Riverside Cottage, Swansea

Brecon Beacons. Sleeps up to 2

The gorgeous Riverside Cottage is the latest addition to the collection of unique, luxury holiday cottages on the Pontardawe Country Estate. Previously an outbuilding where animals fed at the farm, the cottage is now a luxurious, romantic retreat for couples. It is all on one level so is also ideal for those with mobility issues. Riverside Cottage sits alongside the Clydach River with a stunning glass fronted patio garden, a very peaceful pretty spot where you can look out for wildlife such as wild trout and grey wagtails and enjoy alfresco dining.

Riverside Cottage has been beautifully renovated and designed to blend luxurious contemporary features with ancient nods from the past. Throughout the cottage you will discover exposed stonework, beams and a vaulted ceiling together with statement lighting, a state-of-the-art rainforest shower and a gleaming kitchen. The furnishings are sumptuous and superbly comfortable. The colour hues are mostly natural and calm, blending beautiful with the natural stone walls and the gorgeous flagstone floor made from Welsh pennant sandstone. The living space is open plan in design and the vaulted ceiling makes it seem incredibly spacious. A dazzling white, glossy kitchen sits at one end with every appliance you could wish for. The breakfast bar is wonderful and accompanied by modern, industrial style stools. A comfy sofa sits next to the exposed stone wall, perfectly positioned to watch any of the 150 channels available on the Smart television. Also provided for your entertainment are a DVD player, a selection of books, maps, cards and games. The cottage will always be warm and cosy with underfloor heating throughout. The brilliant white walls are decorated with beautiful local art including a stunning print by the eighteenth century landscape painter Paul Sandby. The living space is intimate yet has a wonderful open feel with a door that opens to your cottage garden. You should look out for coal fossils in the flower bed wall and historic coping stones that glisten myriad colours in the sunlight.

The bathroom is very indulgent with a gigantic roll top Victorian cast iron bath which was originally from the estate’s manor house. It has been meticulously restored and, in vibrant red, it takes pride of place in Riverside Cottage. If baths are not your thing, there is also a luxurious walk-in rainforest shower.

Your bedroom is beautifully appointed with a super luxurious kingsize bed, beautifully adorned with hotel quality linens and attractive soft furnishings. It features exposed beams, yet more local artwork and a door that opens directly onto the riverside patio, perfect for your morning cup of coffee. Riverside Cottage is a wonderful, super comfy nest to get away from it all and enjoy the countryside. There are so many special walks from the doorstep with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside or you may decide to just relax, watch the glistening stream and read your holiday books in this heavenly space.

The amazing Pontardawe Country Estate enjoys a remarkable history, unique character and more than one hundred and twenty acres of beautiful rolling Welsh countryside. Guests are welcome to explore the estate, find beautiful picnic spots, watch the sheep and other animals, climb the stiles and enjoy the fresh air. In addition to its superb grounds, the Pontardawe Estate boasts a gorgeous manor house, Pontardawe Country House, as well as a number of other holiday cottages that Oliver’s Travels also feature. Guests can book each of these individually or, for a special celebration, you may want to consider booking a selection of the cottages as well as the manor house.

The stunning Riverside Cottage is nestled quietly in the one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate in the tranquil hamlet of Cilybebyll, close to the village of Pontardawe. The estate is incredible, brimming with woodlands, rivers, bluebell woods, sprawling fields, bird nesting boxes, beautiful picnic spots, a stately manor house and other holiday cottages. It is the perfect rural retreat between the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Though you may find it hard to leave this wonderful spot, there is much to do and see. The estate courtyard where many of the cottages are located is bounded by the upper reaches of the picturesque River Clydach and on the other side by green parkland pastures grazed by sheep and cows. The high hills of blue pennant sandstone provide the backdrop to an idyllic and tranquil scene. Guests booking Riverside Cottage are free to roam the estate including its award winning bluebell woodland. The estate’s farm walk is a circular walk for guests which meanders from the doorstep of Riverside Cottage towards the summit of Mynydd Marchywel and back. En route, guests follow mountain streams, climb over stiles, explore the bluebell woodlands and traverse lazy green fields. On a clear day, the panoramic vistas include the Swansea Valley, Swansea Bay, the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons National Park.The cottage is an excellent base for those that want to explore the landscapes by bike. The Afan Forest and Bike Park Wales are easily accessible.

The Gower Peninsula and the beautiful Swansea Bay coastline with its idyllic secret coves and glorious stretches of fine sand can be reached by car in twenty minutes. The National Showcaves of Wales and the Vale of Neath’s spectacular waterfalls are also nearby. Guests enjoy visits to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Glamorganshire Heritage Coast, both less than half an hour away.

The Victorian seaside village of Mumbles enjoys a delightful promenade with many shops and restaurants. Mumbles was one of Dylan Thomas’ many stamping grounds and is the home of some delicious, world class ice cream. Mumbles is steeped in history with its lighthouse being built in 1794. It also boasts a Victorian pier and Oystermouth Castle which sits on the hilltop overlooking the sea. There are lovely boutique shops and galleries including the gorgeous Lovespoon Gallery and the Gower Gallery. While in Mumbles you must sample some delicious ‘fresh off the boat’ seafood, handmade chocolates and tasty ice creams.

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