Derwydd Mansion, Derwydd, Ammanford, SA18

A unique property of significant historical importance, a substantial Grade II* listed 15th Century Tudor Mansion.

The mansion house is set in about eight acres within a beautiful, secluded valley. There are seven reception rooms and fourteen bedrooms in the property and it offers a unique opportunity as many historical features remain.

The mansion is grade II* listed and its listing describes the house as:

A substantial Tudor mansion, albeit reduced from its original ambitious scale, retaining 17th century interiors of exceptional quality and completeness, and with 19th century additions which reinterpret the architectural theme.

The property has a rich and interesting history including the belief that Henry Tudor stayed here on the way to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. The listing describes some of the history as below:

Derwydd may incorporate remains of, or stand on the foundations of, a 15th century or older house; it was here, in the house of the Tudor knight Sir Rhys ap Thomas, that Henry Tudor was said to have sheltered on the way to Bosworth. In 1550 Derwydd was the house of Rhydderch ap Hywel ap Bedo. The existing house, however, is essentially a later Tudor mansion, a house with a main range north-south and at one time possessing two wings to the west side, towards the road; in 1670 it was described as a house of 18 hearths, making it one of the largest in the County.”

Accommodation Ground Floor
The front entrance leads into the grand main hall. Further quotes below are taken from the listing description:
“The room is dominated by the large (Jacobean) fireplace with its segmental stone bressummer and the fine overmantel of 1644: this displays the Vaughan arms on an oval.

Double archways lead off to an inner hall. Off the inner hall on the left is a sitting room (old library) with coffered plaster ceiling in four square panels with copious floral enrichment; guilloche ornament to the beam soffits;… This room also dominated by its fireplace: a fine Jacobean surround and overmantel, partly restored, in dark wood.”

Off the sitting room is a useful store room/cellar. Again off the inner hall is a cloakroom and bar with barrel ceiling. An impressive Tudor style staircase rises up to the first floor hallway with wood burning stove and doors leading off to the other reception rooms.

First Floor
Above the library is the room known as ‘the King’s Room’, otherwise the Drawing Room. Late 17th century ceiling and fireplace. Deep frieze and cornice to the ceiling with cartouches and heraldry at intervals, with linking floral trails and little modillions under the cornice.

On this floor are two further large sitting rooms, a study, conservatory, the old kitchen and pantry, a later impressive modern kitchen with bespoke cabinets and an adjacent utility room. There are two bedrooms with a sitting area on this floor together with a small kitchenette giving with adjoining bathroom with shower over bath and separate cloakroom giving flexibility for use as a small self-contained apartment.

The larger bedroom at the south end of the older part of Derwydd is entered by a Jacobean door with an arch-headed top panel above the lock rail and two panels below. This room is plain apart from a ceiling with large coffers, the sides of the beams moulded but not enriched, and a fine Jacobean fireplace.”

A fine feature of the 1888 alterations to Derwydd is the Tudor style staircase. This rises from the inner hall, the space behind the arcade at the north of the main hall. At the head of the main flight is a quarter landing, with a lesser flight ahead to the upper hall on the first floor and a side flight to the corridor of the older part of the house….Integral with this design is panelling to staircase dadoes and cupboards, in similar wood, arcading on the upper floor, and stone arcading in Perpendicular style forming a side lobby to the lower staircase.

Second Floor
On the second floor of the main house are a further eight bedrooms of varying sizes that overlook the grounds and gardens. These share the use of family bathroom with a deep cast iron old bath, separate shower room and separate cloakroom.

Annexe/West wing
Attached to the main house (with access doors internally if required) with its own separate entrance is an annexe/west wing that has been used as a separate self-contained cottage for family, guests and holiday letting. An entrance hall (first floor on floorplan) with cloakroom and store room off also provides access to two ground floor bedrooms. Stairs rise up to the floor above (second floor on floorplan) where there is fitted kitchen, living room, two further bedrooms and a shower room.

Further details below

Local information

Derwydd Mansion is set in a rural location only about a mile west of the hamlet of Derwydd in the historic county of Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales, famous for its castles and Towy River. Although enjoying a rural aspect it is convenient to local towns including the popular market town of Llandeilo (about four miles to the north) with shops and nearby national railway services at Ffairfach station (only about three miles away from Derwydd Mansion).
The town of Ammanford with primary and secondary schools is also only about four miles to the south-east while the A48 M4 link road is about six miles to the south-west providing quick access to south Wales (Swansea about 22 miles and Cardiff about 65 miles) the Severn Bridge and into England.
For those that enjoy the outdoors the surrounding countryside offers a wealth of areas to explore including Dinefwr Park National Nature reserve owned by the National Trust, numerous castles including Dinefwr and Carreg Cennen, the former Brecon Beacons National Park (now called Bannau Brycheiniog National Park) and the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Additional information

Externally: Derwydd Mansion sits in landscaped grounds and gardens with lawned areas, mature trees, bushes, hedges, flower borders and large walled garden with old greenhouse. Since February 2022 the gardens are now a Registered Historic Park and Garden Grade II.
The listing reads:“Derwydd is registered for its historic interest as a small late nineteenth century garden also incorporating earlier features including a pre-1809 terrace. The garden can be divided into several distinct areas. The area to the front (west) of the house and to the north of the upper drive is essentially a pleasure garden. To the north of the upper drive is the orchard. To the east of the orchard and to the north of the house is the walled garden. To the north-east of the house are the woodland walks. One of the walks that winds through the woodland terminates at the `painting’ lawn, so called because from here there is a view across to Trapp and the Black Mountains, a view that the family and friends enjoyed painting.”
There is also ample parking area for a multitude of cars for events, wedding parties etc. The majority of the land is around the house with some strips of land across the council road. In all, the property extends to about eight acres (stms: subject to measured survey).
Walled garden and stone-built cottage
At the head of the walled garden is a character, tastefully decorated grade II listed stone-built cottage with a distinctive pyramid roof. The cottage appears on the Tithe map of 1876. This cottage features cosy living accommodation and has been used as a holiday let and bride and groom accommodation when the site was used as a wedding venue. There is an open plan kitchen living room on the ground floor and a comfortable bedroom with shower room on the first floor. The listing describes these as a
“Good example of a formal walled garden with a 19th century cottage” on the axis, listed also for group value with Derwydd mansion.
Adjacent to the stone cottage is a listed greenhouse that has a peach tree and vines that is said to be the one of the largest Messenger greenhouses in Wales.
In the walled garden are two large wrought iron gates, one leading to a secret wood with views towards Carreg Cennyn and the Black Mountains and the other to the orchard. Behind the greenhouse is a small patio area with a hot tub surrounded by decorative wooden frame together with separate parking area for the cottage, that leads down the drive to the main gates.
Outer wall and gates
The property also has impressive walls on its boundary in places and these together with the entrance gates are grade II listed. The gates are electrically controlled and the entrance has CCTV.
According to the listing, the walls are “Probably late 19th century, contemporary with the enlargement of the house c1888. A fine freestanding wall mostly three metres in height, with a coping of upright stones slightly crenellated.”
General Remarks and Stipulations
Grade Listings:
Mansion: Grade II*
Walled garden and cottage: Grade II
Outer wall and gates: Grade II
Registered Historic Park & Garden: Grade II
Sun dial: Grade II
Messenger greenhouse: Grade II
Mains electricity, private bore hole water and private drainage. LPG central heating. Main House Council Tax Band G. Flat: Band B.
Fittings & Contents
Unless specifically described in these particulars, all fittings and contents are excluded from the sale though the majority would be available by separate negotiation including original furniture and historical artefacts. Further information is available from the vendor’s agents.
Wayleaves, Easements and Rights of Way
The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights, including rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water, and electricity supplies and any other rights and obligations, easements and proposed wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains and water, gas and other pipes, whether referred to in the Conditions of Sale or not. Please check with the Highways Department at the local County Council for the exact location of public footpaths/ bridleways.
Plans, Areas and Schedules
Any available plans, areas, and schedules are for identification and reference purposes only. The purchaser(s) shall be deemed to have satisfied himself as to the description of the property. Any error or mis-statement shall not annul a sale or entitle any party to compensation in respect thereof.
Council Tax band: G
EPC Exempt
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The Old School House, Llawhaden, SA67

A unique slice of Welsh History combined with Rural Tranquillity!

The Old School in Llawhaden, is as the name suggests, an old converted school. And as you might expect the house is full of character and charm, like the engraved slate windowsill and the strange curved nooks in some of the other window sills (we will tell you the story if you come to view). But it isn’t just character and history, The Old School is a substantial four bedroom home with three bathrooms and three reception rooms, as well a separate two bedroom annex, a large workshop and outbuildings that all sit in around 2 acres of gardens and woodland.

As soon as you arrive at The Old School you know its going to be special, as you sneak a glimpse through the railings you an almost hear the children that played in the courtyard years ago. But as soon as you walk through the front door you know you are in a home, the impressive masonry stove creating a cosy heart to the home in the large open plan living space, which subsequently gives access to the study, dining room and kitchen. On the first floor the bedrooms are all a great size and have wonderful views all with lots of exposed woodwork. The annex has a living area and kitchen divided by the stair case that rises to two bedrooms, while the shower rooms is just off the living space. The annex also has its own external entrance that gives access directly to the gardens. There is a large workshop and store where our clients had planning permission to run a commercial brewery, which makes this an interesting and versatile space for any budding entrepreneurs or for use as part of the main home.

The gardens have been created by our clients over many years who have created a real oasis, perfect for family life complete with vegetable garden, willow fedges and peaceful wooded area.

The location of The Old School house is just as ideal for a busy family, with its feeling of peace and seclusion while only being a few minutes from the A40 and the access which that provides to Narberth, Haverfordwest and of course to the M4 and beyond.

Cilpost Farm, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34

Cilpost Farm is an exceptional property set at the end of a long, private drive in the glorious Carmarthenshire countryside. This characterful complex incorporates a nine-bedroom period farmhouse, an indoor swimming pool as well as a separate five bed cottage, all set within around six acres of beautiful gardens, paddock, woodlands and grounds.Situated only a 20 minute drive from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal path this complex offers the opportunity, if desired, to take over a thriving holiday let with bookings throughout the year. The entire Farmhouse contents are available for purchase, if desired, to facilitate a seamless continuation of the holiday let enterprise.

The main house has two entrance halls, one from the garden and one from the main parking area. There is a spacious farmhouse kitchen with solid wood units, granite worktops, built in appliances and Rangemaster oven. There are two dining areas, separated by a beautiful stone archway. One dining room seats up to 24 people comfortably and the second up to 10. There are three interconnecting living rooms, one with an impressive inglenook fireplace and log burner, with views onto the garden and grounds. Downstairs also benefits from a utility room, two cloakrooms, a drying room and a storage room. Upstairs offers versatile sleeping accommodation on two wings with 9 bedrooms, two with ensuite shower rooms and three with ensuite bathrooms with shower over bath, and a newly fitted family bathroom. One of the bedrooms has access down stairs to the garden and pool.

The Coach House/Stables cottage, converted from farm buildings, has heaps of charm and warmth with its stone walls and wooden beams. Originally two separate units, it now functions as one, but could easily be returned to two separate dwellings. Downstairs is a newly fitted open plan kitchen/diner with built in hob, double Neff oven and granite worktops. A double doorway leads to a utility and living space. Upstairs is accessed via 2 staircases and offers 5 bedrooms and two bathrooms. This cottage could be used as an owners/manager’s accommodation, holiday cottage(s) or separate accommodation for multi-generational living.

Central heating and hot water for both houses and the swimming pool is provided by renewable energy with guaranteed Renewable Heat Incentive payments to June 2035. Both properties are double glazed throughout.

Sellers Insight

This exceptional property, which incorporates a nine-bedroom period farmhouse with indoor swimming pool as well as a separate five-bedroom house, all set within seven acres of beautiful garden and grounds, occupies an enviable location in the glorious Carmarthenshire countryside. “For us, purchasing Cilpost Farm back in 2015 was a real lifestyle change,” say the owners. “We saw it as an amazing opportunity to live in a very beautiful part of the UK, somewhere where we could enjoy a slower pace of life and the great outdoors, while also being able to run what has since become a thriving holiday-rental business.”

“When we bought the property, the smaller of the two houses was split into two dwellings so we knocked through and converted it into one, and that is where we lived for a number of years.. The holiday let (sleeps up to 22 people) has families and groups of friends coming back year after year, not only because of this stunning setting, but also because the house itself is very spacious and has such a homely feel throughout, and there are lots of rooms big enough for large parties of guests to all be together, but equally there are several lounges so people can really spread out. Another huge draw has been the swimming pool, which we keep up to a good temperature all year round. It means there’s no real seasonality; guests love to come all year round.”

“The setting and stunning gardens and grounds are definitely standout features of the property. It’s a very peaceful place, one with an almost restorative quality. While we were living here we relished the fact that on a whim we could head off on a long walk or bike ride, or take ourselves down the coastal path for a breezy stroll by the sea. It’s a glorious part of the country, perfect for a holiday rental, and there’s so much scope to expand the business. However, the new owners might simply decide to make this their home. The possibilities are endless, and that’s the real beauty of the property.”

“The farmhouse has a lovely lounge with a huge inglenook fireplace. After a long wintery walk it’s a really lovely place to settle down in, particularly when the fire is roaring away.”

“At Cilpost Farm you really do feel miles from anywhere, and being surrounded by nature is what we’ve always loved about it. However, it’s also just a mile from Whitland, which is a little town with a good selection of shops and amenities, and it’s only ten minutes from the major road network so it’s very accessible.”

“This is a fantastic place for big get-togethers, as we found with our own extended family. People come from far and wide for their summer holidays, Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve, half terms, as well as weekends any time of the year.

“Our circumstances have changed and so we’re not able to be as hands on with the business as we used to be, therefore we feel that the time is right to move on and let someone else enjoy owning this amazing property,” say the owners.

Coach House, Cheriton, Stackpole

Nestled within the captivating countryside landscape of Stackpole, this converted 18th-century coach house stands as a timeless gem, exuding character and charm at every turn. Boasting a successful history as a holiday let, this unique property offers an unparallelled opportunity for an astute buyer seeking a piece of history with modern conveniences.

Stepping foot into this historical abode, one is greeted by a warm and inviting ambience, with period features seamlessly blending with modern amenities. The interior exudes a sense of history and character, highlighted by an impressive inglenook fireplace that serves as the focal point of the living space, offering cosy evenings and a touch of rustic elegance.

As one explores further, they will discover a property brimming with character, from exposed beams to original architectural details that tell a story of a bygone era. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, creating a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary comforts.

The home’s walled gardens provide a secluded retreat, offering ample space for outdoor pursuits or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings. With approximately 1 acre of land to call your own, opportunities for creating a personal oasis are limited only by the imagination.

Conveniently located within easy reach of Stackpole, Freshwater East, Bosherton, Stackpole Quay, and the renowned Barafundle Beach, this property offers the best of both worlds – a peaceful retreat with access to some of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful natural attractions. The lack of upward chain further enhances the appeal of this historical home, making it an enticing prospect for those looking to make their mark on a piece of local heritage.

In summary, this converted coach house is a true testament to timeless elegance, offering a unique blend of history, character, and comfort. With its rich heritage and prime location, this property presents an exceptional opportunity for the discerning buyer seeking a place to call home.
EPC Rating: G

Location

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Lamphey Park

Situated within what was the deer park of Lamphey Bishop’s Palace, and thought to have been built in the early 1800’s Lower Lamphey Park is an exquisite Georgian residence, on the outskirts of the Pembrokeshire National Park.

Having assumed many guises over the years including a gentleman’s residence, children’s home, a farm and a chicken house, Lower Lamphey Park has had an interesting history, more recently, however, Lower Lamphey Park has offered guesthouse, bed and breakfast accommodation in the main house, with well established, mature gardens, land and stables and ample parking, set in approximately 6 acres of it’s own land

Lower Lamphey Park consists of the main residence, with three reception rooms, six en-suite bedrooms, The ‘Old Bath House’ with one reception room, 1 bathroom and two bedrooms, offering amazing versatility to be used as a holiday rental, or an annex or incorporated into the main house.

Equestrian facilities include two stables and tack room, turnout paddocks, Stable yard with lighting, access to the nearby bridleways, workshop and two work sheds, walled gardens, approximately 6 acres of land and a beautiful setting in this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire.

Lower Lamphey Park, Georgian grandeur and historical provenance, ready for the next chapter.

The Orchard, Lanesend, Nr Cresselly, Pembrokeshire, SA68

For a limited time only The Orchard is available at a special reduced price, giving potential buyers a fantastic opportunity to purchase an incredible property at an amazing price.

An exceptional equestrian property, nestled within a serene countryside setting, boasting a remarkable amalgamation of modern comfort and rural charm. Presenting a spacious four-bedroom bungalow, accompanied by a generous three-acre expanse of paddocks, this residence offers a haven for those seeking an idyllic equestrian lifestyle.

Upon entering this glorious property, you are greeted by a sense of warmth and elegance, as natural light cascades through the thoughtfully placed windows, illuminating the well-proportioned living spaces. The bungalow features four bedrooms, ensuring ample space for family members or guests, with the principle bedroom benefiting from an en-suite shower room.

With a fusion of traditional and contemporary architectural design, this property seamlessly combines indoor and outdoor living spaces. The main sitting room leads to a substantial open plan style kitchen dining room, providing a brilliant heart of the home. A second reception room currently provides additional space for children to play or for an escape to watch the rugby.

Stepping outside, this property transforms into an equestrian paradise, capturing the essence of rural living. The detached garage offers convenient storage options, accommodating not just vehicles but also an array of equestrian equipment. The presence of stables provides facilities for horse enthusiasts, while the field shelter and hay barn help to the needs of equine occupants.

Embraced by nature’s bounty, the three acres of paddocks, securely defined by post and rail fencing, provide ample space for equestrian activities or grazing. The possibilities are endless, whether it be exploring the meandering trails that lure you through picturesque landscapes or leisurely cantering through lush greenery.

Situated within close proximity to local amenities and with good transport links, this property offers the perfect balance between a secluded retreat and convenient access to the wider world. The surrounding countryside becomes your playground, as the nearby West Wales countryside delivers an abundance of recreational pursuits to satisfy individuals from all walks of life.

Immerse yourself in the epitome of rural living, where countryside simplicity intertwines with modern comforts. This remarkable bungalow, coupled with paddocks, and stables beckons prospective buyers seeking an unparallelled equestrian lifestyle that embodies both luxury and tranquillity. Enchanting in its appeal, this property offers a unique opportunity to create cherished memories in an unspoilt haven.
EPC Rating: E

Parking: Off Road Parking