You’ve braved the winter months and thankfully come out the other side. After Christmas, the stint of broke January and battling the February blues, why not treat yourself to a small getaway this March. Fancy a weekend away? We think this could be just the slice of heaven you could be looking for... Here are just some of the reasons why Carlow could be the key to a perfect weekend break! Location A weekend away sounds deliriously luxurious, until you hear there’s a three hour car wait ahead of you. The Step House Hotel is just a short drive from Dublin. Throw on your playlist and watch as the city chaos falls behind you. It’s rare you can have a sleep-in and still be whisked away on a weekend away before noon. Prepare to pull up to a stunning little boutique hotel, nestled in quaint gardens for guests to enjoy. With parking aplenty, the hotel is located in the heart of Borris, next to the tea rooms, a dotted row of pubs and local shops for your own wanderings. Décor Stepping into the hotel, prepare yourself for the stunning staircase and reception, with warm lighting and a roaring fire for those who might be returning from a walk through Borris. The Georgian building is deceptively bigger than you might originally think but staff are on hand to guide you to your room, offer assistance and greet you with a smile. It was then we were lead to one of twenty bedrooms in the boutique hotel. With deep fluffy pillows, and stunning views of the local countryside, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in a little bit of heaven. And then you try the power shower… Bread For anyone who associates fresh, warm bread with a cup of tea and the warmth of home, we couldn’t recommend a taste from the master baker Eoin Jenkinson highly enough. Whisked away to the ballroom for a master class from Eoin, we learned the skills to produce some light, rich brown bread courtesy of the hotel’s signature expert.

A photo posted by Her.ie (@herdotie) on Feb 7, 2015 at 8:31am PST

Eoin shared some tips he learned growing up with a baking tradition passed down from his grandfather to his own father and we can happily report, he’s mastered himself. From brown bread, to curry bread, tomato inspiration to seeded creations, this is baking perfection. Keeping Active With the Blackstairs Mountains right on the hotel’s doorstep, take an ecotrail and go foraging for fungi, flora and wild foods fresh from nature. You’ll also get to go back to your roots and discover the birds, flora and butterflies along the River Barrow. Slip into a gentle stroll with low hills and friendly faces. Champagne Anyone? A highlight in any weekend’s plan was a trip into the beautiful champagne reception. The cocktail lounge is decked out with plush, velvet curtains, deep armchairs and a roaring fire. With the elegant gold furnishings, and the flow of champagne, it’s near impossible to pull yourself away from the decadence. Until you hear what’s on the menu downstairs… Dine In Style In The Cellars Situated in the kitchens of the original old house, The Cellar is a series of interconnected rooms with archways and vaulted ceilings, and a bar to cater to any taste. Joined by a table of guests, we were waited on like kings and queens. Chatting over wine, food and hobbies to attempts at match-making by one dinner guest, staff effortlessly spoil you with wine top-ups, prompt dinner plates and checking-in along the way to ensure you want for nothing during your time at the table. Head chef Alan Foley will have your mouth watering with the selection of courses on offer. From creamy risotto to seared duck breast and fresh pastries for dessert, the menu is nearly impossible to choose from… Breakfast the next morning was the perfect way to end the weekend, with freshly squeezed juice, warm baked bread and a fruit salad bursting with flavour before tucking into a cooked breakfast for the drive home. Devil Is In The Detail You will not beat the The Step House Hotel when it comes to service. Starting out as a family run business, the warmth, kindness and attentiveness welcomes you like home from your first step into the building. From check-in to check-out, the incredible team are on hand to offer directions, greet you with a smile and guarantee a perfect stay. Nothing is too big or too small, and all the little details add up to one winner of a weekend break. If you feel like indulging in a spring break, or a gourmet tasting treat, have a look at the hotel's website here for a series of mid-week and weekend packages for the perfect escape.