The Milk Wood

Introduction

A secluded riverfront estate made up of two pairs of cottages, Hiraeth and Huckleberry, The Milk Wood awaits in a peaceful part of Pembrokeshire, where the only neighbours are ancient oaks and creatures of the forest. Centuries ago, it was dairy folk and foresters who called these woods home; when its new custodians got wind of the ramshackle cottages, so began a renaissance of ethereal proportions. In them, there's curtained cubbyholes, cabinets licked in burgundy and basil, and enormous velveteen sofas made for cocoa-fuelled chats. All that, plus bathtubs in the garden, the spiced-honey scent of climbing jasmine, and hot tubs that hide among wildflowers.

Inside

A minimaluxe labyrinth of four cottages, each taking cues from the softened angles of the Cyclades and the textured ceilings of adobe architecture, this may be Pembrokeshire's finest case of fusion design: think Welsh homestead meets Scandi health club. Estates like this exist for a purpose: they're made for the gathering days. The pompom hats around the table days. The “close your eyes and make a wish” days. Beneath oak pendants and encased by picture windows that do their best to frame the joys within, The Milk Wood is a place to have long slumbers in bunklets, then come together for fika rituals until stars spangle the skies above the Nevern Valley.

Outside

Perching on a network of pea pebble paths that wind through a forest clearing, this quad of cottages are the Nevern Valley's answer to the great American summer camps. Days are for outdoor living – scouting wagtails from the river hammock, cooking expeditionary breakfasts, foraging, and recharging in the hot tub. A separate event space welcomes wellness activities like breathworks and yoga, as well as dinner parties where 30 guests can gather around a long table. Inside there's a bar, catering kitchen, speakers, and exercise mats for the morning after the night before. Outside, a large range barbecue, pizza oven, and firepit invite al fresco feasts.

• PricingFrom £9,895 per week, £7,450 per short break
• FeaturesTwo hot tubs, luxury Thai massage room, TV snug, snooker table, outdoor kitchen, outdoor bath, fire pit, river hammock, sauna, an event space with a catering kitchen, outdoor barbecue and pizza oven
• PetsFour well-behaved dogs are welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
  
• PracticalitiesThere is parking for thirteen cars. The kitchens in the cottages and barn are well-equipped with Rangemaster electric cookers, induction hobs, fridge-freezer, and dishwashers. The kitchenette in the bothy is equipped for preparing breakfast and snacks. There are utility rooms with washing machines and tumble dryers. There is underfloor heating throughout. Please note that the gardens 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 some steps throughout, but there are ground-floor bedrooms in three of the properties. Your booking includes a separate heated event space, featuring a catering kitchen, bar, and dining table that seats 30
• 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
• Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point

Nevern Valley

Charming coastal taverns, rivers revealing tracks of otters, and meadows turned artisanal picnic spots; the Nevern Valley is made for excursionists. Nearby, you’ll find the Preseli Mountains, believed to be the source of the iconic bluestones used in the construction of Stonehenge.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map The Milk Wood is located in the Nevern Valley near Newport in Pembrokeshire, ideally located for visiting the Preselis and Newport Beach.
• By car The estate 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.