Introduction
What a year 2020 has been! I needed a break. The kids needed a break. My wife needed a break! So where to go? Not abroad – too complicated with potential restrictions. We didn’t want to get stuck anywhere. So somewhere in the UK. Not too far, and we can invite the grandparents to join us. A house! Somewhere near the coast.
My go-to websites for self-catering accommodation are VRBO and Airbnb. VRBO is a company which offers a huge range of houses and self-catering apartments around the UK (and World). Airbnb is probably better known and offers a growing range of homes in the UK. After a few hours searching, we narrowed our options down to two, one in Norfolk and one in West Wales. Finding something to accommodate ten of us within a relatively tight budget of around £200 per night (in August) made it tricky. There was little to choose, the reviews on both were excellent. We discussed the pros and cons of both and the family unanimously went for the house in Wales. It turned out to be a fabulous choice.
Airbnb
Luckily I already had an account with Airbnb because the security measures involved in setting up an account are quite tiresome (but reassuring all the same). The cancellation policy was excellent, allowing us to cancel up until 24-hours prior to arrival. The booking process was easy and the communication was efficient throughout.
The House
The images on the Airbnb listing didn’t do the property justice. We were expecting more rustic accommodation. The farmhouse was cosy, well-appointed with modern amenities. It immediately felt like home. The large and very well equipped kitchen oozed a permanent and welcoming warmth, mainly due to the AGA stove which made kept the plates warm and helped dry the damp clothes and towels hung from the well-positioned ceiling-airer – one of two which were a godsend after a day at the beach.
Kitchen
So the AGA delivers a warm glow to the kitchen, which would easily accommodate 8 around a central table, and was a great spot to enjoy the first coffee of the day. There is no shortage of dishes or utensils in the well-equipped kitchen. There is plenty of everything as well! Facilities include an integrated stove, a hob, a dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge freezer. There is also a washing machine and dryer.
Conservatory
The large conservatory with comfortable seating was a great place to chill, read and find a little peace at the end of a busy day. Connected to the main door, kitchen and living room it also acted as a bit of a thoroughfare and a great running route for the little one!
Living/Dining Room
The dining and living room merge into one long room but feel very separate. The cosy collection of sofas and chairs which surround the fireplace and TV create the feeling of a separate space, whilst the large dining table easily accommodated our party of ten – and would probably fit 14 at a squeeze. There is a homely feel about the place with lots of family pictures and ornaments.
Bedrooms
There are six bedrooms altogether, with one located on the ground floor and five on the first floor. There was plenty of bedding provided and plenty of storage space for everyone.
Bedroom 1
Just off the living room – with a single bed and chest of drawers – ideal for one of our teenage daughters who wanted her own space, although she did have second thoughts about staying downstairs after watching a scary movie 🙂
Bedroom 2
A large double room with a queen sized bed, with wardrobe and chest of drawers, was perfect for the grandparents. Comfortable and located at the end of the house giving a little bit of isolation, and away from the noise of the bathroom.
Bedroom 3
Another large double room with queen-sized bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers. Next to bedroom 2 and split from bedroom 4 by a bathroom.
Bedroom 4
Next to the bathroom – but not ensuite – a large double room with queen-sized bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers (plus a TV – although it only worked for us using our amazon dongle).
Bedroom 5
A very cosy room with 2 single beds (ideal for our younger boys) and a chest of drawers, and a low angled ceiling and beams (mind your head!).
Bedroom 6
A slightly difficult room to access as the doorway is a couple of feet above the top stair (difficult to explain) – and the outward swinging door does require a bit of notice to potential stair climbers before it is opened. This room has a double bed, ideal for the eldest teenager, who wanted privacy and enjoyed the quirky aspect of the bedroom. The room had a small wardrobe/rack and bedside table; and a sloping ceiling with skylight – ideal for stargazing!
Bathrooms
There are two large bathrooms, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor. Both have a large bath, toilet and sink, with a little storage space for toiletries.
For guests who prefer a shower, just across the drive in one of the outhouses is a clean electric shower room. There is a constant flow of hot water (once the appropriate switch is turned on!)
Garden/Games Room
The property has a large grassed area set between the house and a number of outhouses and there is a games room with darts, pool-table and table-tennis accommodated in one of these outhouses. A large volley-ball net has been set up on the lawn and there is plenty of space for the kids to let off some energy, including a trampoline.
Location
An isolated location, yet just a short 10-minute drive south to Cardigan, and a few supermarkets including Tesco and Aldi, or north to Aberporth. There are plenty of beaches within a ten to twenty-minute drive, but our favourites were Mwnt and Llangranog. Mwnt Beach is accessible from the cliff-top car-park via a steep set of steps. It is manageable(managed easily enough by the 4-year old and the 72-year-old) and this lovely sheltered bay was great for the kids who all enjoyed the beach and our inflatable kayak. Llangranog which was a little more accessible (park in the pay car-park near the beach if possible, otherwise it’s a tiring walk from the free car park at the top of the hill), and offers a bit more space and resort facilities than Mwnt, with plenty of places to isolate from the crowds, some caves for the kids to explore and plenty of rocky climbs.
Avoid
I’m probably being a bit unfair, but we were really disappointed by The Welsh Wildlife Centre. Half the walks were inaccessible, and it should really be renamed the Welsh No-Wildlife Centre or Welsh Bit-of-a-walk Centre. Maybe we went at the wrong time of day and dawn or dusk would have seen a bit more action with the bird-and-wildlife.
Summary
The Welsh coast is spectacular, we were lucky with the weather, but the house was roomy enough and there was enough to do if rain stopped play for a few days. The house is isolated enough for a really peaceful break, but close enough to shops, facilities and attractions to make it the perfect vacation home!
