It’s always great to take a few days off from the hustle and bustle of life. And there’s nothing better than a staycation in the heart of the Welsh Valleys to take your mind off the fast pace of city life.
Arriving in Pontardawe, where Cwmshon Cottages are situated, was the welcome break that was needed last week. A pair of 5 star, award winning cottages are set back off the main road in this small but very amenable town. About ten miles from Swansea city centre. 5 minutes from an adventure on the Brecon Beacons. A 10-minute drive into Neath. And the hometown of international rugby star Gareth Edwards.
5 Amazing Things To Do When Visiting Cwmshon Cottages, Pontardawe
Two gorgeous cottages
The gorgeous stone cottages are owned by the ever so wonderful Fiona. Who believes when you stay away from home the cottage you choose should be comfortable and homely. She encapsulates this perfectly in her duo of extremely welcoming and cosy lets.
Situated just over a small bridge with a running stream underfoot the cottages are carved into the hill. Both with ample sized enclosed gardens which are ideal for Summer BBQs and enjoying the last of the sun in privacy. The cottage to the left Nant Cottage is completely allergy free. The right-hand cottage Craig Cottage is dog-friendly meaning Cwmshon Cottages are ideal for everybody wherever their adventures may lead them.
Entering Craig Cottage the delightful scent of rural cottages hits you with that lovely wood burning smell. Which has obviously come from the large wood burner in the middle of the chimney breast wall in the open plan living and dining room area. This open plan space leads through to a well-equipped kitchen with utility. Downstairs bathroom with shower. With all the essentials you could need in a home away from home.
Home from home
Fiona has you feeling at ease with easy to use manuals for the cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer and wood burner. The kitchen cupboards are filled with everything from frying pans, to mixing bowls. Dishwasher tablets to olive oil. The necessities that you’d probably forget to pack.
When we arrived at the cottage we were greeted with homemade Bara Brith which is a Welsh Tea Cake and clotted cream. Fiona also had put milk in the fridge too. It’s the little homely touches which make you realise why she, with her cottages, have won multiple awards. Of course, after our long journey, we enjoyed a slice of this cake. Before lighting the fire and relaxing in Welsh paradise ready for our adventures to begin the following day.
Cottages over two floors
At the top of the stairs, there’s a large landing which hosts two bedrooms. A double and a twin room alongside a very spacious bathroom. The cottage is cute and compact but also ever so spacious and perfect for a family getaway or time spent with friends.
The white walls and wooden floors throughout are teamed with traditional pieces such as runners and large armchairs. With floral patterns which give the cottage a modern with a traditional Welsh twist. The dining table has been stripped of its varnishes and revarnished in bar wax. Every single aspect of the cottage has been meticulously planned and executed with the visitors in mind.
Fiona came to welcome us and came armed with not only a gift of a beautiful beeswax candle but also countless books, maps and information on places to go and things to see. She is an absolutely lovely lady, who is extremely friendly and very personable. You can get lost in conversation with her. A host that you feel you’ve known your whole life even though you only met her five minutes ago.
Welsh Valley history
She told us all about the rich history of the Valleys, she showed us maps and told us all the secret gems of the local area. Which was not only fascinating but gave us a real great sense of adventure.
Learning that waterfalls are a plenty she told us how it was waterfall country. And that her favourite waterfall was only a short distance away. We put that on our to-do list.
Showing us her feature in the Welsh Rarebit brochure you could tell that she was super proud of her cottages and rightly so! But the passion for her properties and desire to help create the most fantastic Welsh memories for all of her guests was evident. As she talked about her love of meeting people from all over the world who come to stay.
Dog-friendly & centrally located
With Cwmshon Cottages being perfectly located for city, country and coastal living there really isn’t a better place to stay if you’re visiting the Valleys. Fiona told us that she gets people staying for up to three weeks at a time to explore all that this part of Wales has to offer. Which when you know about the secret escapes and hidden gems in Gower, Porthcawl, The Swansea and the Brecon Valleys you can see how each day will be filled full of adventure.
All within reasonable travelling distance so that you can return on an evening to a nice glass of fizz and a relax, reflection on the day’s adventures.
5* Swansea without the 5* prices
Cwmshon Cottages truly are the most magical cottages to stay in. If you’re planning a stay in South Wales then you really must make this your base as you certainly won’t be disappointed with your stay. With 3-night breaks starting at £271 they really are exceptional value for money for the high standard of home and 5-star quality. There’s so much to see and do and the location is so central for all the major towns, cities and adventures. You really can’t find a better holiday cottage.
Check Fiona’s gorgeous cottages out and see availability here
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Disclaimer: This stay was provided complimentary, all views are my own. Read more about disclosure here.
