Hiraeth

Introduction

Nearly two centuries ago, it was forestry folk who called this place home; using the Afon Nyfer as a transport artery, riding logs destined to be ships to the mill downriver. When Hiraeth’s owners found the cottages, they were ramshackle to the point of remediless. Drawing influence from Swedish routes and wilderness pursuits, they somehow made a snug family home beneath the oak trees. Their biggest (and smallest) muse? A son, born mid-renovation, who might someday tell tales of its limed walls and dappled light, of slumbers in curtained cubbyholes and bubble baths in the garden, and even, perhaps, of the gilt Tylwyth Teg who danced in the grasses.

Inside

Part concrete burrow, part timber birdhouse, this is the home you imagine while reading The Wind in the Willows. Taking cues from adobe architecture in the form of sloping walls and textured ceilings, but adding light wells and lively artwork to cement its modernity, the cottages were designed to create the feeling of being indoors and in the woods all at once. Bring both households together at the oak-fronted chef’s island to piece puzzles, pour taffy apple cider, and crumble perl las for the rarebit (keep the kitchenette across the way for humbler fare). Come nightfall, scatter in search of a quiet corner: bunklets, velvet sofas, and a sauna under the stars.

Outside

Connected by a pea shingle walkway, the homes are far enough to afford privacy, but close enough that children may still attempt to hang tin can telephones between the windows. Periwinkle hydrangeas, long grasses, and a forest of old sessile oaks cocoon the cottages. In warm months, there’s a thrum of honeybees and peacock butterflies; the sauna and river hammock evoking feeling of a new life in the wild. When the mercury falls, telltale tracks reveal stoats, badgers, and watersliding otters. There's also the option to hire a separate event space that invites you to recharge with morning yoga and gather for evenings of foraged feasts by candlelight.

• PricingFrom £3,595 per week, £2,750 per short break for up to 12 guests
  An alternative group size of up to 8 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
• FeaturesHot tub, sauna, outdoor bath, fire pit and river hammock
• PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
  
• PracticalitiesThere is parking for five cars. The well-equipped kitchen in the cottage has a Rangemaster Professional+ electric cooker with induction hob, larder fridge, under-counter freezer, and dishwasher. There is a small utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer. There is underfloor heating throughout both properties. The kitchenette in the bothy is equipped for preparing breakfast and snacks. Please note that the garden leads to a river, so do exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children and/or dogs. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that there are steps throughout the cottage, but the bothy is more accessible. At an additional cost, you may hire the separate event space, featuring a catering kitchen, bar, and dining table that seats 30. Please note, there are neighbouring properties within the estate that may also be booked for larger groups, subject to availability
• Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
  
  Explore private dining
• RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book

Nevern Valley

Sandwiched between the Preselis and the Pembrokeshire Coast (the only coastal national park in the UK), the Nevern Valley is a meadowed wonderland that’s been a site of pilgrimage for centuries. It feels remote, but there’s still pizzerias and sandy beaches close to hand.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map This luxury country cottage is located in the Nevern Valley near Newport in Pembrokeshire, ideally located for visiting the Preselis and Newport Beach.
• By car Hiraeth is around ten minutes from Newport in Pembs, under one hour from St Davids (the UK’s smallest city), and five hours from London by car.
• By train Carmarthen is one hour away by car, or two-and-a-half hours by public transport and on foot. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of four hours with GWR.
• By air Haverfordwest Airport is thirty minutes away, Swansea Airport is one-and-a-half hours away, and Cardiff Airport is just over two hours away by car.