THROW YOUR NET FAR AND WIDE
HOUSE hunters in west Wales who might have a sea view at the top of their “must-have” list should consider the charm of rural living before packing their wetsuits and deck chairs.
Danderwen House, near Llangolman in Pembrokeshire, first captured the current owners’ hearts because of its countryside location: “It’s a conservationist’s dream with the woodland and Eastern Cleddau river forming one boundary; a very private and special area to escape to.”
Since buying the property in 2016, the owners have found out about the home’s history. The property dates from around 1880, and within the curtilage of the land there is a former slate quarry which was active until the early 20th century.
Danderwen House is thought to have been the slate quarry manager’s home, and it even retains the old free-standing cast iron safe from which the workers were paid.
The current owners have updated the property to the comfortable home they enjoy today, but say they were very sensitive to the history of the home: “Due to the period of the property, it was important to ensure that any work retained the real character of the place.
“To ‘modernise’ the property, other than to install up-to-date appliances, heating etc, would not have been appropriate, and we feel we have succeeded in retaining its true character. This was a ‘labour of love’ for my wife and myself, the work took two years, but not full-time!”
In total, the couple have installed oilfired central heating, with the latest condensing boiler, and radiators in all rooms that required them. A new bathroom has been installed, and new carpets and redecoration throughout.
Log burners have been installed in the sitting room and dining room, and there’s unlikely to be a shortage of firewood for the new owners, as the property comes with approximately 13 acres of woodland. According to the couple, the whole plot is between 18-20 acres and as well as the woodland, comprises 5 acres of grazing pasture with stables and 2 acres of garden.
The couple have planted a variety of fruit trees, and if new owners are keen to be self-sufficient, the home comes with 1,600 yards of single bank fishing rights of the salmon filled river Eastern Cleddau.
Inside, the four-bedroom home is packed full of period charm, from the grand staircase and flagstone floors to the stained glass and stripped wooden floors.
It is a challenge for the couple to choose their favourite room, but maybe it’s the kitchen: “The kitchen has a homely farmhouse appeal to it; the exposed stonework is very attractive, and the AGA keeps it warm all the time and is great for cooking. It’s a sociable area.”
Or maybe the favourite area is the sitting room: “It’s difficult to choose! The view from the sitting room through the French doors down the valley is stunning.”
The purchase of this property offers a potential buyer a detached four bedroom, two bathroom, four reception room handsome country house. With utility room, study, a mastersuite that includes an ensuite and a walk-in dressing room, stables and a workshop, and up to 20 acres of land with fishing rights, who needs a sea view?