Live the dream in these luxury homes in pretty, quiet villages
NARROW country lanes, acres of land, huge, beautiful houses and as much privacy as you could ever want. That’s the dream offered by some of Wales’ most exclusive villages.
Some you’ll never have seen (or even heard of) unless you’ve travelled down the secluded, winding, singletrack roads where these gorgeous, seven-figure homes are hidden behind imposing stone walls or at the end of long private driveways.
Some of these homes are centuries old and come with a tangible sense of history as well as several bedrooms and sprawling grounds. Others are newly-built or converted. They all have one thing in common: they are dream homes set in some of Wales’ most attractive scenery.
This tiny village on the outskirts of Cardiff has been popular with the rich and famous, with politician Neil Kinnock and ex-Cardiff City manager Dave Jones having called it home at one time or another. It takes just minutes to get here from the city by car but once here, it feels like you’re way out in the countryside.
But you need to be well-off to live here. This stunning country house at the end of a long, meandering drive has six bedrooms, a large orangery and a stable block. It is on the market with Savills for
£2.95m.
This village neighbours St Bridessuper-Ely and is just a mile or two further along a country road from Cardiff. There’s a central village largely based around one through road, where you’ll find two pubs. But turn off down some of the winding lanes and you’ll find some extraordinary homes.
This 19th century former mill has seven bedrooms, a triple garage (for you to park your Rolls Royce) a stone stable block and a workshop. It’s on the market with Allen and Harris for £1.65m.
Only about 200 people live in St Hilary, where you’ll find a 12th century church and cosy village pub amid a clutch of picturesque houses. Narrow lanes link the houses, which has previously been called the “best village to live in the UK”. The village has also been called “Wales’ most expensive place to live”.
Some of the homes are even listed, like this beautiful old farmhouse which is on the market with Watts & Morgan. They’re asking for offers in excess of £1m.
Bonvilston is one of the larger villages on this list. It’s located on the busy A48 between Cardiff and Cowbridge, so it’s a quick spin down a fast road to get to the city.
Anyone who’s driven through it will have spotted immediately that it’s a village with a lot of gorgeous homes. But there are plenty more hidden away from the main road too. This six-bedroom property is an impressive country home, with plenty of space and beautiful mature gardens. It’s on the market with Herbert R Thomas for £895,000. You won’t get much change from half a million pounds in this village, where you’ll find a well-known parish church with a history dating back to the sixth century and the well-regarded gastropub, the Fox and Hounds.
But as well as all that history, look at what else you get for your money.
This six-bedroom house was formerly a mill that dates back to the 17th century. It was used as a corn mill until 1938, before it was converted and it still has some of the old mill machinery as features.
But now it’s also got an outdoor swimming pool. And the price? £975,000. It’s on the market with Brinsons and Birt.
Michaelston-le-Pit is on the outskirts of Cardiff but feels like an isolated country hamlet. Accessed by a narrow, winding lane, it’s a mix of quaint stone cottages and luxurious modern designs.
This individually designed five bedroom property, comes with land which includes a heated swimming pool in the back garden almost as large as the house.
Set back from the road, entrance is via a sweeping driveway via electric gates. There’s plenty of space to park numerous cars on the forecourt or tuck a couple of them in at night in the double garage.
Called Hillandale, the property is for sale with estate agent Burnett Davies with Easton for
£925,000.