Latest news with #DylanThomas'
Daily Mirror
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I visited hidden resort in UK seaside town and had the most relaxing 48 hours of my life
There's no option but to totally relax and unwind at this very special location How often in life do you really feel totally relaxed, your mind at peace and body at rest, with nothing pulling you back into everyday life? The answer is probably not very often, so what I'm about to share with you might help. I came across a very special place recently and, after an all-too-brief first visit, I returned a year later with the family for 48 hours switched off from the world, with no interruptions (other than the odd spa treatment). The Dylan Coastal Resort is a secluded hamlet of lodges nestled into the hillside in the well-known Welsh seaside town of Laugharne, just above Dylan Thomas' famous boathouse and looking out over the Taf estuary with Gower peninsula and Worm's Head on the horizon. That view is a living piece of artwork that changes hourly, from sunrise to sunset, from blazing sunshine to stormy skies, from high tide to low. This mesmerising panoramic view is the first thing that greets you when you arrive at this hidden gem, tucked away at the end of a small lane. Instantly, the location and its soundtrack of birdsong takes stress levels down and the luxury lodges welcome you with contemporary and spacious interiors and outdoor areas that include a terrace and hot tub — all with that enchanting view as a close neighbour. Then there's Milk Wood House, where the spa facilities are waiting to transport you to cloud nine or higher. The facilities within this building are reason enough to stay, whether it's the gym with arguably the most stunning view in Wales or the spa area where you're provided with a dressing gown, towel and slippers, making it easy to dip into one of the pools and then unwind at one of the seating areas relaxing in your dressing gown. The infinity pool is housed within an impressive double-height space, with a massive wall of glass windows on one side perfectly showcasing the breathtaking view. Warm enough for leisurely swimming and cool enough for more vigorous lengths, the pool was constantly inviting. Adjacent to the pool is a substantial sauna and a separate herbal steam room both featuring a glass wall so your connection with the stunning view remains uninterrupted. There's even a tepidarium, featuring heated 'beds' made out of concrete and topped with metallic mosaic tiles — something I had never encountered before and am now very much a fan of. However, my favourite spot at Milk Wood House was perhaps the infinity hydrotherapy pool. It's situated outdoors but tucked under the first floor, offering the combined advantage of fresh estuary breezes and birdsong but with protection from any Welsh rain that might disrupt your relaxation. This pool is warmer than its larger counterpart and it was instantly wonderful to feel immersed in the heat on an underwater sloping 'bed' made out of metal pipes (it sounds uncomfortable but actually provided an angle to lay back and see the view as we floated in the hot water). On a timer the pool erupted into bubbles as the metal pipes turned the still water into a giant hot tub. I came back to visit time and time again. A trip up to the cosy mezzanine seating area offers some tranquillity away from others and I admit I 'lost' a few hours drifting off into dream land on the mezzanine level. I just had to book a pamper treatment. I indulged in a facial as this poor, weather-beaten, city-polluted face hadn't seen much love recently but Lily, the wonderful therapist, was there to put that right. The room was as relaxing as I had hoped for: wonderfully scented, atmospheric with dim lights and soft, relaxing music that was on the verge of sending me to sleep. The resort has also extended the treatments on offer, dedicating a whole lodge near Milk Wood House to popular offerings such as manicures and pedicures as well as holistic treatments. Of course, the site has a location that can easily tempt you to use it as a base and leave it to explore the glorious surrounding landscape and access to local areas around Laugharne, from stunning beaches to visit such as the famous seven-mile Pendine Sands, but we were here to spend 48 hours at the resort and totally unwind. The resort is unusual in that it offers a number of ways to engage with the facilities and the very welcoming staff. If you're local you can become a member to use the facilities, or anyone can enjoy a meal in the restaurant. Residents of the resort who have hired a lodge for a week, fortnight or weekend can use the facilities for free although any treatments are extra. But there is also the opportunity to buy one of your own lodges to use exclusively for yourself, family and friends or to also rent out as an income generator to holiday-makers when it is not in use. Personally I think it's a fantastic idea as you get a holiday home that doesn't take housing stock away from the local community, plus the benefit of having use of the resort's facilities. The lodges are well equipped - better than my home - with a hot tub, alfresco dining and sofas on the terrace with an estuary view. Beats the view out of my window of the neighbour's pants on the washing line! Milk Wood House has a bar and restaurant offering a delicious menu from breakfast through to evening meal, including a children's option, but the luxury kitchen also had all we needed to create our own feast, including a coffee machine, and there were televisions in all bedrooms and large screen in the lounge. How much it costs to buy or stay at Dylan Coastal Resort There's a choice of lodges too, starting from £345,000 for The Sonnet residence up to The Solace at £650,000. But if buying is not an option, staying might well be, with weekends, especially out of season, especially popular with families and groups of friends in a three-bed lodge sharing the cost. For exact prices and available dates to stay or for more information about buying a lodge call reception of Milk Wood House on 01994 427332.
Wales Online
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Mansion in one of the most iconic locations in Wales could now be yours
Certain locations are immediately identifiable to many as unique Welsh sites, rich in history, literature, culture or breathtaking views. Cliff House offers all of these as well as the chance to move-in and add your own personal style to the spaces - if you can concentrate for long enough with the mesmerising view constantly there and constantly changing to distract you. This magnificent Georgian mansion is situated next to Dylan Thomas' renowned Laugharne boathouse and writing shed, sharing the same captivating, panoramic view across the River Tâf estuary before it merges into Carmarthen Bay. According to the Coflein website, Cliff House is believed to be where Kingsley Amis penned 'The Old Devils' in 1986. This additional piece of literary history further enhances the cultural significance of this waterside town and of this particularly unique home. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here Laugharne is a Welsh town celebrated for its array of charming properties that are a joy to explore as you meander through the small, winding lanes. It boasts its own castle, characterful accommodations, and a range of eateries offering the finest local cuisine, from cosy cafes to fish and chips, from gourmet dining to excellent pub food. It's undeniable that Thomas must have been inspired by the extraordinary and captivating water views stretching out from this incredible property. His writing shed is tucked into the hillside just above the main house, which commands a panoramic view of three estuaries. While owning the boathouse might be a pipe dream, Cliff House offers its own slice of paradise in this renowned location. Nestled behind towering gates and lush hedges, this white-washed mansion, spread across four floors, is a sight to behold as it peeks out from the surrounding greenery. This grand family residence occupies a private plot of just under half an acre, offering a haven of breathtaking views and spacious living. The sprawling mansion provides approximately 5,000 square feet of accommodation. Secluded behind private gates, a garden with landscaped terraces presents numerous spots for you to sit back and soak in the vast landscape that unfolds before your eyes - a truly remarkable sight and arguably one of the best waterside views and locations in Wales. The property features tranquil and secluded patches of lawn encircled by mature trees and shrubs, providing a natural retreat for outdoor relaxation. Alternatively, you could enjoy the spacious ground floor terrace or step out from any of the river-facing rooms on the first floor onto the balcony that spans the width of the house. Arriving by car is straightforward with ample parking space and a ground-floor garage. However, arriving by boat is undoubtedly more thrilling. It's said that Dylan Thomas first arrived in the town by disembarking from a ferry directly below, and this mode of transport remains feasible as the property comes with its own mooring. The mansion's ground floor primarily houses the garage and a laundry room. With appropriate planning and a generous budget, this space could be transformed into additional accommodation for multi-generational living or a holiday let, complementing the existing flat on the top floor. The first floor is where the views truly captivate you from its elevated position above the garden terrace. This level hosts a sitting room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast sunroom - all of which enjoy stunning views across the water. Ascending to the second floor, the main bedroom offers direct water views right from the pillows, with an ensuite and dressing room enhancing its appeal as a special space. This floor also features two more double bedrooms, a bathroom equipped with a multi-jet spa bath, and a useful storage room. The top floor currently serves as a self-contained two-bedroom apartment, complete with its own reception area, sitting room, kitchen diner, and bathroom - a perfect abode for the lucky grandparents or younger family member who gets to call this space home. Cliff House is for sale with Country Living Group with a guide price of £1.25m, call 01437 616101 to find out more. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
Pembrokeshire Herald
28-04-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Gone, but most definitely not forgotten
SOMEWHERE in the heart of Pembrokeshire sits a long-abandoned farmhouse, barely visible through decades of overgrowth. Its windows are broken, its front door stands ajar and its floors are covered in debris. A solitary Singer sewing machine stands in the centre of the kitchen as poignant reminder of the lives of the people who once lived there. 'Coming across places like this – beautiful properties which have just been abandoned and left to decay – is tragic,' said one of the people responsible for setting up B&R Urban Explorers UK, the Pembrokeshire-based group whose mission is to seek out forgotten places. 'Each of these properties were once full of life, but now everything has just been left standing still.' Last week B&R were given permission to visit the Haverfordwest Junior Voluntary Controlled School in Barn Street, which closed its classroom doors for the last time in 2018. There they discovered three wooden plaques dating back to the 1920's, each bearing testimony to the pupils' successes, while dozens of classroom photographs were found discarded on the floor. A similar discovery was made in Tasker Milward School where plaques naming the head boys and head girls from 1978 and the students who had won scholarships were found in the vacated building, as well as a full-sized Bechstein grand piano left abandoned in the main hall. 'These things meant so much to so many, and that's not just the children, but their parents, their families and the teaching staff at each of the schools,' continued R, who prefers to be called by his initials. 'Surely items such as these should be respected and looked after? And if they can't be moved to an alternative school, then why can't they be placed in the town museum?' Since launching B&R Explorers UK in March of this year, R and his partner have visited a number of forgotten properties all over the UK. But it goes without saying that the couple has a special affinity for the places they're discovering closer to their home which is in Milford Haven. In addition to the Haverfordwest schools, they recently explored Hakin Infant School which is due to be demolished later this year, where they discovered discarded photographs of children, which included ones of their daughter, as well as Oakwood, the Brawdy Lanes bowling alley, Roch Gate Hotel and many abandoned Pembrokeshire farmhouses. 'We recently visited a property that we've christened 'The Whiskey House', because when we walked into the outside shed, we found a whiskey bottle lying there, waiting for its owner's return and in the middle of the kitchen, we found an old Singer sewing machine. 'We've also visited Dylan Thomas' auntie's house, near Laugharne, which has obviously been empty for many years because one of the upstairs ceilings had fallen through. The house is still full of items, some of which are antique, and it's so sad to see this happening to so many properties around our county. 'Little Milford House is another prime example. It's owned by the National Trust, and when we got there earlier this year, we discovered that the front door had been left open. The yale lock had been left on its latch, so anyone could have walked in. We made sure the door was properly closed when we left, but once again it's such a shame to see a property of this stature being left to decay. Little Milford is such a popular area with walkers, I'm sure the house could be enjoyed by so many others.' Since launching B&R Urban Explorers UK on social media, the site has attracted a healthy 1,000 people who have begun following in just just over a month. 'This has been something of a surprise to us, but it also shows just how much interest people are taking in the properties and the communities around them,' concludes R. 'By discovering these properties and by sharing our findings with the public, we're hopeful that a little more attention will be given to them and items, like the plaques we found in Tasker Milward and Haverfordwest Junior voluntary schools, will get the recognition and respect that they deserve.'
South Wales Argus
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Guy Masterson to perform Under Milk Wood in Abergavenny
The globally acclaimed solo performance will take place at the Borough Theatre on Friday, May 9, at 7.30pm. Mr Masterson, who has performed the piece more than 2,000 times worldwide since 1993, brings to life all 69 of Dylan Thomas' characters from the fictional Welsh town of Llareggub. The show captures the beauty, humour, and pathos of a single day in the town, enhanced by a soundscape from Matt Clifford, known for his work with The Rolling Stones. The production is inspired by Mr Masterson's uncle, Richard Burton. This isn't Mr Masterson's first visit to Abergavenny; he last performed a one-man show, A Christmas Carol, in December. Tickets for Under Milk Wood are priced at £18 and can be purchased from the theatre's website or box office, or by calling 01873 850805.
