Dog-friendly Ceredigion

The name, the Plucking Barn originates from the days of old when the barn was used to prepare ducks and chickens. Today there is no trace of that, but instead you will be greeted by friendly owners who have created a modern and very comfortable holiday cottage, in an ‘upside down’ style to take advantage of the gorgeous views. On the ground floor there are two bedrooms, one a double and the other a twin. They both have access to the lovely shower room with walk-in shower. There is thermostatically controlled radiators upstairs, and underfloor heating on the ground floor. Upstairs, the living area is open plan with a spacious modern and well equipped kitchen and dining space which leads to the living area where there are two comfy leather sofas and chair. You can sit here and take full advantage of the amazing countryside views or step out through the patio doors onto the balcony and enjoy sitting at the table with a coffee or a glass of something chilled and breathe in the fresh Welsh air. There’s also an outside seating area right by the barn with barbecue, table and chairs and a great enclosed paddock for exercising dogs right opposite.
The location of the Plucking Barn makes it an ideal base for day trips around west and mid Wales. There are over 60 miles of glorious coastline in Cardigan Bay. There are lots of beaches and coves and many are dog friendly all year round if you are bringing your pet on holiday with you. The pretty coastal resort of New Quay and the colourful Georgian harbour town Aberaeron can be easily reached within 30 minutes’ drive. You’re very likely to see dolphins in the bay and there are boat trips available to watch them and the other wildlife. The Victorian seaside and university town of Aberystwyth is also within easy reach and here you’ll find a traditional pier, promenade and the old electric cliff railway to the summit of Constitution Hill where you can enjoy a really panoramic view of the bay.
If outdoor activities are your thing, there are plenty of options for walkers and cyclists of all abilities as well as horse riding, canoeing and more. Families can enjoy a day out at the National Trust Dolaucothi Gold Mines at Pumsaint, the Silver Mountain Experience (silver-lead mines) at Ponterwyd or the red kite feeding centre at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian. Or why not take a trip on a traditional steam train from Abersytwyth to the falls at Devil’s Bridge? There’s far more to see and do here in this diverse and culturally rich part of Wales than can be written in a few lines, so why not book a break or a longer stay at the Plucking Barn – you won’t be disappointed. Beach 13 miles. Shop 3½ miles. Pub and restaurant 5 miles.

With arguably the best views of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay, Seascape, one of a pair, is a luxurious holiday retreat in an enviable location, within a 15-minute walk of two beaches and just over half a mile from every amenity this lovely seaside town has to offer. The owners, who live next door, have created an elegant and comfortable holiday home in a peaceful spot. From here you can see the summit of Britain’s longest electric cliff railway, operating since 1896. The top of the hill has one of the largest Camera Obscuras in the world, a café and restaurant, and is only a 6-minute walk from Seascape. Aberystwyth is west Wales’ premier seaside resort and a historic town, offering varied shopping, bars and restaurants, art centres with theatre and cinema, pier and long promenade, castle ruins, the National Library of Wales (tours available) or take the Vale of Rheidol steam train to Devil’s Bridge and Waterfalls. Lovers of nature will appreciate the abundance of walking available from the property and if golf is your sport, Seascape overlooks Aberystwyth Golf Club.
Visit the stunning Ynyslas Nature Reserve and sand dunes with magnificent views across the Dovey Estuary, the Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre or the nearby centre, where you can watch majestic red kites feeding over the lake. Award-winning beaches and iconic harbours make the Ceredigion coast a beautiful place to visit, where dolphins and seals can often be seen. This region inspired Dylan Thomas to write some of his finest poetry. It’s framed by the Cambrian Mountains, the backbone of Wales, rich in wildlife, legends and intriguing landscapes. Whatever your preference, Seascape is the perfect holiday home in an unrivalled position, ideal for exploring this wonderful area or just relaxing and soaking up the views. Beach ½ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Brynog Mansion Farmhouse, a vast wing of Brynog Mansion, has an important place in the history of the local area and today offers very spacious holiday accommodation for 12 people looking for a family holiday or group getaway.
A large house has existed at Brynog for centuries but the imposing frontage of long split sandstone blocks was added by the owners, the Vaughan’s, circa 1860s, in front of the earlier house which still survives. The long laurel lined driveway was built by Edward Vaughan to welcome his son John back from the Crimean War, but he tragically died at Sevastopol before he could see it. The driveway crosses the River Aeron by the fine stone Pont Brynog (Brynog Bridge) sometimes referred to as Pont Fawr in older maps. The current bridge was built in 1935 to replace the previous one which spectacularly collapsed into the river.
Evidence of the Vaughans still exist in the attic rooms of the Mansion House whose roof beams still bear the initials EV for Edward Vaughan. Sadly the orangery which used to exist in front of the entrance to the Farmhouse has long gone but it used to be accessed from the Mansion House by the blue glazed door which now forms the inner screen to the front entrance way of the Farmhouse.
The views are breathtaking looking out on the green vista of the Aeron Valley, which Dylan Thomas described as the most beautiful in Wales! Dylan and his wife Caitlin named their only daughter after this area, Aeronwy or Aeron for short. The Brynog farmland borders on the Llanllyr Estate, another large dwelling up river. Llanllyr was a medieval nunnery associated with the Cistercian Monastery, Strata Florida. The view of Cilbwn, the hill at the back of Brynog is spectacular and it is said that the farm track which forms a bridleway up to Cilbwn used to be a road frequented by monks to walk from Strata Florida down to the coast at Cardigan Bay to collect fish.
The present owner’s grandfather and his brothers bought part of the Brynog Estate in 1921 and the owners father milked the herd twice a day for over 50 years. Today the farm supports sheep in winter and cattle in summer. Much renovation and many changes have taken place over the years and various store rooms and servants quarters have been converted. The saddle rooms and gun rooms are now the large living room with inglenook fireplace which has been carefully re-exposed. Two beams keep the chimney stove in place but behind there is the original huge supporting tree trunk with bark still on it.

The Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron is just under 7 miles away and here you will find the colourful houses and architecture that make it so distinctive. There are an array of individual shops and a wide choice of cafe’s, restaurants and pubs. Enjoy the famous honey ice cream or fish and chips whilst taking in the delightful sight of boats bobbing about in the harbour. The sweeping crescent of Cardigan Bay has over 60 miles of coastal pathway and stunning beaches, scenery and seaside towns and villages to explore, including Abersytwyth, New Quay, Llangrannog, and Cardigan. The university town of Lampeter is also just 7 miles away.

Come and explore this wonderful part of Wales and make new memories by making historic Brynog Mansion Farmhouse your home for a short break or longer stay. Beach 7 miles. Shop and pub approximately 1 mile, restaurant 3½ miles.

Penwig Isaf (Lower Penwig) couldn’t be better placed for sailing in boats, making sandcastles and enjoying the salty seaside of this beautiful part of Cardigan Bay. Just a stone’s throw from feeling the sand between your toes or sitting on the harbour wall with an ice cream, this semi-detached house combines modern comfort with a traditional feel and of course sea views from the reception rooms, bedrooms and front garden, just perfect for families. New Quay is a quaint seaside town, and you will find an array of little shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs. Enjoy fish and chips along the harbour, whilst looking out for the frequently visiting bottlenose dolphins. There are crab fishing boats and fishing trips, and if you would like to see the marine life, take a dolphin survey trip. Explore the 60 miles of Ceridigion coastline, on the coastal path, and there’s no shortage of beaches either. Visit the secluded National Trust cove of Cwmtydu, where seal pups can often be seen here during the autumn months. Close by is New Quay Honey Farm, with its tea rooms and shop selling honey and beeswax. The nearby colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron is worth a visit, as is the National Trust property of Llanerchaeron. Visit the coastal towns of Aberystwyth or Cardigan, both an easy drive away, or venture inland to the market towns of Lampeter, Tregaron or Newcastle Emlyn. In the winter time you can still enjoy the cafés and pubs and cosy up with a hot chocolate and enjoy the ever changing views of the sea and the waves. Beach 50 yards. Shop 20 yards, pub and restaurant 15 yards.

Superb cottage near Aberaeron, detached farmhouse in peaceful countryside. Woodburners. Large conservatory. Ideal for larger groups. Children's play area plus games barn. Lake fishing on site. Aberaeron 3 miles

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Light and airy single storey bungalow in Cardigan with private hot tub. Kitchen/living & dining room. Garden & terrace. Walk to town, eateries, pubs & shops. Close to Mwnt, New Quay & Aberporth.

Stone barn conversion near New Quay, with its own private hot tub. Open plan sitting & dining. Kitchen. woodland and wildlife pond. Close to Aberaeron, Aberystwyth and Cardigan.