Learn How With ÖÖD, the Pattersons Turned Their Farm Into One of Northern Ireland’s Most In-Demand Retreats
On the quiet shores of Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland’s largest freshwater lake, a fourth-generation dairy farm has transformed into one of the most talked-about travel destinations on the island. Launched in December 2024, the Lough Neagh Mirror Houses, a collaboration between ÖÖD and Ballyginniff Farm, has quickly become a leading example of how rural farms can diversify and thrive through tourism.
This visionary retreat, established by Andrew and Chloe Patterson, marks the debut of ÖÖD’s iconic mirror houses in Ireland. Seamlessly blending modern luxury with natural beauty, the Sunrise House and Sunset House offer an unforgettable guest experience just 100 metres from the lakeshore, where grazing cattle and native wildlife are the only neighbours.
From Farming to Future-Focused Tourism
After inheriting the family farm following a generational handover, Andrew and Chloe sought a way to preserve their land’s legacy while opening it up to the world. “We wanted to offer something different, combining the beauty of our family farm with a modern twist,” says Andrew. “ÖÖD Mirror Houses were the perfect choice, blending with the landscape rather than imposing on it.”
Their decision to diversify into hospitality was rooted in a deep connection to the land and a shared passion for nature and agriculture. Rather than developing a typical glamping site, they chose sleek, architectural ÖÖD Mirror Houses to create something visually striking, low-impact, and unique within Northern Ireland’s rural tourism scene.
Immersive Experiences by Lough Neagh
Each mirror house offers panoramic views, one-way glass for full privacy, and a floating bed design to maximise space and comfort. Outside, guests enjoy:
- Private hot tubs with lakeside views
- A rejuvinating sauna experience
- Cold bucket shower and outdoor seating
- Locally sourced, welcome produce and wellness treatments on request
- Access to bike hire, hiking routes, and Northern Ireland’s iconic tourist sites
With their minimalist exteriors and eco-sensitive foundations built on ground screws, the mirror houses reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape while leaving the land virtually untouched.
A Rural Retreat That Took Off From Day One
In just its first four months from December 2024 to March 2025, the Lough Neagh Mirror Houses have seen remarkable performance:
- Average Occupancy Rate: 75%
- Average Monthly Revenue: ~£11,000 GBP
- Nightly rate: ~£280 – £320
The site has rapidly become one of Northern Ireland’s most sought-after short-stay destinations, thanks to its distinctive offering and proximity to both Belfast and the North Coast. Word-of-mouth, social media buzz, and strong OTA listings helped fuel early success, with bookings surging from day one of marketing activities, led by the ÖÖD marketing team through partnership program support.
A Model for Farm Diversification
Ballyginniff Farm’s transformation exemplifies how modern rural tourism can blend seamlessly with agriculture. At 140 acres, the working farm continues to operate while inviting guests to experience its peaceful rhythms. With the untouched beauty of Lough Neagh and centuries of local history, including ancient myths of giants forming the lake, visitors get more than a stay; they get a story.
For farmers and landowners across the world, the Lough Neagh case highlights a powerful model: using ÖÖD Mirror Houses to generate sustainable income from underutilised land, with minimal environmental footprint and maximum guest impact.
ÖÖD Partnership Program
ÖÖD is actively inviting new partners to replicate this success. Through the ÖÖD Partnership Program, landowners and experience-focused businesses gain access to:
As a partner, you gain access to:
- ÖÖD Signature Mirror Houses – world-renowned for their minimalist design and immersive nature experience
- A trusted, globally recognised brand
- A full-scale booking platform that syncs with all major OTAs (Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, etc.)
- A loyal and growing international traveller base
- A gift card system to drive direct bookings and marketing campaigns
- Expert support throughout every stage, from planning and site design to delivery, setup, and launch
Our team works closely with each partner to build not just cabins, but unforgettable destinations. Whether you’re adding a new revenue stream to your existing business or creating a nature retreat from scratch, ÖÖD helps bring your vision to life.
Start your hospitality journey with ÖÖD Partnership at www.oodhouse.com/partnership