“Dim on siffrwd awe a thyner furmur nant”
Welcome to Glan yr afon (literally 'river bank') - One of the best surviving, and prettiest, traditional West Wales thatched cottages. Located in the south of Ceredigion, (within easy reach of North Pembrokeshire), and a short distance from the sea, the property is within a short walk or drive from some of the cleanest, most unspoilt beaches in the UK. Surrounded by 2/3rds of an acre of private gardens, terraced and planted, and its own section of river-bank, it's truly a place to escape from the stresses of life!
A rare example of typical ‘Cardiganshire coastal cottage’, it was built over many years out of stone, clom (cob) and thatch, it was originally two separate buildings, dating from the 18th century or earlier (see history). However, comfort-wise it has been brought right up to date, whilst respecting the integrity of the building and the traditional techniques used.
Benefiting from two bedrooms, the cottage sleeps up to 4 people (1 king sized bed, and two full size single beds) in comfort, making it equally suitable for a romantic weekend away or a family beach holiday. There is full, 'smart' central heating throughout the property (with the exception of the upstairs bedroom which is heated by an IR panel).
The Cottage & Facilities
Parking
Off-street parking area by entrance to house, with space for 2 large cars
Kitchen /Dining room
Well-equipped and spacious Kitchen/Diner with a hob, fridge/freezer, toaster, kettle, microwave, panini maker, cafetiere, dishwasher and oven. Original quarry tiled floor. Solid oak worktops, belfast sink and bespoke fitted kitchen units. There is a wooden table with six chairs. Wood burning stove.
Upstairs Twin Bedroom
A closed staircase leads from the kitchen to a twin bedroom in the eaves of the cottage, with two full size single beds. Luxury 400 thread count bedlinen, and memory foam mattresses. Hanging rail and chest of drawers. Views over the garden towards the bridge. Perfect for adults or children (low eaves height).
Living area
Double height living area with exposed original roof beams and purlins, ‘stick’ under-roof structure, and original quarry tiled floor, with stone passageway. Large traditional West Wales type wattle and daub ‘fire hood’ over inglenook fireplace with freestanding traditional oil burning stove. Handmade oak shutters to original 18th Century window overlooking garden, river & bridge. Large 3 seater sofa and 1.5 seater 'snuggler'. Smart TV (Netflix, NowTV etc) and DVD library of 100+ films. A selection of books, maps and games are also provided. Fold out wooden ladder leading to...
Crog Loft
Traditional Welsh crog loft reading area, accessed by wooden step ladder, and furnished with armchair, coffee table bookshelf and bean bag sofa. NB: Due to the means of access, and height above ground, parents/guardians assume all responsibility for their children. No children under 10 years old to have access to crog loft.
Double Bedroom
Traditional 'in and out' panelled cosy Master bedroom with king size bed, luxury 400 thread count hotel bedlinen and memory foam mattress. Handmade oak shutters to recessed casement window. Hanging rail and clothes stand, hairdryer. Overlooks garden with views towards bridge and river.
Bathroom
Panelled bathroom with roll-top bath and powerful shower (enclosure over), WC and washbasin. Heated towel rail, and storage shelves.
Hallway
Clothes hanging area, cupboards containing iron, ironing board, high chair and travel cot. Handwashing equipment and drying rack provided, launderette facilities in nearby New Quay.
All bedlinen, towels and bathroom mats are provided. Beach and dog towels are not provided.
Please Note: The cottage is next to a sometimes fast-flowing river, reached by an often muddy river bank, and the garden is not completely contained (due to the river and bridge). For this reason, we do ask you to please keep children and dogs supervised at all times, especially after heavy rainfall.
Garden & Surroundings
The cottage is situated in a peaceful steeply-sided valley, yet being west-facing is surprisingly sunny all year round.
There are approximately ⅔ acre of gardens, with planted terraces (on the site of the ancient defensive mound and 17th century brew house) leading up the right hand side towards a shaded terrace, and trees.
Trees on the left line the bank of the River Fothau (which runs directly through the woodland to Cwmtydu National Trust beach), and a slope leads down to the river (from where a small waterfall may sometimes be seen upstream) to the underneath of the old bridge, and the remains of the pre-medieval ford stones (visible at low river levels).
Nearby, our small pond (where frogs spawn each year) is fed by rainwater from the hills behind, and in turn drains into the river.
There is a firepit, table and chairs, and a BBQ for guests' use. We’ve placed various small benches and seating areas through the garden so there is always a tranquil place to sit and read, relax, sketch or sleep!
Looking directly West from the garden, a wild and open valley landscape, bordering the river, leads the eye towards ancient woodland.
Walks directly from the house lead into this ancient woodland, and thence, (passing below the remains of an ancient fort), they join the Wales Coastal Path, or continue over a ridge to the sea (the beach of Cwmtydu).
Around the front of the house, ancient cobbles and work stones attribute to the house's working past, while a grass bank leads to a chestnut paled hedge and gate.
In late 2017, we worked with Stuart from the amazing Cae Hir Gardens (well worth a visit 'in season') to re-plant certain areas of the garden, and these are expected to grow and flourish over the next couple of years. It is an ongoing project and one we hope our guests will enjoy following.
The daffodils & snowdrops of Spring put on quite a show. In late Spring and Summer, bee & butterfly friendly species blossom & bloom. Late Summer and Autumn sees our ancient cider apple tree bear fruit (they don’t taste great though!). Winter exposes the beauty of the naked garden and opens up the light on the valley sides.
Red kites soar above and an abundance of wildlife is to be found by the river & pond, including the occasional otter! Many guests have contributed to our ‘nature diary’ and it’s a joy to read.