Life in the village that looks like it could be in Cotswolds
HIDDEN away in the county of Bridgend sits what is possibly one of the most gorgeous villages in Wales – Merthyr Mawr.
There are countless stunning areas across Cymru but there is something truly special about this place, which looks like it has been lifted straight out of the Cotswolds.
With a gorgeous country pub practically around every corner, it is home to a number of impressive thatched cottages, giving the magical village its look.
But that’s not all. Merthyr Mawr has a church and plenty going on, according to the village’s residents.
It is also surrounded by beautiful nature.
If you’re driving, you can park at Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve at one end of the village and then take a walk past the fields, woodland and into the main streets.
And if you’re catching a bus, you get to walk past the Ogmore ruins and over the stepping stones of the river that flows through the area (so long as the water level isn’t too high – please check the tides if you decide to visit).
Go down the footpath and over the “wobbly” bridge, which I can confirm does wobble but is extremely sturdy. I even saw a horse cross it with its rider, so it looks like it is more than safe, and you’ve reached Merthyr Mawr.
From the very first view, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale. You can hear birds chirping and pretty houses are dotted around.
But one thing that’s especially unique about the village is all of the houses are rented out by Merthyr Mawr Estate.
All of the buildings with thatched roofs are also listed.
Liam James, who works on the estate, lives in one of the thatched cottages with his chihuahuas and two kittens.
He moved out when he was 23 and worked in Italy and France for seven years, but after the pandemic realised there was nowhere else he wanted to be.
He said: “It was amazing growing up, it was a bit difficult not having loads of people here when I was younger, but the social aspect of it here has definitely changed.
“There’s a good community spirit, with new people moving here over the years.
“We tend to have meetings now and again and we get together and have a few drinks and things. Some new people have come in, and they’ve kind of brought people together in a way.
“I do love the quietness and the feel of it here. A few of the cottages have changed and are a bit newer, but mine is still thatched, which the peacocks love because they can stand on the roof and shred it.
“It’s definitely a nice place to live, and you do get some people wanting to buy even though it’s all rented. “I think my father had an offer from someone here once, but we had to say obviously that we don’t sell them.” Sarah Morris is one of Merthyr Mawr’s oldest residents. Aged 66, she was born on the estate, and believes she has lived there longer than anyone else and has seen it change over the years.
Her childhood memories are of the village before it was as well maintained as it is now. The houses were not as well kept, but the sense of community was strong, as it used to have its own library.
Like Liam, Sarah has also noticed there has been a surge in the number of people placing value on the feeling of community on the estate.
“We used to have quite a good social life here but it sort of died a bit of a death, and now it seems to be picking back up again,” she said.
“When I was growing up, everybody who lived in the village worked on the estate.
“All the cottages then were thatched when I was a child. It was only after a fire took place in one of the cottages here that thatched roofs became less popular.
“We’ve got our own WhatsApp group as well which is great.”
Considering how life is in the village now, although Sarah has noticed it has become more popular with tourists, and there are more events, she says there is still nowhere else she would rather be.
Sarah added: “My parents died here, so I’ll die here and we’re expecting our second grandson soon so he’ll hopefully take on the mantle as well so that’ll be the fifth generation. So we’re doing OK.
“I’m standing here now just looking at the fields, and watching the sun go down and it is amazing.
“It’s out in the fields, and in the countryside and it’s like a little secret nugget.”
Kristian Kane lives a little further out from Merthyr Mawr. But when it comes to his place of work, a video production service called Fine Rolling Media, it has provided the perfect place for creative inspiration.
Kristian said: “We’ve got free roaming peacocks who live in the village, who literally stride into the office sometimes, which is a bit different. But you get used to it somehow, which is amazing.
“Our business has been based here for three years, but we were keen to be here because it was both nice to look at, with great scenery for filming.
“We do all sorts here, and the best thing about it is probably the fact that it is so tranquil.”
The area has become alive with local walkers and tourists alike in recent years.
The village is also home to music festival Between The Trees which takes place in August, with the aim of encouraging people to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the entertainment
It was only after a fire in one of the cottages here that thatched roofs became less popular
Merthyr Mawr resident Sarah Morris
that is provided there.
Walkers Rosie Salvatore and Steph Iveson, who live near to Merthyr Mawr, were out bright and early when I went to explore the area, and were walking through the village with their four-legged friend, Bella.
They summed it up perfectly: “It’s a beautiful place, and it’s so peaceful here.”