Clearbrook Lodge

About this property

Llanarthney 1.4 miles. Clearbrook Lodge is one of two Grade II listed Georgian stone cottages, serenely located in stunning Carmarthenshire countryside (alongside Meadow Cottage, also available), on a small, secure and very private country estate; Full of character and built in c 1831 along with Clearbrook Hall, Clearbrook Lodge enjoys an elevated position with private enclosed garden, set in beautifully landscaped grounds, paddocks, and managed woodland (with owners’ zip wire for use by guests at their own risk) and a lake directly behind; The cottage, hidden away on this small private country estate on the outskirts of Llanarthney is mentioned in the Pevsner Architectural Guide for Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion and was the former stable block for Clearbrook Hall.

It offers an ideal retreat for families and friends seeking a relaxing escape; Within the working private estate, which has gates and is fully enclosed are 55 acres of grounds, wildflower meadows and ancient woodland; The estate has an acre lake with an island in its midst, ponds, an apiary, flock of sheep and friendly dogs; After a day spent wandering around the estate, past sheep, bee hives and over wooden bridges spanning winding streams, why not go for a wild swim in the lake or paddle board around the island in its centre; As the sun fades, enjoy a barbeque under the open skies with the sound of birdsong and nature, before moving inside and gathering around a cosy woodburning stove.

Sustainability is at the heart of Clearbrook, with spring-fed water, solar power, and lake-sourced heating ensuring your stay treads lightly on the land. With a woodburning stove, calming countryside setting, and welcoming up to two well-behaved pets, this delightful abode welcomes families and groups of friends, idyllic for a rural retreat; Step inside and be charmed by the kitchen/dining room, fully equipped for you to prepare and enjoy meals. Here, you can gather around the dining table and enjoy home-cooked meals, sharing stories of your day's adventures. Adjacent is the sitting room, with an oak floor and large mantlepiece, woodburning stove, and large French doors where the original coaches would enter.

It offers a light and warm retreat where you can unwind in front of the Smart TV (Netflix, Amazon, etc.) whilst being warmed by the glow of the fire. When it's time to retire for the evening, choose from three well-presented bedrooms; The large four-poster double bedroom boasts an en-suite with a walk-in shower, offering a private sanctuary for relaxation and the use of Farmers' Welsh lavender wash; The double and twin bedrooms are equally inviting, providing pleasant accommodation for the rest of the party and side and overhead windows to give extra light. Outside, the enclosed rear garden is a haven for outdoor living with teak pergola and patio furniture, and a barbecue; Here, you can enjoy dining on the patio, use the barbecue on warm summer evenings, or relax with a good book.

Immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of the area, with unspoilt villages, castles, beaches (Coast Path 20 mins drive) as well as 2 of Wales 3 National Parks (Pembrokeshire and Brecon Beacons/Bannau Brycheiniog), and Gower, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, all within 40 mins drive; The National Botanic Garden of Wales is right next door to Clearbrook, with its regency landscape and features, walks, lakes and waterfall, Norman Foster designed enormous Eden Project type glass and tropical house, double walled garden, array of stunning plants, regular events, dog friendly days, café, restaurant and garden centre. Note: This property is one of two adjoining cottages, each sleeping 6, and can be booked together with Ref 1162283 Meadow Cottage, with both cottages sleeping up to 12 guests, with adjacent gardens that can be joined.

General information. The rural village of Llanarthney is one of Carmarthenshire's best kept secrets, with ancient castle ruins, country walks, an outstanding delicatessen and cafe, village pub and medieval church. The river Gwynon runs through it, whilst the Black Mountain Range, Brecon Beacons and River Tywi encircle it; Above the village is Paxton's Tower, a 19th-century cottage owned by the Landmark Trust, from where you can see Dryslwyn Castle, Dinefwr Castle, Dinefwr Park (National Trust) in nearby Llandeilo; Llandeilo itself is famous for its row of colourful houses overlooking the bridge over the river Tywi, independent shops, galleries, cafes, and nearby several medieval castles.

Nearby, Laugharne is a sleepy estuary village made popular by Dylan Thomas, former resident of the Boathouse (now a cafe and museum), whilst Llansteffan Beach, castle and coastal path is 20 mins drive. Carmarthen is the oldest town in Wales, also on the Tywi and is larger, with a cinema, leisure centre, and shops such as Next and Marks and Spencer. Gower, Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons National Parks are only 35-45 mins drive away. Explore the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in the Brecon Beacons, where magnificent landscapes and scenic walking trails await or journey to Carreg Cennen Castle for a taste of history and breathtaking views from its dramatic hilltop location; For a unique wildlife experience, don't miss the opportunity to visit The Red Kite Feeding Station and witness these majestic birds swooping and soaring in the skies above; Round off your day with a perfect fine dining experience at the celebrated Y Polyn fine dining restaurant, only 5 mins drive away, before returning to the tranquillity of Clearbrook, where your escape to the idyllic Welsh countryside awaits; Clearbrook has an interesting historical background and was built in c 1831 by the Abadam family, owners of the 'Middleton Hall Estate' purchased from Sir William Paxton in 1824 (now the National Botanic Garden of Wales); Formerly known as Clearbrook Cottage.

King Charles II later provided an Abadam Crest, to be found above the front door of the main house.

Llanarthney is a small village on the B4300, and is home to a lovely pub serving food, an artisan café with delicatessen and The National Botanical Garden of Wales. The garden features Europe’s largest single-span glasshouse containing tropical plants from all over the world. As well as this wonderful garden, there is much to see and do in the surrounding areas including the Gwili Steam Railway, Aberglasney House and Gardens, the National Trust attractions of Dinefwr Castle and Country Park, Dolaucothi Gold Mines and Paxton’s Tower. The scenic Brecon Beacons, the Carmarthenshire coastline, Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula are all nearby.

Accommodation

This property is one of two adjoining cottages, each sleeping 6, and can be booked together with Ref 1162283 Meadow Cottage, with both cottages sleeping up to 12 guests, with adjacent gardens that can be joined.

Three bedrooms: 1 x double four poster with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail, and WC; 1 x double; 1 x twin.

Family bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, WC, heated towel rail.

Kitchen/dining room.

Sitting room with woodburning stove

1 acre lake with central island (with seating for picnics).

Owners have rowing boat, paddle board etc.

(which can be used by guests at their own risk).

Jetty with steps for wild swimming etc.

Lake directly behind cottages up gentle slope.

55 acres of grounds, wild meadows, pasture, ponds, ancient woodland (bridges, streams).

Owners’ zip wire in woods which can be used by guests at their own risk.

The estate is very secure, private gated access, fully enclosed boundary.

Eco friendly - air and water source heat pumps in cottages and solar panels.

The cottages enjoy a spring fed, private water source.

Locally sourced toiletries from Welsh Lavender Farmers, grown on a small Welsh hill farm not far away, inspired by the labour of Welsh hill farmers and only for special guests, including those staying at the Savoy Hotel.

Clearbrook estate’s honey for you on arrival - the apiary produces and sells honey locally.

Electric oven, induction hob, double fridge freezers for extra fridge space, dish washer, washing machine, iron, electric airer, microwave, Smart TV, WiFi, Alexa, hair dryer, Radio.

Coffee machine, some pods provided (Nespresso Vertuo) more available to buy + cafetiere.

Wood and starter pack for woodburning stove included.

Bed linen and towels included.

Enclosed rear garden with patio furniture and barbecue.

Two well-behaved pets welcome.

Off-road parking for 6 cars.

Travel cot, highchair, stairgate.

The River Tywi, c 1m away, is internationally famed for its salmon, sea trout (sewin) and brown trout fly fishing; Guides and lessons can be arranged.

Shop and PO, 3 pubs, delicatessen and café all 1.5 miles.

2 horse riding sand schools and 3 stables with power and water.

Sorry, no smoking.

Note: Due to Clearbrook being a working estate, dogs must be supervised at all times, kept on a lead outside enclosed gardens and when walking around the estate (sheep in fields and deer in woods) and any mess put in dog waste bins provided; Please close estate gates if walking through them.

Note: Property is baby friendly