A few weeks ago, Coastal Cottages invited C and I to stay in one of their stunning rentals – 2 Penally Boathouse Mews. Having fallen in love with Pembrokeshire a few years ago on THIS trip, we had longed to go back and explore more of the beautiful coastline.
Coastal Cottages have over 500 properties in their portfolio. 2 Penally Boathouse Mews (formerly known as Saddlers Cottage) is a cosy cottage hidden away in the grounds of the owners’ home, Penally House, on the bank of the River Teifi in the small village of St Dogmaels. Beautifully renovated to a high standard and furnished in an quirky mix of contemporary and antique pieces focussing on the nearby river and its fishing history, the split level L-shaped layout leads from the sitting area with cosy wood burning stove, which overlooks the pretty gardens with views of the nearby estuary.
We arrived on a warm May day, having stopped at nearby Ceibwr Bay for a walk along the stunning coastline and a bite to eat at Penralt Garden Centre. After some debate over the directions, we found the gate that leads into Penally House and it’s gardens. We were immediately shocked at how different it felt within the walls. Flowers were blossoming everywhere we turned, birds were flying around the trees and we could see the estuary in the back. We parked up and were greeted by the wonderful Venita, who showed us around her wonderful cottages and garden.
2 Penally Boathouse Mews was a perfect fit for us, a cosy space, with all the mod cons, a wood burning stove and little trinkets that represented the area. We soon got settled in and decided a walk along the river would be the best thing after a stuffy car journey. You can access the river from the garden of the mews, and the path follows the river down to the sea, through the village. There is a fantastic little pottery shop in the village, and we picked up some beautiful mugs and chatted to the Potter about the area and also Bath. We headed back to the cottage and settled for a quite night in, with a simple dinner and a bottle of wine, and watched the sunset from the garden.
The following morning, we awoke to another glorious day, and decided we would explore some more of the coastline. After a breakfast of local produce, we set about heading to the opposite side of the estuary, to a small hamlet called Gwbert. We had heard you can spot seals there, so thought it was the perfect place for a stroll. The sea was bright blue, and we hiked along the cliff edge, spotting many jellyfish in the sea below. It wasn’t until we were about to turn around and head back, that we caught glimpse of a seal close to the shore. We watched him swim about for a good 30 minutes, sealing around and loving the attention he was getting. We wandered back along the coast and took in the view.
We headed back to St Dogmaels for some lunch. We had spotted a local pub the day before, and headed there for a roast in the sunshine on their beautiful deck which overlooked the river. Their vegan roast was fantastic, one of the best I have ever had (seriously you guys!). A vegan nut roast with ample seasonal veg to accompany it. A great meal to end a fantastic (albeit too short) weekend away.
Thanks to Coastal Cottages for use of 2 Penally Boathouse Mews.
Have you visited St Dogmaels or Pembrokeshire before? What’s your favourite part of it?
Disclaimer – Coastal Cottages offered us a complimentary stay in return for a review. All opinions are my own. For more information on Coastal Cottages, head to their website, www.coastalcottages.co.uk
That looks like such a beautiful place!!! Your photos are gorgeous. It’s getting my excited for our upcoming vacation!
It was a wonderful stay!
I have never before heard of Pembrokshire but this place looks gorgeous. Would love to make pottery in that quaint little store.
Hey Jen! It’s a lovely part of Wales!
What a stunning holiday! I’ve not been to Pembrokeshire before but I feel I need to add it to my list 🙂
You must – it’s so beautiful!
That costal cottage looks wonderful! Pembrokeshire is a place we’d love to go back to having visited Tenby recently. Can’t beat the coastline x poppping over from #ExplorerKids xx
It’s such a wonderful part of Wales, we’ve fallen in love!
What fabulous photos Sus! and such a beautiful place to stay ! we have been to wales twice but haven’t really explored Pembrokshire, would love to though. And yes, the thought of that vegan nut roast has got me salivating!
Hi Manjiri!! Thank you 😀 we first discovered Pembrokeshire a few years ago and fell in love!
oh wow the garden looks so pretty, and that scenery is breathtaking! This looks like a perfect getaway. #Explorerkids
The garden was such a delight – a real hidden gem!
I really must visit Wales again, I’ve not been since my teens and I think my kids would love it. Pembrokeshire looks like a beautiful part of the country. Sarah #ExplorerKids
Hi Sarah! It’s wonderful, great for kids too, lots to do!
Oh wow, those views are really quite something an sadly a part of the country I don’t really know much about x
I’d urge you to visit sometimes if you can!
This looked like a great trip! Some gorgeous scenery and things to do!
The scenery is incredible Mayah!
I’ve never visited, but it looks like such a beautiful picturesque place. I am a sucker for a cottage, especially by the sea so I’m a tad jealous! 🙂
It was rather wonderful Sarah!
Last bank holiday weekend, in the end of April we had plans to visit Prembrokeshire and my cousin had also booked a cottage there but we couldn’t make it. The rest of the family stayed there and had an amazing time! Will keep Coastal cottages in mind for the next trip.
Oh what a shame Fatima – you deserve a trip for sure!
O what a beautiful place to get away!
It was rather fantastic 🙂
That really is paradise on Earth! So stunning I hope I can visit one day
It literally is!!
Oh man, that looks like such an amazing place to visit! The views are astounding!
This is so beautiful! I never knew Pembrokeshire is such a beautiful place. I love the pottery place – so gorgeous and cute! You are so lucky to have such a nice weather over there. Your photos are stunning by the way. I must check out Coastal Cottages, they seem to have a really nice place to stay. Thanks for linking up with us on #ExplorerKids Linky. x
Thanks so much for your sweet words. We do often get good weather when we visit.
I love holidays in the UK. We do cottage holidays like this once or twice a year and we have stayed in some stunning properties and had the best holidays. I’ve not tried coastal cottages but I’ll check them out. Shared!
Oh that looks glorious! I haven’t been to Pembrokeshire in years but I’d love to take the kids there.
This area is so well set up for families too.
Pembrokeshire is such a beautiful place and these cottage sound amazing. Going to keep them in mind as we usually go to West Wales atleast twice a year
Laura x
I’d highly recommend it Laura!
This is great for a good getaway. I need to visit this place one day.
It’s a wonderful place Kristal.
I can’t wait to visit the UK. I have no excuse really, I have many friends who live there and I would love to visit them. I should just buy a plane ticket! This looks like such a lovely trip. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Kate you must come and visit us someday!
Oh I need to visit here, it looks incredible x
It was so wonderful Jenni!
I’ve never been to Pembrokeshire, but it always looks so beautiful. We rarely stay in cottages because my husband never comes on holiday, so a hotel works out better for us, but I do love cottage stays. #explorerkids
Oh you must try and visit someday, and maybe convince your husband too?!
OH never comes on holiday. Will take N instead – he’s usually up for a holiday!
I’ve never been before but looking at these photographs and reading your review makes me want to go right now: such a beautiful and peaceful place and seems like the perfect getaway. So glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for writing your review! Much move x
Thank you for your kind words – so glad you enjoyed my review!