I haven’t been to Wales for more years than I care to remember and Hoover has never been, so we jumped at the chance to stay at Y Cartws Cottage at Penrallt Y Cordde, near Aberporth, Ceredigion.

Part of a former coach house Y Cartws is of of three pretty stone cottages at Penrallt Y Cordde (website), set in 15 acres of glorious Welsh countryside comprising pastures, meadows, woodland, ponds and a stream.  It is extremely well-appointed (Debbie & Jon have thought of everything from soft, fluffy bath robes to a cheese grater) so you can move straight in and feel right at home.  The cottage is sympathetically and tastefully decorated, with every detail finished beautifully, from the oak dowels in the huge beams to the solid slate base in the double shower cubicle and the bespoke, hand-built shutters on the windows.  Underfloor heating on the ground floor, and central heating upstairs keep the tootsies toasty warm throughout the winter months.  I often feel the cold and yet I was totally snug all week long, despite a rare bit of snow.  I was hoping to get snowed in, but the sunshine reappeared quickly, making the landscape shine like freshly cut emeralds under an azure sky.  Apologies…I’m rambling…  Dogs and humans are equally welcome:  the human welcome pack included freshly laid eggs from Debbie & Jon’s chickens, local preserve, a pack of Welsh butter, and a bunch of  bright yellow daffodils, among other scrummy things.  Treats, poo-bags and a towel is supplied for your dog (two are permitted).   The water is hot, the bed is comfy, the rooms are spacious, the towels are fluffy, the cottage was spotless, the hosts are welcoming, need I go on?…

Located a short distance down a daffodil-lined lane, just off the A487 (map) (street-view), the cottage is superbly located for exploring the numerous coves and beaches along this stretch of the coast, as well as walking the Ceredigion Coast Path, which is the most stunning rollercoaster of a trail.   The coast is just two miles down pretty, verdant lanes.  The area is peppered with little villages and hamlets, many of which have welcoming pubs.  Nearby towns include Cardigan, just 9 miles to the south, and the pretty seaside town of New Quay, with its fabulous beaches and colourful houses…not to mention its jaw-dropping views across Cardigan Bay.  I’m sure I could see all the way across to the Lynn Peninsula this morning.   I’ll blog about New Quay another time so keep an eye open if you are interested.  

In summary, this cottage is, for me, perfect:  pretty, roomy, comfy, and surrounded by some of the best landscapes I have seen.  The area is paradise for dogs and walkers alike… One of the UK’s best kept secrets perhaps?   Well not anymore because I’ll be telling everyone about the little piece of heaven.  In fact, on second thoughts, maybe I’l keep this to myself…..

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