Bantwen ('The White Hollow') is a traditional detached West Wales cottage in an edge-of-village setting in Carmarthenshire - 'The Garden of Wales'. Stay here to explore the famous Towy valley, relax by an open fire, and sleep under one of the most beautiful historic 'underthatches' that you will see anywhere. Bantwen is located at the end of a short private lane on the edge of the village of Carmel looking across a field to the village itself. VisitWales (WTB) Graded 4* and with easy access via the M4/ England and with many good local days out. Bantwen photo gallery.

Bwthyn traddodiadol ar wahân yw Bantwen mewn lleoliad gwledig hyfryd yn Sir Gaerfyrddin – ‘Gardd Cymru’. Mae lle i chwech gysgu ond mae’n gartrefol iawn gyda dau yn unig. Aros yma i grwydro Dyffryn Tywi, ymlacio wrth dân agored, a chysgu o dan un o’r is-doeau gwellt gorau a welwch yn unrhyw le. Lleolir Bantwen wrth drwyn lôn breifat fach yn ymyl pentref Carmel. Mae gardd fawr a choed ffrwythau aeddfed a golygfeydd godidog dros y wlad i bob ochr. Lleolir y bwthyn ddeng milltir yn unig o draffordd yr M4 (ond mae’n teimlo fel byd gwahanol!).

• Traditional 'Cegin Fawr' Living Room with a powerful wood-burning stove,  television (digital channels) DVD player

• Stairs to croglofft above (stair gate available on request). 

The dining room has a large farmhouse table which can accommodate 6 persons comfortably. Stairs to main double room above. Armchair & traditional fireplace (not in use).

The kitchen isn't large but has everything you'd expect. In one of the outbuildings you'll find a chest freezer and a washer-dryer. Butler sink, dresser, fridge, full-size oven and seperate microwave etc.

Bedroom 1 (upstairs) is a good size and has a king-size bed and pleasant country views to the front. It is accessed by the original stairs which are narrow and very steep - beware. Travel cot (and high chair) available on request.

Bedroom 2 (downstairs) is a small room with two single beds. Direct access to rear of property via door if required. Next to bathroom.

Bedroom 3 is the original 'croglofft' above the lounge, and has an amazing wickerwork underthatch exposed. One of the best preserved early vernacular roofs in Wales. Plenty of space and a double cast-iron Victorian type bed. The underthatch over the bed is covered with canvas, but you can see the original ancient roof over most of the room.

The bathroom (downstairs, by twin room) is small but well-presented and has a powerful shower over the bath.

Outside there is a half acre of land for your exclusive use accessed via the cottage garden 

The cottage is fully centrally heated but also has a wood burning stove in the living area for cosy nights in.

• See the local area
• Fishing - River Towy/ Golden Grove (3 miles)
• Carreg Cennen Castle - 5 miles 
• Brecon Beacons National Park - easy day trip
• Dinefwr Park and Castle (National Trust) - 5 miles
• Llandeilo - cafes, crafts, antiques - 4.5 miles
• Dylan Thomas' Boathouse and pub
• The National Botanic Garden of Wales - 9 miles
• Aberglasney gardens - 5 miles
• Pembrey Country Park - beaches - 10 miles
• Dolaucothi gold mines - Welsh gold - 15 miles

• Re-use of little used building
• Lime products used in renovation
• Efficient new condensing heating boiler
• Accessible by public transport - National Express to Cross Hands (2 miles) then taxi (approx £6).

'Spent a wonderful few days at Bantwen. We found the cottage to be warm, inviting and thoroughly relaxing. This place is wonderful. Well equipped and perfect to stay in even with two young children. Where else can you find a place that provides everything down to the safety gate? Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful escape from everything. ' ~ Andy & Lee Pearson

'Too many wonderful things to mention, truly an original cottage taking one back a couple of hundred years in time. Two days are never enough to sample all that the surrounding villages and towns have to offer. ' ~ Emma Blake

'The croglofft really is incredible. Aside from the character and uniqueness, the bed is comfortable and the loft dark, we slept soundly and marvelled at the underthatch roof! We loved the area, batteries have been recharged and a week hasn't been long enough. ' ~ Mark & Emily Lawson

If bringing toddlers or the infirm note there is a step of 4" in the main living room. Cot, high chair and stair gate available on request. Guests bring own cot bedding.