this run down property, which despite it’s condition always had a warm and welcoming feeling to it.  

When we first arrived, Kionslieu was a very different place. The house bore little resemblance to the inviting farmhouse it is today with the surrounding sheds in disrepair. However, with the unwavering support of our family and a shared vision, we rolled up our sleeves and transformed our home, and the farmyard one shed at a time, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

In the early years, I balanced my time between working at the Post Office and managing our small farm, where Tony tended to our pigs, chickens, and our beloved goat, Annie the Nanny.

In 1987, with the arrival of our first child, I decided to leave my job to dedicate myself fully to the farm and our family. That decision coincided with the beginning of our venture into the hospitality industry, as we opened the doors of our farmhouse to guests seeking bed and breakfast accommodation.

The early days in hospitality

Our early days in hospitality were filled with warmth and simplicity. We advertised our offerings in the Isle of Man Tourist Guide, eagerly awaiting phone calls or letters from potential guests. Requests for our brochures, which we printed as A4 leaflets, soon became the norm. If luck was on our side, a booking would follow, with visitors sending in their booking forms and deposit cheques by mail, often leaving behind post-dated cheques for their next visit. This personal touch fostered a deep connection with our guests, many of whom came back year after year, creating lasting friendships and cherished memories.

Creating beautiful holiday accommodation in the heart of the Isle of Man

As the hospitality landscape evolved, so did the needs of our guests. The demand for en-suite accommodations grew significantly, and with the arrival of our second child we faced new challenges in managing the bed and breakfast in our farmhouse. 

Recognising this shift, we decided to repurpose the barns on the farmyard,  transforming the main barn into three spacious holiday cottages, which were carefully clad in the original Manx stone and with the dairy was converted into two delightful  single storey cottages . This renovation allowed us to offer our guests a blend of traditional charm and modern conveniences, catering to their preferences while maintaining the heart of what Kionslieu represents.

Today, we take immense pride in welcoming guests to our little corner of the world. Each visitor brings fresh energy and stories, turning our cottages into homes away from home. The joy of sharing our space and creating memorable experiences for our guests is truly fulfilling. We love seeing families reconnect, couples unwind, and friends create new memories amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Man.

A welcoming retreat

Kionslieu has become more than just a retreat; it is a place where hospitality and community thrive. As we continue this journey, we are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share our home and invite others to experience the peace and beauty that Kionslieu offers. We look forward to many more years of welcoming guests and being a part of their stories while they escape to the tranquil embrace of our beloved island

Choose from one of our five delightful cottages