Cottageguide.net
Myrtle Hill Cottages - The cottages were converted from stone-and-slate built barns in 2001. We have tried to retain as much of their original character as possible, leaving the stone exposed and using traditional materials in keeping with the age and character of the buildings. The barns were part of a working farm until 1987. The large cottage, known as the 'Granary', was a milking parlour and granary; and the smaller cottage, known as the 'Workshop', actually was the workshop!
The cottages
are set in their own gardens, thus giving privacy to the visitor, but we live in
the farmhouse adjacent to them. We aim to provide comfortable private
accommodation for those who want to get away, but also offer a welcoming and
friendly service for those who want to find out more about the rural life of
Wales.
The Granary, the larger of the two cottages, comprises on the ground floor a lofty open plan sitting room/kitchen/diner with exposed beams and French windows onto the terrace, a bathroom with 3 piece suite and shower over the bath, and a twin bedroom with wheelchair access and ample storage space. Upstairs there is a galleried double bedroom with storage space and a wash basin. The kitchen is well fitted with storage units, cooker, fridge-freezer, microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. The sitting area has soft seating, including a sofa bed, dining table and chairs, and is equipped with digital TV and a DVD player.
The smaller cottage, known as the Workshop, sleeps two people. Entrance is via a large porch/boot room opening onto a lounge/diner. The sitting area is furnished with soft seating, dining table and chairs, occasional furniture, digital TV and DVD player, and has French windows opening onto its private terrace. The kitchen is equipped with fridge, cooker, storage units and microwave. The bathroom, also on the ground floor, has a 3 piece suite and shower over the bath. The galleried double bedroom is reached via a spiral staircase and has plenty of storage space.
Both cottages are equipped with all necessary kitchen equipment, tableware and cutlery. All bedding, linen and towels are provided. Use of a cot and highchair can also be arranged. A welcome parcel of basic provisions such as tea and coffee, soft drinks and wine, biscuits and snacks is provided with our compliments.
Pets are welcome to stay, but please discuss your intentions at the time of booking. We might make a modest charge for extra cleaning if necessary.
An information folder packed with useful details of local amenities and things to do close to home and further afield is provided for your reference during your stay at Myrtle Hill.
Our smallholding of chickens, geese and goats always welcome bread and kitchen scraps - please feel free to feed them when you are here!
Despite its rural setting, Myrtle Hill is within easy reach of the market towns of Llandeilo to the north (a 15 minute drive), and Carmarthen to the west (15 minutes). The larger city of Swansea - the 'gateway to the Gower coast' - is a 30 minute drive to the east.
Llandeilo
Once the royal capital of Wales, Llandeilo provides a relaxing opportunity to
shop for gifts and browse the local art shops and galleries as well as some
rather enticing boutiques. With a number of choice pubs, restaurants and tea
rooms, and town-centre market each week, this is an ideal place to soak up the
rural scene.
Carmarthen
For a slightly quicker pace, Carmarthen - apparently the birthplace of the
wizard Merlin - combines high-street names with local shops and some 60 (yes,
sixty!) pubs. There is also a busy indoor market selling everything from local
produce to antiques every Wednesday and Saturday and a farmers market once a
month. There is plenty to do in and around the town (Cinema/Theatre, Heritage
Centre and County museum), which befits its role as a busy rural centre and home
to the United Counties Agricultural Show in August each year.
South West Wales
Coast
Carmarthen also marks the start of a fascinating journey towards the
unspoilt coastline of South West Wales. The pretty coastal village of
Llansteffan is within easy reach and offers fine views from the castle on
the headland across the estuary towards Pembrey and the Gower
beyond. Beyond the village of Laugharne - famous as the home of Dylan
Thomas with its views across the Taf estuary - is the seaside town of Tenby.
The unhurried charm of this beautiful place, with its pastel-painted houses and
fish and chips, is a real jewel and not to be missed.
This part of Wales is rich in history, and the cottages offer an ideal location from which to explore. Below is a taste of some of the castles, historic sites and gardens on offer.
Castles and
Historic Sites
Kidwelly
Castle
This castle, which stands on a Norman stronghold site dating from 1006, was
rebuilt in stone in the 1270s. The castle is remarkably well preserved and
stands on a steep bluff overlooking the river Gwendraeth in the town of Kidwelly.
Its round corner towers are reminiscent of castles seen on the crusades but
perhaps its most striking feature is its great gate house completed in 1422.
This fascinating castle gives the visitor a complete insight into the evolution
of the medieval fortress and is a 'must see'. About 30 minutes away.
Carreg
Cennen Castle
Shrouded in mystery, this castle is a place of myths and legends. Dating from
around 1300, it stands dramatically on the edge of a 100m cliff overlooking the
remote Black Mountain. Few castles can boast such a dramatic location though
little is known of its history. Visitors may also visit a passageway cut into
the cliff-face inside the castle which leads to a natural cave which may have
been inhabited in pre-historic times. Approx 25 minutes away.
Laugharne
Castle and Home of Dylan Thomas
Set in the picturesque town of Laugharne overlooking the water of Carmarthen
Bay, the castle's site was probably a stronghold from the 12th century, but as
it now stands the castle dates from the late 13th century. During the 13th and
14th centuries it was the home of the de Brian family. Much of this early castle
survives, including the gatehouse and two round towers. Sir John Perrot was
granted the castle in 1584 by Elizabeth I and transformed it into luxurious
living accommodation. It is surrounded by a Georgian and Victorian garden and
was the subject of a dramatic watercolour by Turner. About 25 minutes away.
Also in Laugharne is Dylan Thomas' Boat House where he lived with his family during the last four years of his life until 1953 and wrote some of his most famous poetry. The house is a Heritage Centre and houses a fascinating permanent exhibition about his life and work.
Dinefwr
Park including Dinefwr Castle and Newton House
Situated on top of the hill in Llandeilo, Dinefwr commands a strategic position
with fantastic views across the Towy Valley. The castle may have been built
originally around 877 and it is known that around 50 years later Dinefwr became
the principal court of Hywel Dda ("The Good") who ruled much of South West Wales
at that time. The castle as it now stands probably dates from the early 12th
century when Rhys ap Gruffydd ruled this part of Wales.
Newton House, also in the Dinefwr Estate, is thought to have been
originally built in 1660. The 18th century saw modifications in the form of
towers surmounted by cupolas and connected by parapets. In the mid-nineteenth
century the house was re-faced with limestone and dressed in the fashionable
gothic style. The house was bought by the National Trust in 1990 and has been
completely refurbished. The lower floors are open to the public and there is a
permanent display of paintings spanning 300 years of history.
The park also includes rare breed cattle, fallow deer and woodland walks. An ideal day out only six miles from the cottages. (Also see Llandeilo town).
Also nearby:
Dryslwyn Castle set in the Towy valley, the Paxton Tower, a folly 2 miles away with stunning views and an amusing history, Talley Abbey, Margam Stones Museum, Weobley Castle and Oxwich Castle on the Gower Peninsula, Castle Coch and many more.
Gardens and Parks
The
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Situated not 2 miles away as the crow flies, the National Botanic Garden of
Wales is a must for those visiting South West Wales. Opened as part of the
millennium project, the focal point of the garden is the Great Glasshouse which
is the largest single span glasshouse in the world. Inside the glasshouse is a
perfect Mediterranean landscape in miniature. The gardens also boast lakeside
walks, a rare double walled garden, a genetic garden, prairie planted fields and
much much more. For more information about the National Botanic Garden of Wales
About 8 minutes away.
Aberglasney - a garden lost in time
Thought to originate in the 1470s, this garden and house have had a chequered
past. In the 1600s Bishop Anthony Rudd owned the property and recent
archaeological research has confirmed that the cloister garden is an authentic
Jacobean survival dating from their ownership. The 18th century saw a grand
building and landscaping campaign by the Dyer family until they fell into debt,
like the Rudds before them. The 19th century also saw a major building campaign,
this time by the Philipps family, however by the beginning of the 20th century
the estate began to fall into disrepair. In 1995 the Aberglasney Restoration
Trust bought the site and began restoration, as documented by the BBC. Explore
the famous yew tunnel, ancient formal garden with its pools, parapets, arcades
and arches and wonderful woodland areas of this fascinating garden. About 20
minutes away.
Colby
Woodland Gardens
Owned by the National Trust, the Colby Woodland Gardens are set in a tranquil
and secluded valley. It sports one of the finest collections of rhododendrons
and azaleas in Wales. It is carpeted with daffodils and bluebells in spring and
in summer the colour comes from hydrangeas. There are extensive woodland walks
with breathtaking views across Carmarthen Bay. There is also a walled garden
with gothic style gazebo which is privately owned but open to the public.
About 40 minutes away.
Also
nearby
Gelli Aur Country Park, around 5 miles away, a 90 acre park including a
deer park and 10 acre arboretum; Singleton Park and Clyne Gardens
in Swansea, and Victoria Gardens and Gnoll Estate in Neath.
Tel 01269-841951
www.myrtlehill.co.uk
Carmarthenshire self catering holiday cottages