The Old School House

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Sleeps: 4 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

Overview

Cottage
Great Value
Ideal for Kids
Pets on Request

The fabulous, characterful Old School House sits quietly on the phenomenal Pontardawe Country Estate which enjoys a remarkable history, unique character and more than one hundred and twenty acres of beautiful rolling Welsh countryside. The Old School House enjoys much character, two bedrooms, beautiful living space and its own outdoor space. It is nestled between the folly and the walled garden with its own delightful lawn, alongside the picturesque River Clydach. 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 as well as the manor house.

The Old School House is tucked away and offers beauty, serenity and tranquility to the lucky guests that happen to book it. With two beautiful bedrooms, the cottage sleeps four guests in luxurious comfort. The Old School House was a former outbuilding on the estate, some of which record a history back to the early 1400’s. The estate lies in the ancient hamlet of Cilybebyll with 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. The Old School House enjoys its own fascinating history. The building was used as the Church Sunday School in the early 20th century. Children received a glass of milk and a slice of cake after every session. Word spread and children came from other parishes to attend. The ground floor was originally a bakery and children from the estate were taught in an upstairs room. The building was also used as a sewing room at one point with the opera singer Madame Adelina Patti having many dresses made in the cottage. The cottage now makes for a tranquil, beautiful, idyllic retreat with its wonderfully rich history and the fabulous estate grounds. Guests wake up to bird song and the babbling stream, what utter bliss!

The Old School House boasts a warm and cosy living room with a fabulous wood burner for chilly evenings, comfy leather sofas and chairs and beautiful views from the windows. The cottage is pet friendly on request so you will often find guest’s furry friends curled up in front of the wood burner. The traditional country kitchen is the heart of this wonderful cottage. It offers a brilliant Rayburn cooker and woodburning stove which keeps the whole cottage warm and cosy. The solid oak kitchen offers every appliance that you could wish for and carries a very warm and welcoming ambience. The Old School House also boasts a very smart conservatory, a beautiful bright and airy spot to enjoy the warmth and natural light flooding through the windows, curled up with your holiday book. The cottage is heated by renewable energy.

Upstairs you will discover two beautifully finished bedrooms, one with a super kingsize bed which can be made up as twins and one with a double bed. The sumptuous beds are beautifully dressed and offer the sleep of kings. They share a gorgeous bathroom with a bath and overhead shower. There is an additional toilet on the ground floor. The cottage is very pretty, inside and out. You will not forget your holiday here, that is for sure!

You can have food delivered from the local supermarket in Pontardawe, so you do not even need to leave this idyllic corner of Wales. Guests enjoy access to the river and farm trail and enjoy woodland walks from the doorstep. It is hard to beat this secluded, peaceful location. If you do leave the estate, then the majestic Brecon Beacons and the stunning Gower Peninsula are on the doorstep.

Oliver Approved

What you should know…

  • Your well behaved furry friend is welcome to join you at The Old School House for a small additional charge, please just request at the time of booking
  • 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

Wi-Fi/Internet Satellite TV Working Fireplace/Woodburner Heating

Ground Floor
- Living room
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Conservatory
- Cloakroom

First Floor
- Bedroom with super-king bed (can be set up with twin beds on request)
- Bedroom with double bed
- Family bathroom

Exterior Grounds
- Private lawns
- 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 The Old School House
Rural Location Walking/Hiking Paths Outstanding Landscapes Outdoor Pursuit & Activities Tourist Towns & Villages
Loading map

The Old School House sits in 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 marvellous with woodlands, 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. Though you may find it hard to leave this wonderful spot, there is much to do and see. 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 The Old School House 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 The Old School House towards the summit of Mynydd Marchywel and back. En route, guests follow mountain streams, climb over stiles, explore the bluebell woodlands 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 Old School House is just twenty minutes drive from the beautiful Swansea Bay coastline and the Gower Peninsula with its gorgeous coves and glorious stretches of fine sand. The Victorian seaside village of Mumbles with its promenade, shops and restaurants is worth a visit and for those that love nature and the outdoors, the National Showcaves of Wales and the Vale of Neath’s spectacular waterfalls are nearby. Guests enjoy visits to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Glamorganshire Heritage Coast, both less than half an hour away.

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.

Read more about South Wales

Local Amenities
Nearest Town/City Swansea

(16.4km)

Nearest Town Pontardawe

(3.2km)

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

South Wales is a fantastic holiday destination with lots to offer whether you are in search of beaches, cities, countryside or castles.

Head to Gower, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty or the extensive Brecon Beacons which encompass the South and mid-Wales. The landscape is stunning and there are countless walks to explore on an adventure holiday.

Swansea Bay coastline features idyllic secret coves and glorious stretches of fine sand (5 miles!) and is a popular destination for water sports.

South Wales also boasts the largest castle in Wales, Caerphilly Castle. Visitors of all ages will be impressed by the enormous walls, gatehouses, towers and vast water defence as well as the great dining hall and maze! Soaking up the history of one of the most remarkable mediaeval castles in western Europe makes for a fascinating day out for all the family.

You can also find history in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, from Cardiff Castle to the shopping arcades dating back to the Edwardian and Victorian times. Yet Cardiff has become known as a modern and creative city with lots to entertain visitors including theatre shows, comedy and gigs, alongside restaurants and bars for the full evening experience. Local delicacies include the Glamorgan sausage. Cardiff Bay is an attractive spot for cafés, bars and restaurants.

Sporting fans will also enjoy South Wales. Cardiff is the home of Welsh Rugby Union and Wales is considered one of the most successful nations in the sport. Check the fixtures for upcoming home game matches.

Whatever you’re interested in, South Wales has something for everyone. 

Kids

Best Suited For: All Ages
Ideal for Kids Ideal for Teens

With two bedrooms, The Old School House is perfect for a family holiday. If this cottage is not big enough, please do look at some of our other cottages on the estate. How amazing to wake up to the sounds of the birds chirping and the babbling stream nearby. Children love the estate and its sensational walks, views and picnic spots. It is an absolute delight.

If you want a change from walking in the countryside and days on the beach, 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

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? A maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs are allowed on request for an additional charge of £30 per pet per booking. To be confirmed at the time of booking.
Smoking Allowed? No smoking

Rental Rates

Prices based on an occupancy of 4 people:

Rental period 2 Nights 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Dec 11th 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 - - - - £666
Dec 21st 2024 - Dec 24th 2024 - - - - £1,179
Dec 24th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 - - - - £1,118
Jan 1st 2025 - Jan 4th 2025 £740 £815 £890 £965 £1,179
Jan 4th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 £437 £476 £514 £553 £665
Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 22nd 2025 £487 £532 £577 £622 £751
Feb 22nd 2025 - Mar 1st 2025 £454 £495 £536 £578 £695
Mar 1st 2025 - Apr 12th 2025 £467 £510 £552 £595 £716
Apr 12th 2025 - Apr 26th 2025 £629 £691 £753 £815 £992
Apr 26th 2025 - May 24th 2025 £520 £569 £618 £667 £807
May 24th 2025 - May 31st 2025 £606 £665 £724 £783 £952
May 31st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 £609 £668 £728 £787 £957
Jun 28th 2025 - Jul 19th 2025 £655 £720 £785 £850 £1,036
Jul 19th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 £765 £843 £921 £999 £1,222
Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025 £603 £661 £720 £779 £946
Sep 13th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 £576 £632 £687 £743 £901
Sep 27th 2025 - Oct 25th 2025 £553 £606 £659 £712 £863
Oct 25th 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 £601 £660 £719 £777 £944
Nov 1st 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 £450 £491 £532 £572 £688
Dec 20th 2025 - Jun 14th 2026 - - - - £1,222

Prices based on an occupancy of 4 people:

Rental period 2 Nights 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Dec 11th 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 - - - - $849
Dec 21st 2024 - Dec 24th 2024 - - - - $1,503
Dec 24th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 - - - - $1,426
Jan 1st 2025 - Jan 4th 2025 $943 $1,039 $1,134 $1,230 $1,503
Jan 4th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 $557 $606 $656 $706 $848
Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 22nd 2025 $621 $679 $736 $793 $957
Feb 22nd 2025 - Mar 1st 2025 $579 $632 $684 $736 $886
Mar 1st 2025 - Apr 12th 2025 $595 $650 $704 $758 $913
Apr 12th 2025 - Apr 26th 2025 $802 $881 $960 $1,039 $1,264
Apr 26th 2025 - May 24th 2025 $663 $726 $788 $850 $1,029
May 24th 2025 - May 31st 2025 $772 $848 $923 $998 $1,214
May 31st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 $777 $852 $928 $1,004 $1,221
Jun 28th 2025 - Jul 19th 2025 $836 $918 $1,001 $1,084 $1,321
Jul 19th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 $975 $1,075 $1,174 $1,274 $1,558
Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025 $768 $843 $918 $993 $1,207
Sep 13th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 $734 $805 $876 $947 $1,149
Sep 27th 2025 - Oct 25th 2025 $705 $773 $840 $907 $1,100
Oct 25th 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 $767 $841 $916 $991 $1,204
Nov 1st 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 $574 $626 $678 $730 $878
Dec 20th 2025 - Jun 14th 2026 - - - - $1,558

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.

Reviews

  • A beautiful location and property.

    on 19/05/2024

    A beautiful location and property.

  • Excellent

    on 24/01/2023

    We stayed at The Old School House in October. The weather was dreadful but the house was warm as was the welcome from the owners and their friendly staff. Clean, comfortable, some lovely walks from the house and beautiful scenery nearby. We will return - the best recommendation! It was a memorable stay even in torrential rain and gales but in good weather it must be quite exceptional.

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