The Milk Wood
Nevern Valley, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
Deep within the Nevern Valley, there is an ancient sessile oak wood; and in the wood, there is a clearing; and in the middle of the clearing is a secret. Four cottages so covert that only the wildfowl and weasels know their coordinates. Bringing the elemental outdoors in at every opportunity, micro-cement and light oak combine with oodles of Scandi appeal at this Welsh family estate: think glass walls, hot tubs, munchkin windows, sleeping nooks, and open-air bubble baths with views to the river. Welcome to The Milk Wood.
Introduction
A secluded riverfront estate made up of two pairs of cottages, Hiraeth and Huckleberry, The Milk Wood awaits in a peaceful part of Pembrokeshire, where the only neighbours are ancient oaks and creatures of the forest. Centuries ago, it was dairy folk and foresters who called these woods home; when its new custodians got wind of the ramshackle cottages, so began a renaissance of ethereal proportions. In them, there's curtained cubbyholes, cabinets licked in burgundy and basil, and enormous velveteen sofas made for cocoa-fuelled chats. All that, plus bathtubs in the garden, the spiced-honey scent of climbing jasmine, and hot tubs that hide among wildflowers.
Inside
A minimaluxe labyrinth of four cottages, each taking cues from the softened angles of the Cyclades and the textured ceilings of adobe architecture, this may be Pembrokeshire's finest case of fusion design: think Welsh homestead meets Scandi health club. Estates like this exist for a purpose: they're made for the gathering days. The pompom hats around the table days. The “close your eyes and make a wish” days. Beneath oak pendants and encased by picture windows that do their best to frame the joys within, The Milk Wood is a place to have long slumbers in bunklets, then come together for fika rituals until stars spangle the skies above the Nevern Valley.
Outside
Named for the fine Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas, whose namesake series of monologues revealed the charms and quirks of rural existence, The Milk Wood is a world within worlds. Perching on a network of pea pebble paths that wind through a forest clearing, this quad of cottages are the Nevern Valley's answer to the great American summer camps of silver screen fame. Come here for a new life in the wild, scouting for wagtails in the river hammock, and rallying the campers to expeditionary breakfasts through games of Knock, Knock, Ginger. At days' end, fire pits make sweet lava of mallows and the grown-ups sip spicy margaritas in the hot tub.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 24 guests (20 adults and 4 children)
From £7,600 per week, £5,745 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are eleven bedrooms split between four properties. Huckleberry´s cottage sleeps eight in three double bedrooms and one zip-and-link bedroom, which all have en suite bathrooms. There is a ground floor WC. Huckleberry´s barn sleeps four in two double bedrooms, which both have en suite bathrooms. Hiraeth´s cottage sleeps six adults and four children in three double bedrooms and one quadruple children´s bedroom, two of which have en suite bathrooms while the other two share a shower room. Hiraeth´s bothy sleeps two in one double bedroom, which has an en suite bathroom.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub, luxury Thai massage room, sauna, TV snug, snooker table, outdoor kitchen, outdoor bath, fire pit, river hammock and sauna
- PetsFour well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabies and children are very welcome. Two cots and two highchairs are available, but there are no stairgates.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for thirteen cars. The kitchens in the cottages and barn are well-equipped with Rangemaster electric cookers, induction hobs, fridge-freezer, and dishwashers. The kitchenette in the bothy is equipped for preparing breakfast and snacks. There are utility rooms with washing machines and tumble dryers. There is underfloor heating throughout. Please note that the gardens leads to a river, so do exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children and/or dogs. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that there are some steps throughout, but there are ground-floor bedrooms in three of the properties.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including bread and milk, iPad, Wi-Fi internet (and 4G access), Smart TV, Control4 multi-zone home audio solution, Dualit coffee machine, outdoor kitchen with gas barbecue, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels and bathrobes, and logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenalin-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Nevern Valley
Charming coastal taverns, rivers revealing tracks of otters, and meadows turned artisanal picnic spots; the Nevern Valley is made for excursionists. Nearby, you’ll find the Preseli Mountains, believed to be the source of the iconic bluestones used in the construction of Stonehenge.
Getting there
- On the Map The Milk Wood is located in the Nevern Valley near Newport in Pembrokeshire, ideally located for visiting the Preselis and Newport Beach.
- By Car The estate is around ten minutes from Newport in Pembs, under one hour from St Davids (the UK’s smallest city), and five hours from London by car.
- By Train Carmarthen is one hour away by car, or two-and-a-half hours by public transport and on foot. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of four hours with GWR.
- By Air Haverfordwest Airport is thirty minutes away, Swansea Airport is one-and-a-half hours away, and Cardiff Airport is just over two hours away by car.
From the owner
“Our hope is that you find solace and magic within these walls, that you make memories within the breathtaking Welsh countryside, and that this beautiful valley becomes as etched in your hearts as it is in ours.”
Transforming this river valley estate has been a meaningful undertaking for us — one that has been infused with thoughtfulness and family stories — and we are overjoyed to be able to open the doors to guests.
It is a place to reconnect with nature, to go early to bed while the Afon Nyfer sends you to sleep. It is a wholesome home, a place to find peace and restoration. The roaring fires, enchanting nooks, and deep-sinking armchairs resonate with anyone who embrace the hygge lifestyle; but outside, the woods offer opportunities for back-to-nature immersion in the Welsh countryside. Forest bathing and wild swimming in the river are peaceful ways to pass the time.
Our aim was to balance comfort (in the form of plump cushions, warm throws, and places to curl up with a steaming cup of tea) with modern design principles. Our vision of a country estate made for parties and creating memories came to life; it waits for you by the Pembrokeshire Coast.
The Reader Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Nevern Valley with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
Whether you are a casual stroller or avid hiker, the stunning Pembrokeshire Coastal Path has something for everyone. Don some good walking shoes, pack yourself a picnic, and grab your binoculars for wildlife sightings along the way.
To Do
Abereiddy Blue Lagoon
This old quarry is the site of the Red Bull Diving competition; a great place to have a go at cliff jumping or coasteering. Not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon water park, which is usually rather overcrowded.
To Eat
Llys Meddyg, Newport
The Daily Telegraph once wrote "Llys Meddyg has it all thanks to its location deep in the heart of a land rich in lavish local ingredients." With a choice of dining spots, there´s always somewhere to sip and sup no matter the weather.
To Do
Diving, Skomer Island
Diving in the Pembs opens up a treasure trove of marine habitats, allowing water-types to explore a swaying world beneath the sea. When you emerge from the blue, look out for the largest colony of puffins in southern Britain on the cliffs above.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 202429 of the best beach retreats in the UK
The Times
September 2024
Unique home swap > UK > Wales > Pembrokeshire > The Milk Wood
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
