Under The Thatch

Pwll Pendre is a charming Victorian cottage sitting by the edge of a small pool on the beautiful Hafod estate near Cwmystwyth, mid Wales. It is one of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in Wales and Pwll Pendre has one of the best envious locations within the landscape. This delightful and historic cottage is a perfect retreat from modern life, accessible only by quiet forest tracks.

A Listed building retaining many original features, Pwll Pendre occupies a sheltered, south-facing hollow beside its own pool in a completely peaceful location. It really is a magical place; its location is what makes this cottage very special. Click here to see some holiday snaps taken on the estate.

Thomas Johnes made the Hafod estate famous when he remodelled it in the late eighteenth century to create what he considered paradise on earth. He didn't do a bad job and now you can explore the 'alpine' walks, rivers, waterfalls, caves, rope-bridges and estate ruins at your leisure.

If you stay here you will be away from all road noise and disturbance, and have free right of access over the Hafod estate lands - one of the most important picturesque movement landscapes in the world.

Pwll Pendre is a wonderful place to escape for a while - you can take a different sign-posted walk around the estate each day, each designed to take in different picturesque delights of the landscape.

The Afon Ystwyth is 10 mins. walk down the meadow, with four different streams cascading down steep hillsides to the river, creating Hafod’s famous waterfalls. Click here to see some photos of the newly restored 'Winter Walk'.

There are miles of scenic walking in every direction. It is a perfect place for observing red kites, which regularly nest as Hafod, as well as other raptors and a great range of wildlife.

Close by are attractions for every taste, from nationally important nature reserves (see red kites fed every day) to some of the best mountain bike trails in the UK. Devil’s Bridge and the spectacular Rheidol Gorge is 4 miles away (take one of the impressive steam train journeys in Europe to Aberystwyth), and the stunning Elan Valley lakes just 12 miles away. Take a guided trail with horses for the afternoon or go down a real silver mine, or let Cambrian Discovery guides do all the work for you and they'll tailor a local tour to your needs.

The seaside and university town of Aberystwyth is 15 miles distant; it has a great arts centre, concert hall, castle, three cinemas, galleries and a museum, and also a good selection of shops and other entertainments. The beaches of Cardigan Bay and the unspoilt Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron are also within easy reach.

You'll find free Wi-Fi Broadband access at (cough) McDonalds in Aberystwyth and also the much nicer Harbourmaster in Aberaeron. You'd probably want to visit the charming harbour at Aberaeron during your stay anyway.

Although this cottage feels like our most remote location it is in fact just 1.5 miles (walkable) to the the village of Pontrhydygroes with its shop and pub noted for home-made food..

Click HERE to see a map of the location or HERE to order publications about Hafod so you'll be well prepared for your stay.

Well-behaved pets are allowed, with wonderful dog-walking from the door. The cottage garden is enclosed by a low picket fence. Note that sheep graze in adjoining fields.

Please note that the cottage is a 125 yard walk (about the length of a large swimming pool) from the (safe) designated parking - there is no way of driving directly to the cottage door. There are steps on this walk, and guests with toddlers will have to be mindful of the potential danger from the pool in front of the house. The garden immediately around the house is fenced. Just so we've covered all the Health & Safety issues (why is Britain becoming so letigious?) note there is a beautiful Laburnum tree in the garden which can be poisonous to children if leaves are eaten (!).

THE PROPERTY COMPRISES:

LIVING ROOM/ DINING: The ground floor of the main cottage is one spacious room with a cast iron wood-burning stove (first basket of fuel supplied) and pleasant views down to the pool. In summer you'll probably just leave the door open to let the landscape in.

There are two comfortable sofas and a dining table for 6. Note that there is no tv reception but there is a CD player and you can bring DVDs to watch in the studio. All rooms have electric night storage heating (price included). There is a pay-phone as mobile reception is poor, and the housekeeper also lives on the estate should you have any query.

KITCHEN: The kitchen is simple, modern and practical with electric full-size oven, fridge (ice compartment), microwave, toaster, washing machine etc. Views and door to garden.

STUDIO BEDROOM: The studio bedroom is on the ground floor and is used as a second sitting room unless required as the third bedroom (when a double futon comes into use).

Television and DVD player but note that there is no TV reception. Door to garden.

UPSTAIRS:

BEDROOM 1: Double bedroom with fine views across the landscape.

BEDROOM 2: Twin bedroom with fine views across the landscape.

BATHROOM: A simple, practical bathroom in a modern style with shower over the bath.

GARDEN: Large, enclosed garden. Parking for two cars. Some of the best country walks in mid-West Wales start at the door.

Like all Under the Thatch accommodation, this property is entirely non-smoking inside.