Latest news with #DylanThomas'
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.
