Dog-friendly Ceredigion

Overlooking the Cardigan Heritage Coast above the magical old smugglers’ cove of Cwmtydu (NT), this exceptionally well appointed property is ideally placed for enjoying the harbour and sandy beaches of popular and picturesque New Quay resort. With its sheltered garden, decked area, sauna, games room and hot tub, Four Seasons is perfect for year round family get-togethers and sits just 3 miles from delightful Llangrannog. Seal and dolphin watching boat trips, red kites and buzzards are all found in the locality – an outstandingly lovely haven for beach lovers, bird watchers and walkers alike. A honey farm and cheese making are among the area’s numerous delights and fishing, golf, riding, water sports, tennis and even dry slope skiing are available nearby. St David’s and its little gem of a cathedral, the lively resort of Tenby, Oakwood, Folly Farm and many other Pembrokeshire attractions and theme parks are an easy day trip as are trips to Ireland from Fishguard. Tree and decorations are provided for Christmas and New Year bookings. Local farm produce shop nearby, shop and PO 50 yards, pub 2 miles.

Sitting peacefully in a rural location, this superb example of a detached, very spacious, threshing barn conversion dating back 200 years, bursts with original features including cast-iron driving wheels, stone walls and exposed beams. It has ground source underfloor heating throughout and nestles within 17 acres, including a paddock if guests would like to bring their horse (by arrangement with owner). This includes 5 acres of woodland to enjoy, bordered by the River Teifi, known for its fishing with panoramic views towards the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains.

Don’t underestimate the luxury of space and the scale of the barn. Comfortably accommodating up to 8 guests, there are seven spaces to sit and relax or play. The holiday property has been tastefully decorated with oak furnishings, a contemporary-style kitchen, two living areas (one with a wood burner), large vaulted dining area and two fantastic balconies, ideal for watching red kites and buzzards soar over the magnificent scenery. There are also two additional seating areas, one in the wooden clad hot tub room with doors leading out to the garden with picnic bench and barbecue area, and the second within the games room. Moving outside, the patio area features dining furniture for the 8 guests, while bedroom 1 has a balcony with outdoor furniture to sit and watch the sunrise, the sunset at it sheds it light on the mountain, or the stars in this designated Dark Skies area.

150 yards from the property is a beautiful area by the river and the owner has put a picnic bench, a firepit and some garden furniture for you to sit and watch the children playing in the river and enjoy the sounds and sights of the local wildlife. Red kites, otters, swans, herons and kingfishers are a regular sight.

Located between the historic village of Llanddewi Brefi with its famous church, and the small market town of Tregaron, well known for its walks, Red Kite Centre and trotting races. Nearby are the harbour towns of Aberystwyth and Aberaeron, which have great restaurants and boutique shops. Aberystwyth also offers a narrow-gauge railway, castle grounds, art centre and live theatre/music. The Machynlleth Alternative Technology Centre 15 miles north is also worth a visit and outdoor activities for the family include walking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching, fishing-boat trips and golf. Shop 2 miles, pub 1½ miles.
Felin Hedd (Ref ON3) and Red Kite Lodge (Ref UK36309) can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

Fabulous dog friendly cottage with its own doggy paddock, set in the beautiful Welsh countryside, Shire is located amongst 6 acres of shared grounds in a small privately owned hamlet of cottages. This once belonged to a bigger estate of grounds which, many years ago, was farmed by monks. A perfect tranquil location in which to explore some of the Welsh countryside and coastlines. Aberaeron, with its beach, pretty harbour and lots of good eateries, is about 20 minutes’ away, by car.
Shire is at the end of a traditional range of farm buildings which used to house the horses. Stepping through the front door of this traditional Welsh slate and stone cottage, you will be greeted by a stylish open plan lounge diner with leather Chesterfields and a wood burner. This leads onto the dining area with handmade rustic table and benches with a beautiful Welsh dresser. Next to this, handmade freestanding units set the tone for a vintage look, with a well equipped kitchen with electric range. Off the kitchen is a small utility area, perfect for hanging coats and washing dog bowls, there is also a large fridge/freezer and dishwasher in this area. The cottage offers a variety of sleeping arrangements with a super kingsize, a kingsize and a compact twin bedroom, all with handmade wooden beds and good quality mattresses for a restful night’s sleep. Across the hall is the shower room with walk-in shower, toilet, sink, and heated towel rail, and there is also a separate bathroom with freestanding bath, overhead shower, sink and toilet.
Outside, off the dining area, French doors lead to the enclosed private patio. This has a large barbecue (gas and coal), and a wood burning hot tub with bubbles and lights, perfect for relaxing after exploring the nearby beaches and countryside. There is a gate to your own small paddock area (slightly sloping), which is great for dogs, and beyond the cottage there are 6 acres of grounds shared with the other guests. A bridge takes you over the river to a picnic area, the perfect place to relax with a drink to the sounds of the water flowing. There are plenty of rural walks and dog friendly places nearby, a list of which you will find in your cottage. The owner provides dog bowls, blankets and towels. The owner loves dogs, so your four-legged family companion is ensured a warm welcome with them.
Shire can be booked together with Coach House (UK45413) Cwtch Honey (UK45406) and Cwtch Bee (UK45407) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Tyllwyd, so named after the grey stone used to build this Victorian, detached farmhouse, is wonderfully situated within 80-acres of farmland, which takes full advantage of the glorious hillside views of the Rheidol Valley or “Cwm Rheidol”. The farm now only grazes cattle and sheep, along with hay and silage crops taken from the fields throughout the summer. There is record of a Tyllwyd at this location dating back to 1716 and it may have been part of the Abertrinant Estate at this time. Most of the estate was sold in 1830 and the census from 1841 and 1851 show farmers with their families living at Tyllwyd along with their servants. A later census records lead miners and farm labourer’s residing at Tyllwyd. Only one other building survives from this period and this was the milking parlour, until 2003. The extent of the farm and the house today were probably established in the late 19th Century and was built with servants’ quarters that are now the bathroom and utility room. Servants continued to be employed at the farm and maybe as late as the 1940s. A dairy herd was established with 70 cows and the milking parlour was installed in one of the old 19th-century buildings. Potatoes were also grown and supplied the local chip shops in Aberystwyth. Dairy farming continued at the farm up until 2003.
The house has now been carefully and lovingly restored by the present owners, retaining period features, including original flagstone flooring, that gives the house its character. The spacious country kitchen, with a traditional clothes airing pulley, features a large range cooker with three ovens. The kitchen is open plan with the comfortable dining area so it’s the perfect place for a sociable gathering with friends or family. The living room boasts a cosy wood burner and there’s an adjoining games room to enjoy with table football and darts. On the first floor there are four light and airy attractive bedrooms, two with double aspect windows. The master bedroom features an en-suite shower room and walk-in dressing room. Outside, the large garden is great for children to enjoy and adults to appreciate sitting out with a glass of wine around the fire pit on colder evenings.
Capel Bangor has a pub which serves quality food using local produce, fine wines and real ales.
The Vale of Rheidol narrow gauge steam locomotive is the finest way to explore the stunning Rheidol Valley. Opened in 1902, the railway has been delighting passengers young and old for over a century and the train which begins in Aberystwyth calls at Capel Bangor station on its way to Devil’s Bridge where you can alight to visit the unique waterfalls that have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th Century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the "Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge". Today, the Falls Nature Trail provides a unique opportunity to see this great natural feature in the Rheidol Gorge. Birds of prey such as red kite and buzzards are regularly seen soaring high above the valley floor and breathtaking views can be enjoyed by all.
Stay at lovely Tyllwyd Farmhouse and enjoy this distinctive Welsh region with a thriving cultural identity. It’s perfect for a weekend break or a longer stay with award-winning beaches, sandy coves, sea cliffs, caves and wonderful wildlife, spectacular sunsets and starry dark skies. Horse riding is available just 1½ miles away. Fishing is available nearby, a licence is required and permits are available through Aberystwyth Angling Association. There is also sea fishing in Aberystwyth. Shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

Dyffryn Haidd sits in a glorious position in the little village of Llanafan, boasting wonderful views across the fields and hills. Saint Afan was thought to have founded the settlement here in the 7th century. Dyffryn Haidd is a beautifully presented, detached dormer bungalow perfect for a family break away. There is a large well fitted kitchen/dining room with a separate living room. Plus there is a ground floor twin bedroom and separate family bathroom with a luxurious spa bath. Upstairs there are two further en-suite bedrooms. Both children and adults alike will also undoubtedly enjoy playing table tennis and darts in the converted garage.
The whole area is blessed with an abundance of walks and cycle trails, many taking in the sights where the TV detective series ‘Hinterland’ is filmed. Guided Hinterland walks are also available to book locally. The scenery within the Cambrian Mountains is unsurpassed and a must do is a trip along the Vale of Rheidol steam railway from Devil’s Bridge, just 5 miles away. You will also find a pub, café, a small chocolate factory and shop here. The steam railway meanders to the coastal town of Aberystwyth, travelling through the Rheidol Valley.
The seaside town of Aberystwyth offers an array of shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as the pier and promenade. To the north end of the sea front is the Victorian Cliff Railway, taking passengers on the stately journey to the summit of Constitution Hill, where you can enjoy a coffee whilst taking in the magnificent views of Cardigan Bay. Being a university town, there’s a very good arts centre and theatre, and the national Library of Wales offers free guided tours. If it’s beaches you’re after then Ceredigion has a stunning selection and over 60 miles of coastal path too. At the northern end of the superb Borth beach, is the impressive sand dune system of the Ynyslas National Nature Reserve and visitor centre, which juts out halfway across the Dovey Estuary. Visit Ynys-Hir, the RSPB wildlife haven and the Dyfi Osprey Project.
Dyffryn Haidd is just 9 miles away from the historic market town of Tregaron, which was once famous as a strategic point for drovers taking animals from west Wales to the markets in England. Today it is a centre for ‘Trotian’ - horse trotting and carriage racing which attracts competitors from all over the UK and Ireland for its events. It is also the home to the Welsh Gold Centre which sells Celtic inspired designs. Tregaron is a ’walkers are welcome’ town and the annual Bro Tregaron Walking Festival held in May is a firm favourite on the walking calendar.
Ceredigion is perfect for a short break, or equally a longer stay away, with stunning landscapes, award winning beaches, sea cliffs, wonderful wildlife, and starry dark skies. This distinctive region with a thriving cultural identity will offer you a “croeso cynnes”, or warm Welsh welcome, with Dyffryn Haidd as the perfect place to start your adventure. Fishing for brown and rainbow trout is available 4 miles, day passes are £20. Beach 9½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 14 guests.