Raven Cottage
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Overview
Families just love Raven Cottage. Well, who wouldn’t want to be situated on a fantastic one hundred and twenty acre private estate brimming with wildlife, green fields, bluebell woods, rivers and stunning picnic spots! Raven Cottage boasts three gorgeous bedrooms and fantastic, contemporary upside down living. The cottage was once a farm shearing shed and the fabulous award winning architects Rio Architects have done a brilliant job of blending contemporary design with ancient charms.
Raven Cottage sits next to the old farmyard on the brilliant Pontardawe Country Estate in the ancient hamlet of Cilybebyll, surrounded by beautiful rolling Welsh countryside. The historic estate boasts links to the descendants of Welsh Kings, Arthurian legend, tales of the Mabinogion, the Norman invasion, the Earls of Pembrokeshire, Winston Churchill’s secret army, eighteenth century prisons, Charles II, the tea plantations of Ceylon, coal mining, the Industrial Revolution and much more. A World War II hideout, used by Churchill’s Secret Army was found in the estate’s private bluebell woodland and gained recognition as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. In addition to its superb grounds, the Pontardawe Estate boasts a gorgeous manor house, Pontardawe Country House, as well as a number of other holiday cottages that Oliver’s Travels also feature. Guests can book each of these individually or for a special celebration, you may want to consider booking a selection of the cottages with or without the manor house. Guests staying at the cottages are free to roam the estate, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and its amazing wildlife.
Sleeping six guests in luxurious comfort, the cottage boasts sumptuous furnishings throughout and a calm, neutral colour palette. The walls are decorated with beautiful local art by prominent artists. A display coffee table is filled with centuries old artefacts and curiosities found by metal detectorists at the farm over the years. One of the highlights is an old button which features a raven which was part of an army of ravens that protected a Welsh Prince of the Dark Ages from whom previous owners of the farm claim descent. You will be enthralled with the history of this place! This story is told in the Welsh medieval Tales of the Mabinogion and depicted in an art print by famed Lord of the Rings illustrator Alan Lee which hangs in the living room of the cottage. Despite all this history, the upstairs living area offers the contemporary wow factor and offers wonderful views of the estate. With a snazzy, brilliant white kitchen offering the very best in appliances, dining for six and a large living area brimming with comfy sofas and chairs, it is a wonderful modern space. Guests enjoy sitting in the reading chair in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows enjoying the scenery as well as watching the 150 channels available on the Smart television. There is also a useful toilet on the first floor.
The beautifully finished bedrooms are downstairs with the spacious master looking out to the old farmyard. Its modern furniture is complemented by a section of exposed blue pennant sandstone wall. The comfy bed is adorned with luxury linens and beautiful soft furnishings. At the other end of the cottage you will find a beautiful twin bedroom and another twin where the beds can be put together to form a kingsize bed. Again, the rooms are beautifully finished in neutral tones and the occasional colour pop. Separating the master from these two bedrooms is a super cool family bathroom with a fabulous standalone bath with waterfall taps as well as a superb, walk-in rainfall shower. You will want to linger in this luxurious, indulgent bathroom for sure! Raven Cottage is always warm and toasty, heated by renewable biomass and insulated by sheep’s wool which is wonderful considering the building’s past!
Outside, the cottage enjoys its own private garden and parking area. Here you can enjoy alfresco dining in the fresh country air using the cottage’s barbecue. You might even find the enchanted stone tree in one of the stone walls. If you can bare to leave this beautiful, modern retreat then the farm trail starts right from the cottage doorstep! A short farm road also takes you along the bank of the pretty River Clyach and into the beautiful bluebell wood. Guests can have food delivered from the local supermarket in Pontardawe, so you do not even need to leave this idyllic corner of Wales.
What you should know…
- Raven Cottage enjoys modern, upside down living with the bedrooms on the ground floor and the open plan living space upstairs
- We also feature some of the other cottages and the manor house so please speak to our Concierge Team if you are thinking of booking multiple properties on the estate
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
Ground Floor
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Family wet room
First Floor
- Open-plan living area
- Fully-equipped kitchen with dining facilities
- Cloakroom
Exterior Grounds
- Private enclosed garden
- Barbecue
- 100 acres of Estate gardens to explore
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- Washing machine & dryer
- Travel cot & highchair available on request (please bring your own cot linen)
- Parking
Location
About the surrounding area of Raven CottageRaven Cottage enjoys a fabulous position on the one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate in the tranquil hamlet of Cilybebyll, close to the village of Pontardawe. The estate is absolutely beautiful, full of forests, rivers, bluebell woods, sprawling fields, bird nesting boxes, beautiful picnic spots, a stately manor house and other holiday cottages. It is the perfect rural retreat between the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The estate courtyard where many of the cottages are located is bounded by the upper reaches of the picturesque River Clydach and on the other side by green parkland pastures grazed by sheep and cows. The high hills of blue pennant sandstone provide the backdrop to an idyllic and tranquil scene. Guests booking Raven Cottage are free to roam the estate including its award winning bluebell woodland. The estate’s farm walk is a circular walk for guests which meanders from the doorstep of Raven Cottage towards the summit of Mynydd Marchywel and back. En route, guests follow mountain streams, climb over stiles, explore the bluebell woods and traverse lazy green fields. On a clear day, the panoramic vistas include the Swansea Valley, Swansea Bay, the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The cottage is an excellent base for those that want to explore the landscapes by bike. The Afan Forest and Bike Park Wales are easily accessible.
The beautiful Swansea Bay coastline and the Gower Peninsula with its idyllic secret coves in and glorious stretches of fine sand is just twenty minutes drive away. You should not miss a trip to the iconic, award winning Rhossili Bay with its dramatic, panoramic views and excellent hiking paths. Rhossili has been described as ‘The supermodel of British beaches’ by The Independent and has won numerous accolades from UK Travel Writers including the best spot for a picnic. The Times listed the beach as ‘The UK’s No.1 dog friendly beach’ so if you do have your furry friend with you, you should definitely go. At low tide the beach is enormous and it is possible to walk across to Llangennith or even to the Worms Head. It is steep to walk down to the beach so it is not suitable for pushchairs or visitors with mobility issues.
The Victorian seaside village of Mumbles with its promenade, shops and restaurants is worth a visit. Mumbles was one of Dylan Thomas’ many stamping grounds and is the home of some world class ice cream. Mumbles is steeped in history with its lighthouse being built in 1794. It also boasts a Victorian pier and Oystermouth Castle which sits on the hilltop overlooking the sea. There are lovely boutique shops and galleries including the gorgeous Lovespoon Gallery and the Gower Gallery. No visit to Mumbles would be complete without sampling some ‘fresh off the boat’ seafood, its handmade chocolates and its fantastic ice creams.
Other popular excursions are the National Showcaves of Wales and the Vale of Neath’s spectacular waterfalls. Guests also enjoy visits to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Glamorganshire Heritage Coast, both less than half an hour away.
Local Amenities | |||
---|---|---|---|
Nearest Town/City |
Swansea
(16.4km) |
||
Nearest Town |
Pontardawe
(3.2km) |
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Nearest Restaurant |
The Butcher's Arms, Pontardawe
(2.8km) |
||
Nearest Supermarket |
Tesco Superstore, Pontardawe
(3.4km) |
||
Nearest Golf |
Pontardawe Golf Club
(4.9km) |
||
Nearest Beach |
Aberavon Beach
(21km) |
Region
While the image of lush valleys and a laid-back lifestyle are right at the heart of a holiday in Wales, don’t think stunning landscapes and a bit of relaxation are the only thing on offer in this beautiful country. Don’t believe us?
Check out our Wales travel guide – it’s full of handy hints, travel ideas and great stuff for families and groups of friends to do.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesWith three bedrooms, Raven Cottage is perfect for a family holiday. The estate is just fabulous for families with beautiful, fresh air walks from the doorstep, lots of animals around and children so excited to discover nature and see trout swimming in the river. There are beautiful picnic spots. The cottage has a brilliant information folder packed with suggested excursions to make the most of your stay at Raven Cottage.
Swansea is only nine miles away with much entertainment for youngsters. There is tenpin bowling, cinemas, museums, go-karting, a trampoline park, a zoo, a waterpark, soft play areas and a lido. Plantasia Swansea is a unique tropical haven of wonderful plants and animals in the heart of Swansea. You will discover insects, reptiles, fish, monkeys, birds, bananas, pineapple plants, cacti, giant bamboo and much more. The Rainforest Hut has been been built using tribal techniques and is full of hammocks, musical instruments and spirit masks with tribal singing in the background. Children love seeing the chameleons, parakeets and the aquarium. There is an educational greenhouse walk and arid and tropical climate houses. The LC Swansea is a leisure destination on the doorstep of the Gower with swimming, surfing, climbing and rides including the white-knuckle rollercoaster, the Masterblaster. There is a fun indoor surf machine and a lazy river as well as a bubbling whirlpool. Little water babies can play in the mini pool. An aquatic maze also adds to the fun with bridges, ball pits and looping slides. Blackpill Lido is an outdoor water park with a splash pad, paddling pool, a dry play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities.
There are plenty of gorgeous beaches to visit including the three mile long Aberavon Beach. The beach is popular with families and surfers. Dogs are allowed in off peak months. The award winning Langland Bay Beach is also very popular, just around the headland from the pretty Victorian seaside village of Mumbles. It offers wide golden sands and plenty of rock pools. It is a bigger surfer destination during the winter months. Another popular beach is Caswell with its long stretch of sand.
The wonderful Llanelli Wetland Centre offers over 450 acres of rare wetland habitat bursting with nature and animals. Children can hand feed some of the rarest geese, ducks and swans and can jump, swing and climb their way through the obstacle course. At Wiggly Wood they can build a den and look out for beautiful birds. It is a great day out!
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Security deposit | There is no security deposit, but should there be any damage or loss caused by you or your guests during your stay you will be liable for the cost. |
Arrival time | 4pm |
Departure time | 10am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
Security deposit | There is no security deposit, but should there be any damage or loss caused by you or your guests during your stay you will be liable for the cost. |
Arrival time | 4pm |
Departure time | 10am |
Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
Internet access? | Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the rental price |
Changeover day | Friday |
Minimum stay | Please note that there is a 2-night minimum stay, this may be increased across peak dates |
Pets welcome? | No pets |
Smoking Allowed? | No smoking |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 6 people:
Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 9th 2024 - Oct 26th 2024 | £614 | £706 | £797 | £889 | £918 |
Oct 26th 2024 - Nov 2nd 2024 | £661 | £761 | £861 | £960 | £998 |
Nov 2nd 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 | - | - | - | - | £746 |
Dec 21st 2024 - Dec 24th 2024 | - | - | - | - | £1,270 |
Dec 24th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 | - | - | - | - | £1,208 |
Jan 1st 2025 - Jan 4th 2025 | £822 | £898 | £975 | £1,051 | £1,270 |
Jan 4th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 | £512 | £552 | £592 | £632 | £745 |
Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 22nd 2025 | £564 | £610 | £656 | £702 | £833 |
Feb 22nd 2025 - Mar 1st 2025 | £530 | £572 | £614 | £656 | £776 |
Mar 1st 2025 - Apr 12th 2025 | £543 | £587 | £630 | £674 | £798 |
Apr 12th 2025 - Apr 26th 2025 | £709 | £772 | £835 | £898 | £1,079 |
Apr 26th 2025 - May 24th 2025 | £598 | £648 | £698 | £747 | £890 |
May 24th 2025 - May 31st 2025 | £685 | £745 | £806 | £866 | £1,038 |
May 31st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 | £688 | £749 | £810 | £870 | £1,044 |
Jun 28th 2025 - Jul 19th 2025 | £736 | £802 | £868 | £934 | £1,124 |
Jul 19th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £848 | £927 | £1,007 | £1,086 | £1,314 |
Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025 | £682 | £742 | £802 | £862 | £1,033 |
Sep 13th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 | £655 | £711 | £768 | £825 | £987 |
Sep 27th 2025 - Oct 25th 2025 | £631 | £685 | £739 | £793 | £947 |
Oct 25th 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 | £681 | £740 | £800 | £860 | £1,031 |
Nov 1st 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 | £527 | £568 | £609 | £651 | £769 |
Dec 20th 2025 - Apr 12th 2026 | - | - | - | - | £1,314 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
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