The Retreat at Glanrannell Park House, Crugybar

The Retreat at Glanrannell Park House is a stunning holiday sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Cothi valley and equidistant between the market towns of Llandeilo, Lampeter and Llandovery. With original fixtures and breath-taking countryside views, this haven offers ample parking, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of friends seeking a tranquil escape. Upon entering the property, you will be greeted by a spacious kitchen/diner, fully equipped for all your culinary needs. Adjacent to this, you will find a utility room housing a fridge/freezer and washer/dryer, providing all the conveniences of home. The drawing room, complete with a woodburning stove, Smart TV and vintage record player, offers a relaxing space to unwind after a day of exploration. The property boasts six beautifully decorated bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities. The first is a king-size room with an original 1900s freestanding bath, shower over, heated towel rail, basin, and WC. There are a further two king-size rooms, both with a walk-in shower, basin, and WC. A double hosts a walk-in shower, basin, and WC. The family rooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements, with one featuring a double and single bed, and the other a double and twin bed. Both family rooms have en-suite facilities, with the first boasting a freestanding bath, walk-in shower, basin, and WC, and the second a bath, basin, and WC. For added convenience there is a spacious ground floor cloak room boasting two WC’s and sink, there is also an external cloakroom with a basin and WC. Outside, the property is just as impressive, with an enclosed private garden featuring a gravelled area, perfect for barbecues, furniture for alfresco dining and a splendid original oak beamed pergola, offering a secluded ‘cwtch’ (Welsh for a hug or safe space) in which to relax. Guests are welcome to access the grounds at Glanrannell Park House where they can explore a large lawned area adjacent to the lake, wood fired hot tub and large seated fire pit (both available upon request). The owners have provided 6 paddle boards & a small rowing boat for their guest to enjoy (at their own risk and children must always be supervised). For added entertainment, there is an outdoor games room overlooking the lake including a table tennis table, an air hockey table and a darts board. Children (under 16) must be supervised when using this space. The Retreat sits within the historic grounds of Glanrannell Park House, where you’ll be nicely tucked out of earshot of public roads with all the natural beauty and wildlife of the Afon Annell Valley around. Look out for red kites overhead and heron, geese, wild ducks, pheasants and moorhens showing off around site. The property boasts a large Victorian walled garden where star gazing is a must on a clear night. When you fancy mixing things up with a meal out, the local pub is 25 minutes’ walk away (or there are several pubs within 10 minutes’ drive). If you're looking to rustle up something for the firepit or the barbecue, there are shops within a 20-minute drive. Beyond the grounds, there’s a whole world of Welsh countryside to explore. Just five minutes away, the National Trust Dolaucothi Gold Mines (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) offer a glimpse into the UK’s Roman past, complete with gold panning, guided tours and scenic walks through the Dolaucothi Estate. Nearby Caio Forest and Mynydd Mallaen provide peaceful trails for walkers, while the Brechfa Forest caters to both hikers and mountain bikers. Hafod Trails (www.hafodtrails.co.uk) is Wales’ newest mountain bike centre, offering challenges for all riders, from novice to expert, and with a superb up-lift facility, and is located just a short drive away. For sweeping mountain views, make the scenic drive to the Brecon Beacons National Park. If gardens are more your thing, don’t miss Aberglasney Gardens or the sprawling National Botanic Garden of Wales. Keen to dive into history? Head to Dinefwr Castle and Newton House (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) , or marvel at Castell Carreg Cennen (www.carregcennencastle.com), perched dramatically on a limestone cliff. You’ll also find charming market towns within a 20-minute drive, Llandovery, Llandeilo, and Lampeter are all well worth a wander, with cosy pubs, shops and plenty of local character. For a livelier day out, Carmarthen offers high street shops, a cinema, bowling and a local museum. And if you’re craving sea air, the coast is calling. Head to Llangrannog for a beach day complete with a wood-fired sauna, artisan pizza and friendly pub (www.pentrearms.co.uk), or explore the colourful harbour at Aberaeron. Penbryn and New Quay also make for excellent seaside outings, perfect for a picnic, a paddle, or simply soaking up the views.