Above: 13842 Westcot, Sennen - sleeps 4.

Within easy reach of the Pembrokeshire Coast and the National Park, this comfortable, beamed, 18th-century, detached holiday cottage is in the conservation village of Cenarth, a short walk from the River Teifi where salmon leap the waterfalls. It enjoys its own small garden and shared use of 7 acres of grounds, shared with one other cottage and the owner.

Within walking distance of the two village pubs, serving good food. Good walks from the door and many lovely beaches all within easy driving distance. Shop 250 yards.

"An enviable location, with stunning sea views and astounding countryside...."

Commanding magnificent uninterrupted views over Port-Eynon Bay, these delighftul, seaside holiday cottages are situated on the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Thoughtfully designed, they each feature a first floor living room with French doors leading to the balcony, for maximum enjoyment of the sea views. For those who can bear to tear themselves away from the comfort of Croft Acre, there is an array of attractions to enjoy.
The Swansea coastline shelters many beautiful bays and secluded coves, with wonderful coastal walks and abundant wildlife. The headland, owned by the National Trust, has a most spectacular coastal path which veers along crags above thundering waves for 5 miles. The tip of the headland displays a natural cave, which delves into the hillside, and further along to the west, the man-made cave Culver Hole is more easily explored - possibly having served as a stronghold for the former Port Eynon Castle, which existed in days bygone. Subsequent uses have included a smugglers’ retreat, as well as an armoury and dovecote. For walkers, the area is a paradise, with the spectacular coastal path to Rhossili (5 miles) offering wonderful views. A point to visit along the way is Paviland Cave, where the skeleton of a Stone Age hunter was discovered - believed to be some 19,000 years old. The pretty village of Rhossili gives access to an isolated string of rocks, known as Worms Head, which can be reached on foot at low tide, and for those keen on surfing, boogie boards and surf boards can be hired from the village. Surfing tuition (half day and full day courses) is also available a mile or so from Rhossili at the Welsh Surfing Federation’s Surf School. Not only for watersports enthusiasts, the region is also very popular with cyclists.
Swansea, lying in the opposite direction, offers a vibrant pace of life with its many bars, restaurants and shops. Accessible within half an hours’ drive, the city’s many attractions include Plantasia - a great pyramidal glasshouse with wondrous plants and a mini-zoo of monkeys, butterflies, an aquarium and even a python. For tourists there is a wealth of places to visit whilst in Swansea, one of the more recent additions being the Dylan Thomas Centre, which was opened on St Davids Day in 1995 as part of Swansea’s UK City of Literature celebrations and features two galleries, restaurant, book shops and craft shops.
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, can be reached in an hour and has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. An extraordinary castle can be visited, as can the great Millennium Stadium - home of Welsh rugby and the nation’s football team. A vast array of museums and galleries can be enjoyed in the city, from the hands-on Fantasmic (great for children), the Centre for Visual Arts and Ffotogallery, to the more traditional National Museum and Gallery, and the regimental museums housed in the castle. The National Botanical Gardens of Wales are also worth a visit, where a Meditteranean climate is maintained in a vast glasshouse, and wonderful plants from all over the world can be enjoyed. Shop 600 yards.

"Tranquil retreats set within spacious grounds...just a short walk from sandy beaches."

Approached by a sweeping driveway and set in the heart of the tranquil village of Llansteffan, The Grove comprises of Grove House (ORP), an impressive Georgian house built in 1790, The Dairy (OSI), a thoughtfully converted old dairy also built circa 1700, Grove Barn (OTO), a tastefully converted property, and Grove Cottage (OVS), a spacious characterful home with cosy wood-burning stove and electric range. They are located just eight miles from the county town of Carmarthen and lie within beautiful split-level landscaped gardens, which extend to almost two acres, and which have been thoughtfully cultivated with a variety of plants and flowers for everyone to enjoy.
The grounds provide plenty of space for children and adults to roam around and enjoy, however, parents should note that there are several unfenced ledges and steps that could prove difficult for toddlers. With breathtaking views over the castle, the Towy estuary, seashore and beyond to the village of Ferryside, the properties are just a short walk from large sandy beaches, quiet coves and rock pools - a paradise for children.
The village of Llansteffan is full of ancient history. Besides the castle, built in the 12th century, the local church also dates back to Norman times. There are two pubs, both serving food, a restaurant, a local store and a post office - all within a short walk. For more shops and a local market, the town of Carmarthen is just 8 miles away.
The area boasts outstanding coastal walks through National Trust property around the headland of Wharley Point with views of the Taf Estuary and Laugharne. A visit to Laugharne, made famous by Dylan Thomas and Under Milkwood, is a must. A range of attractions can be visited easily including the National Welsh Botanical Gardens, the Pembrokeshire National Park, Tenby from where boat trips to Caldey Island can be taken, and St. Davids, as well as a number of children’s farms and museums.
The Tywi Valley curves and darts its way east of Carmarthen through some of the most magical scenery in Wales. The landscape is infused with an eerie splendour, making it easy to see why the Merlin legend has taken such a hold in these parts. The thirty-mile trip through the valley from Carmarthen to Llandovery displays some gentle green hills topped with ruined castles, most notably the wonderful Carreg Cennen near Llandeilo.