Location

Brithdir is a small hamlet found just outside Rhydlewis village in the rolling valleys of Ceredigion. The settlement is set between the beaches of Cardigan Bay and the University town of Aberystwyth.

The large stunning sandy beach at Penbryn is only about five miles away. Numerous other beaches and coves can be found along this stretch of coastline at Llangrannog (again about five miles away) Cwmtydu, New Quay, Tresaith, Aberporth and Mwnt.

Llangrannog, once known for shipbuilding and fishing, is a charming village steeped in history. Llangrannog's sheltered west-facing cove is perfect for swimming and attracts the surfing set. The village has immediate access to the spectacular 60 mile Ceredigion Coastal Path from which it is possible to watch dolphins and seals.

Good road connections provide quick access to neighbouring villages and the shopping towns at Newcastle Emlyn (about 6 miles), Cardigan (about 13 miles) and Aberaeron (about 14.5 miles).

Cardigan boasts a range of good, bustling restaurants, cafes and independent shops, including the well-preserved and renovated Cardigan Castle. The Theatre Mwldan, which includes a performance stage and three large cinema screens is set in the centre of busy Cardigan. The Small World Theatre and Rhosygilwen music and performance venues are also at the cultural hub of this busy town. The relaxed Pizza Tipi, Fforest Farm and the recently renovated Albion Aberteifi, are situated by the River Teifi. The annual Craft Festival brings further interest into the town already steeped with tradition, theatre, art and artisans.

The larger shopping town of Carmarthen with national railway services to London Paddington and the A48 M4 link road is about 23 miles with access to Swansea (about 52 miles), Cardiff (about 92 miles) the Severn Bridge and into England (about 114 miles).

The university town of Aberystwyth is about 30 miles away again with an Award winning and Wales' largest arts centre and is recognised as a 'national flagship for the arts'.

Description

Brithdir features a remarkable collection of properties which includes three separate cottages, plus a lakeside cabin/boathouse, two Dutch barns, a lake and further outbuildings, all set in the lovely hamlet of Brithdir, near the beautiful coastal town of Cardigan in West Wales.

The property comprises the main house (Felin Brithdir), a historic mill (The Old Mill) and a third neighbouring blacksmiths cottage (Ty'r Gof).

The current owners have poured love and commitment into this charming estate, restoring all three houses with contemporary flair, and with all the hallmarks of the West Wales vernacular: solid stone walls, quarry tile floors and traditional timber-panelled walls.

Each property has its own private garden and the main house is set within about two acres of gardens, including wildflower meadows, a well-established lake, a beautifully restored lakeside cabin/boathouse, two Dutch barns, further outbuildings, a native woodland and sun-trap terraces. The estate, while being already fully functioning, also offers huge potential and scope for further development to suit a variety of personal lifestyle (e.g. extended family) or business opportunities.

A short drive from Cardigan and the stunning Ceredigion coastline, this property encompasses extensive opportunities for a multi-generational home or as a location for a small business, holiday lettings enterprise, retreat or similar lifestyle

The Property Setting
The main house (Felin Brithdir) lies adjacent to the Mill, with the Blacksmith's cottage (Ty'r Gof) situated on the northern side of the property's private lane. This collection of separate dwellings lends themselves to individual occupation. Each has their own entrance, parking and private gardens. There is additional accommodation in the lakeside cabin/ boathouse with a king-size bed and covered outdoor kitchen.

The two Dutch barns are currently set up as workshop/studio space and another barn (both with power) is currently used to store vintage vehicles. These also have potential for further accommodation or a small business (stp – subject to planning). They are situated within an enclosed private yard with direct, secure, gated access from the road.

Accommodation

Felin Brithdir
Ground Floor
The front façade of the house is as bright as it is pleasingly Georgian in its symmetry. Traditional materials have been used to ensure breathability, including the red pigmented limewash.

The plan continues the satisfying symmetry as the main quarry-tiled and original timber-boarded hallway leads to reception rooms on either side. The open-plan dining, kitchen area is centred around a Nordica wood-burning range and a bright, contemporary kitchen sits within the vaulted mono-pitched space. Flagstones with underfloor heating underfoot, butt-and-bead boarding overhead and white-washed stone walls distinguish the space.

Across the hall, the third bedroom/study has been finished with the sunny hue of traditional ocre which contrasts sharply with the shutters and fireplace including the addition of an Aga log burner. There are exposed beams cross the ceiling. There is a convenient shower room /loo next door, and a utility and boot room with direct external access.

Part of a more recently renovation, is a contemporary and spacious living room /currently set up as a media room with projector, surround sound system, for listening to music or watching films on the big screen. The space is clad in light oak and orientated to make the most of the views of the gardens, lake and island. This room also includes an efficient log burner. The floor-to-ceiling double-glazed doors open out onto a south facing terrace.

First Floor
Upstairs, two further bedrooms sit on either side of a wide landing (this was originally a box bedroom which could be easily converted back giving the buyer a potential fourth bedroom) The chamfered ceilings are timber clad and each is lit by an original shuttered sash window with garden views. The en-suite bathroom has a vaulted ceiling and has a traditional roll top bath at its heart.

The Old Mill
First Floor
The tastefully renovated mill is thought to have had Millers working on this site since the mid-17th century, it was re-built around 1811.

Hidden within robust stone walls, the interiors of the mill have been stripped back to their full voluminous height. A frame of wooden rafters has once again been revealed, providing the backdrop for an open-plan fully equipped contemporary kitchen (with integrated dishwasher, washing machine /dryer, under counter fridge and separate freezer) dining and living space.

Timber panelling and a Danish corner wood burner provides extra warmth and focal point. Double doors open out onto a decking bridge with seating and steps up to a large self-contained private garden with views across the valley from the top. There is a small bothy ripe for conversion into a further studio, outdoor office or indoor seating area.

Ground Floor
Downstairs, two well-proportioned timber-clad cosy bedrooms share a contemporary shower- room /loo.

Ty'r Gof
This cosy little Welsh cottage embodies romance and tradition. Once an old smithy, Ty'r Gof is rich with original details. A wood burner commands centre stage and is capped with a cob and basket worked hood propped on timber stilts, a simple and functional hand-crafted kitchen, and flagstone floors are interrupted by slate cobbles that connect the traditional red oxide painted front and back doors. Downstairs, a large shower room /loo has painted timber floors. Stairs lead up to a crog loft /mezzanine sleeping area that is lit by skylights.

Lakeside Cabin/Boathouse
There is a magical cabin that sits at the edge of the idyllic lake and has a partially enclosed outdoor kitchen, wood burner, and a king size bedroom mezzanine. This insulated and powered lake house is ideal for sleeping extra guests or for private family members accommodation. This space has the potential to be used for an extra office or art studio. Overhanging the lake, the decking here is perfectly positioned for sunsets and a sundowner!

Outbuildings: Dutch Barns
There are two Dutch barns, one is currently set up as a two story workshop/studio - fully insulated with a log-burner and another barn (also with power) currently used as a garage and garden machinery store. These buildings have potential for further development into accommodation or a small business (stp). They are situated within an enclosed yard with direct, private, gated access from the road.

The Outside Space
At the centre of the land is a large lake, with an island for entertaining or watching wildlife from.

The front garden of the Felin Brithdir is also home to a kitchen garden with raised beds, a large glass traditional greenhouse and productive apple and pear trees. The present owners have kept an array of livestock on the land these included, free range chickens, geese and ducks.

To the rear of the mill, is decking set up in the tree canopy, a private lawned area stretches up the hill, bound by native hedges and open countryside to the rear, with views across the valley below.

Ty'r Gof has both a small front garden and rear terrace, well-positioned for the afternoon sun.