My stay, at Glascoed Farmhouse…read more
As always, I did my research before planning to which Guest house, B&B or Hotel that I would stay. I looked at price, location and current rating. This one appeared to tick all the boxes and I was surprised to secure a room. The communication was initially made through email, to which the response was very prompt and all the details were revealed with immaculate precision. The family displayed flexibility in terms of when I could arrive and when I could leave and that was stretched to considerate levels, as I was to discover upon my late return, one evening.
The approach to the house is quite romantic and kind of prepared me for grand things to come. The parking spaces were aplenty and felt safe and secure. The welcome, from the family, was friendly and I was welcomed into their home as though I was a long lost cousin. I was shown to my room, first being led up an impressive stair case, that had a wealth of character with British style. Off the stairs was a door that opened to reveal 3 small steps that led me into my room. My eyes widened as I was gladly surprised at the quality of the accommodation. For the romantics amongst you, it was like something from Alice In Wonderland, a little hideaway that one would read about in a Childhood novel. The room was spacious and had every creature comfort that a person could wish for: the bed was double in size and well styled and comfy, decorated with a selection of cushions laid across the bedding. Beside the bed was a comfy sofa positioned ideally next to a wooden chest, which had upon it, a kettle and a choice of tea and coffee. A small coloured television sat to the other side of the bed, although I didn't find the time to watch anything, besides a few minutes here and there!
Of course, as in any respectable accommodation, there was an en-suite that was entered via an old wooden door that was fitted with iron styled hinges and latch. Within the en-suite was a toilet, sink and compact shower cubicle, which has to be accepted that the water runs from their own well, and as such, tends to change temperature after about 8 minutes and then returns to normal - patience is required or I would suggest that you get out after 8 minutes! (if you can imagine the scene from Phantom Menace in which Obi Wan waits for the beams to fade before he can launch his assult on Darth Maul). Patience really is required because it's like a stand off with the shower pressure.
As with the wooden chest, there was also a natural looking wardrobe and Chest of drawers to place my belongings and a small chair in the corner.
The view from the bedroom window, which also had a window seat, gave views towards the farm yard and further afield to the countryside, which surrounded Glascoed. If you love the open air and green pastures then this is the place to go.
In the morning, I headed on down for breakfast and was shown to my table, within a splendid room that looked Victorian in design. Within the room was a piano, that I noticed was opened on a Vivaldi Classic (Spring), which ironically is something I have been listening to, of late. An old fashioned fire place sat grandly against the far wall, which along with the choice in wallpaper gave an authentic taste of yester-year. The table was placed aside the window, looking back down the lane that led me to the house. The sun glistened through the dark clouds and lit up the table that had upon it some fresh orange juice, toast with a selection of preserves and the main course of a good old fry up (you can't beat it!), although, for the health conscious amongst you, this wasn't a breakfast drenched in fat - the egg was poached, the sausage grilled with a sprinkling of mushrooms and tomatoes and a hash brown and beans. There was also the choice of breakfast cereals and tea or coffee, or as I choose, a jug of iced cold water, from the well.
I was offered great advice on places to visit and Laugharne was one of those places that I did visit. If you get the chance, take the trip, it is very close by (around 5 miles) and you will get to live the place in which Dylan Thomas wrote his well thought out words and to see the hut in which he wrote and that really took me aback by where he wrote and what he saw as he wrote - if I was to write poetry, then that is where I would have chosen to - good choice, Dylan!
My stay will hopefully be repeated, although when, I do not no, however, I would recommend this gem to anyone that is thinking of visiting this beautiful country and those words are written as an English man.
Summary:
The price? Well as a visitor asking for single occupancy, I was charged a very reasonable £25 per night (including breakfast).
The family? Warm, friendly and welcoming. The daughter helped her mother with the duties around the house whilst Mr Griffiths tended to the cattle.
The home? Very stylish, highly characteristic and a place that I wouldn't mind owning myself!
