Cwm Connell

Rooms

The nature of the old buildings means no two cottages are the exact same, but they share the same formula of oak wood floors, hand-built kitchens, comfortable beds, wood burners (except in Ty Cwtch) and plush jewel-toned velvet chairs. Seaside-themed art colours the walls while exposed beams and original features give each cottage a unique charm.

The beds have 12-inch mattresses, super soft duvets and real Welsh woollen blankets. Shutters on the windows provide total darkness, and 2-foot thick stone walls keep out any chatter from the neighbours. Stretched out in our spacious super-king, with no light or noise to disturb us, we slept like babies.

The 1-bedroom cottages are ideal for couples. We stayed in Ger y Llyn (sleeps 2), which has a vaulted ceiling that fills the living area with light and two sumptuous loveseats that centre around a wood burner. The patio at the back looks onto the flower-filled garden and gets the evening sun. Cosy Ty Twt (sleeps 2) has a cobalt blue kitchen and living area that opens onto the most private terrace, shrouded in greenery with uninterrupted pasture views.

For families, the 2- and 3-bed cottages are perfect. Yr Ydlan (sleeps 4) has a terrace with gorgeous views and a striking stone mantlepiece. Fron Haul (sleeps 4) only has a double in the master bedroom, but boasts one of the most inviting living rooms with lots of original beams criss-crossing the high ceilings. Yr Ffald (sleeps 4) is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, from the ramp access and adapted wetroom to widened doorways with sliding doors. Bron y Felin (sleeps 6) is the largest and most popular with families; it has three double/twin bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Ty Cwtch (sleeps 1-2) is a studio so free space is minimal and it doesn't have the same modern finish as the rest, but it is great value. There's no private patio, but a bench by the front door does the job for morning coffees or removing muddy boots.

Bathrooms vary in size and style but all are modern and finished with attractive tiles made in Cardiff. Only three have bathtubs, but they all have powerful walk-in showers.

Features include:

• Central heating
• Hairdryer
• Satellite TV
• WiFi
• Wood-burner

Eating

Each of the cottages comes fitted with a fully equipped kitchen to make self-catering a breeze. Though they vary in size and spaciousness (best to take it in turns to use the kitchenette in Ty Cwtch), they all feature an induction hob, oven, fridge, and plenty of cupboard space. Most cottages even have a dishwasher. Other than Ty Cwtch, they all have an outdoor dining space for when the sun decides to shine, and there's a fleet of barbecues available to borrow.

A loaf of freshly baked sourdough and some treats from Crwst in Cardigan are left as a welcome pack (the Welsh honey butter was a revelation), but you'll need to bring the rest of the provisions. The closest shops and restaurants are a short drive away in Newport or Cardigan. Check out Llys Meddyg for fine British cuisine in a cosy, relaxed setting, Pasta a Mano for fresh takeaway pasta, or the waterside Ferry Inn in St Dogmaels for classic pub grub. Emma and Alex are experts in the local area and will happily share their favourite dinner spots.

Features include:

• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Microwave
• Oven
• Self-catering
• Toaster

Activities

• Don your boots and go walking. There are a few coastal paths leading right from your door, and a handy pocket guide of Pembrokeshire's best walks in the cottage
  
• Follow the stream through the woods and down to Ceibwr Cove, a secluded bay about 15 minutes from the farm. We went at sunset and the hills were glowing in golden light
  
• Take advantage of the sea being on your doorstep by having a go at watersports; kayaking, surfing, SUP and more are easy to get involved in. Ask your hosts for the best local places to hire from
  
• Head to the nearby sandy beaches of Newport, Tresaith and Poppit Sands (all dog friendly)
  
• If staying for a while, make the trip down to Skomer Island to see the colonies of adorable Puffins and Manx Shearwaters
  
• Join one of Alex's yoga classes in nearby Moylegrove, or have a one-to-one session to really work on your practice (free for i-escape guests!)
  
• After a day of rigorous activity, soothe aching muscles in the hot tub and sauna with views across to the ancient Preseli Hills

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Wildlife
• Yoga

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome here, but there are no specific facilities for them. Kids and teens who love the outdoors and being by the sea will enjoy the remoteness, and the cows in the next field seem to provide plenty of free entertainment for little ones. It's quite common for extended families to book two or more adjoining cottages for gatherings or special occasions.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The 2- and 3-bedroom cottages each have at least 1 twin bedroom. Children will like the cabin beds in Yr Ffald. There are no cots or extra beds but mattresses with bedding can be provided for toddlers on request.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Cwm Connell Cottages are in a coastal location between Newport and Cardigan in Pembrokeshire.

By Air
Cardiff is the closest airport, but Bristol is only 2-3 hours away.

By Car
A car is quite essential, so drive your own or hire one. If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations. There's free parking at the cottages.

Google maps can struggle to find the correct route, but detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.