LETTING THE LIGHT IN
A mill conversion in West Wales has a real gem with its stunning orangery. JOANNE RIDOUT finds out more . . .
WITH more than three acres of stunning Carmarthenshire countryside surrounding this sympathetically renovated former mill, it makes sense that one of the most significant transformations at Forge Mill near Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthen, was ensuring the importance of the stunning orangery as an essential part of the ground-floor layout.
This incredible garden room is over 8m long and features a multi-paned lantern roof with intricate wrought iron detailing that allows the light to flood in. Imagine lazing about on one of the large comfortable sofas on a Sunday morning, surrounded by absorbing views of the surrounding tree canopies and skyscapes.
With direct access to the garden patio, this wonderful room has underfloor heating under the classic flagstone tiles and tasteful, neutral decor that does not distract from the natural beauty outside.
The five-bedroom mill is believed to date back to 1697, according to the estate agent selling the property, but the renovation of the building is definitely of this century.
The interior design is elegant, classic and tasteful and where modern additions have been introduced, it is obvious the choice has been based on sympathetic items harmonious to the age and style of the home.
The kitchen has all the modern appliances that a home in this price bracket demands hidden behind classic and high-quality Shaker-style units, built by luxury kitchen designer company
Clive Christian furniture.
The units are crowned with marble work surfaces, the Belfast sink boasts antique-style mixed taps and the matching island unit features a solid beech butcher’s block.
As this is a country residence, of course there is an Aga sitting proudly within the former fireplace. The flagstone flooring is continued from the orangery into the kitchen, which also has direct access via French doors into the pretty garden.
If you think the kitchen or orangery is the highlight of this home, then you haven’t visited the dining room yet. Obviously a space that played a central role when the building was a mill, this spacious double-height room has plenty of period features to please.
Ceiling beams, exposed stone walls and flagstone floor tiles combine to create a rustic atmosphere, with the substantial log burner adding a warm and cosy accent to the room, which now must host some memorable dinner parties and Christmas lunches.
Again, this room has doors that can be flung open to let the outside in and the dinner guests out on to the manicured lawns.
The dining room leads into the living room, which continues the elegant decor, and there’s a separate sitting room on the ground floor, too; plenty of spaces to enjoy within this substantial home. Upstairs there are five generous bedrooms, with the master having an ensuite and a separate dressing area.
Up another flight of stairs is a surprise: a loft room that runs the length of the house. A versatile space, this bonus room makes a fabulous office, games room, cinema room... or all three!
Outside, the three acres of land is flanked by woodland and the garden immediately surrounding the homes is mainly laid to lawn.
There are plenty of parking spaces, a garage/ workshop and at the end of the patio a wooden gazebo that houses a hot tub.
Hop over the Bronwydd train line and the land extends into a paddock which, according to the estate agent, has about 250 yards of fishing on the River Gwili, which is renowned for its trout and salmon fishing.
The beautiful mill located near Bronwydd Arms is for sale with West Wales Properties for offers in excess of £599,950. Give them a call on 01267 236655 to find out more.