Notes from the host
Exquisite Coastal Farmhouse
Dan y Graig - Porthmawr Ganol – Whitesands
This 19th C farmhouse, together with a range of barns occupies a much sought after coastal location above the sea cliffs overlooking Whitesands Bay and out to Ramsey Island. Completed just in time for a 2019 Easter at Whitesands, the exquisitely executed workmanship combines tradition with modernity to offer a stylish coastal property with a modern ‘country gent twist’ to wow any traveller. Sculpted into the landscape at the foot of the iconic Carn Llidi mountain, Dan Y Graig provides luxury accommodation for up to eight within easy reach of the beach. As the waves break against the golden sand the sound of the sea carries up to Dan Y Graig and with stunning views across the terrain makes a stay here magical. We hope to launch our Barn conversions by 2019 so keep an eye out for exciting progress.
Dan y Graig house is a Victorian Farmhouse, so we’ve endeavoured to retain as much of the charm and character its original features provide, whilst introducing contemporary elements to update its appeal and make it more suited to today’s traveller, be it walker, surfer, or a group of friends or a family wishing to spend a few days in coastal luxury. The narrow lane that winds up to the farm is a little rocky in places. You’re climbing the mountain don’t forget, but it’s worth it! Views from Dan y Graig are breath-taking, looking out directly towards St.Davids over the city golf course and then down to Whitesands beach, only 300 yards away, and of course out to the sea, Ramsey Island and the Smalls Lighthouse! Together with the magnificent backdrop of Carn Llidi mountain and the incredible coastal path providing an unbeatable setting.
The spacious farmhouse accommodates up to eight guests between its four stylish bedrooms – two King rooms, a double and a twin. Each bedroom provides luxurious Goose feather and Duck Down bedding, Egyptian cotton linen and Laura Ashley towels. The bedroom near the sea will be made up using synthetic pillows and duvet just in case someone has an allergy to natural fillings. Styled in clean and bright white with warm grey tones and flashes of colour from the amazing accessories made locally – Tregwynt Woollen Mill blankets and cushions; Solva Woollen Mill rugs. Monochrome wall art by Solva artist Ian McDonald and colourful coastal landscapes by the renowned Pauline Beynon enrich the spaces. Whilst the bedrooms at the front are big and bright, with sumptuous large beds, the two at the back of the house are ‘loft style’ rooms which lead off their own little private stair. These offer a different experience, perfect for the kids or the guest who’d prefer a cosier, space. To maximise space, we’ve used specially designed loft beds that are a bit lower than usual, so you don’t knock your head on the beamed ceiling as you get up in the morning.
The first floor bathroom has a bath with a unique view, relax in bubbles and gaze directly out to St.Brides bay and the coastal terrain. There’s also a fabulous glass power shower and the window has a double blind with a magic screen for whatever degree of privacy a guest requires.
Traverse the levels of the house via the old staircase, finished with a Solva Woollen mill runner to enhance this magical space! A ‘sea-fearing’ inspired style comes together with hints of Alice in Wonderland to conjure ideas of another world. A modern chandelier of amber Edison light bulbs hanging like teardrops from the sky inspires the imagination.
The ground floor presents ample space for relaxing and entertaining. Sit and read in the cosy but more formal ‘Parlour’- lean back into the winged back chairs, recline on the tweed chesterfield and enjoy the view. Light the log stove when there’s a storm brewing outside and relish in the comfort of being safe inside where you can plan your next adventure using the ‘Twr Y Felin’ guide to St.Davids map that hangs over the fireplace. This map is a wealth of knowledge and was created by my Great Great Uncle in 1923, and in fact once owned the farmhouse. Although re-printed in the eighties, the map is now hard to find.
Gather with family or friends on the other side of the hall in the more relaxed family room that opens up into the dining space of the kitchen. It has a bright and modern feel, with two gorgeously comfortable tweed couches. Ideal for rainy days, the family room has a large smart tv for movie watching or enough space for board games and other family amusement. Another little log stove is convenient to top up the heat that the underfloor heating amply provides. There’s another spectacular view of the rugged landscape through the window, and you can also watch the kids play out on the front terrace. We opened this room up into the kitchen/diner to improve the quality of the space, giving a much freer flow and openness to the layout. If you’re busy in the kitchen, having dinner or relaxing in the family room, you can still be sociable.
Enjoy dining together around a heavy rustic table. There’s room for eight to sit comfortably around the table and there’s an extra leaf hidden underneath it if you want extend the table should friends drop in.
The chef of the house can cook using the Le Creuset equipment on the top of the range Rangemaster Range cooker – a five gas burner hob, with griddle fitting and three electric ovens should keep chef busy and plentiful food for everyone! Villeroy & Boch ‘Manoir’ porcelain tableware and Dartington cutlery enhance your dining experience indoors, and there’s a set of bamboo tableware if the weather’s amazing and you decide to eat outside. Who wants to do the washing up when you’re on holiday?! No one needs to as there’s a family size dishwasher just to make things easier. There’s also a six shelf Siemens fridge with three freezer drawers if you want to stock up and avoid a daily shop, which in Summer can be a nightmare. Many guests prefer to order online and get it all delivered to the farmhouse.
Tucked behind the kitchen, just off the back hall is a unique little bathroom. Its uniqueness comes from the quirky wet-room shower that’s been designed into the old chimney. It’s an amazing space and quite unique with an almost cave-like quality. Everyone should try it at least once during their stay!
At the back door is a boot room with a large Belfast sink where you can wash your boots after a day’s walking rinse your flip-flops when you come home from the beach. Throw your laundry straight into the washer dryer here too. But before you go into the house, if you’ve been at the beach or out surfing, rinse away all that sand under the outside shower and then hang your wetsuits out to dry. You’ll also find an outside tap and hose if you need to wash down a muddy dog!
The farmhouse has a terrace at the front which overlooks the old farm yard where you can park your cars safely. This will change when we renovate the old barns around the yard later this year, but we’ll have created a more bespoke parking area behind the house by then. The Terrace itself is a great space. It's south facing and has the most amazing views so is ideal all day for sitting in and chilling, picnicking, or enjoying a glass of Champagne as the sky turns red with the setting sun.
Dan y Graig is ideally located for those wanting to stay by the sea. Our award winning, blue flag beach Whitesands is just down the lane about 300yds, so there’s no need to drive and park as you can almost roll out of bed onto the sand. It’s on the coastal path, take a hike up to the top of Carn Llidi or around to Porth Melgan and St.Davids Head or go in the other direction towards Porth Sele amd St.Justinian where you’ll find three centuries of Lifeboat stations nestled in a bay.
Enchantment and adventure is at your fingertips, no matter which way you go.
Our peak season holiday period rates are higher than out of season, so please get in touch to arrange a two stage payment procedure.
