Felin Brithdir, Rhydlewis, Ceredigion

This collection of dwellings makes up the majority of the hamlet of Brithdir. The current owners have restored a house, adjacent mill and neighbouring crog lofft (translated as 'hanging loft') cottage sensitively, balancing their rustic character with the requirements for contemporary living. The vermilion hue of the traditional mill house stands in pleasing contrast to the lush green gardens that surround it. Inside are all the hallmarks of the south-west Wales vernacular: stone walls, quarry tile floors and traditional timber-panelled walls. The buildings are set within approximately three acres of gardens, including wild flower meadows, a well-established lake, native woodland and a sun-trap terrace. A short drive from the Ceredigion coastline, the range of buildings encompassed is an opportunity for holiday lets or establishing a wonderful and varied multi-generational home. 

Setting the Scene 

Taking full advantage of the youthful Afon Ceri as it races toward the Teifi, the now renovated mill would have once ground flour. It is thought that millers have been working on this site since the mid-17th century, and that the house was rebuilt around 1811.  

Today, the house lies slightly downhill from the mill, with the crog lofft cottage across the private lane. The collection of separate dwellings lend themselves to individual occupation each with its own entrance and private garden. There are sheds, a garage, and a workshop/studio with power and lighting within the grounds.

The Grand Tour 

Felin Brithdir

The front façade of the house is as bright as it is pleasingly symmetrical. The front door marks its centre, with a grid of original marginal bar sash windows on either side. A lime-washed wing is set back to one side, relinquishing prominence to the main building. Traditional materials have been used to ensure breathability, including the pink-toned limewash from Ty Mawr Lime.  

The plan continues the satisfying symmetry as the main quarry-tiled and original timber-boarded hallway leads to reception rooms on either side. The kitchen, once one room, has been extended into an existing lean-to by the current owners. Now, the dining area is centred around a Nordica wood-burning range and a bright, contemporary kitchen sits within the vaulted mono-pitched space. There is subtle texture at every turn: slate flagstones underfoot, butt-and-bead boarding overhead and white-washed rough cast stone walls distinguish the space.  

Across the hall, the study/bedroom has been finished with the sunny hue of 'Yellow Pink' by Little Greene which contrasts sharply with the shutters and fireplace. Exposed beams cross the ceiling adding rhythm. There is a convenient shower room next door, and a connected utility and boot room with direct external access.

Part of more recent addition, a broad reception space now occupies an existing wriggly-tin roofed cow shed. The space within is timber clad and orientated to make the most of the views from the floor-to-ceiling glazed doors that open onto a sheltered and sunny terrace.  

Upstairs, two bedrooms sit either side of a wide landing. The chamfered ceilings are timber clad and each is lit by a shuttered window with garden views. The en suite has a vaulted ceiling and a bath at its heart.

The Old Mill 

Hidden within robust stone walls, the interiors of the mill have been stripped back to their full voluminous height. A frame of rafters has been revealed, providing the backdrop for an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. Raw timber panelling and a wood burner in the corner provide warmth. Downstairs, two well-proportioned bedrooms share a bathroom. Double doors open out onto decking and a private garden with views of the valley from the top.

Ty’r Gof 

The embodiment of a typical Welsh 'crog lofft' cottage, Ty’r Gof is rich with original details. A wood burner sits in an old fireplace, capped with an original cob and basket worked hood propped on timber stilts. Flagstone floors are interrupted by slate cobbles that connect the a traditional red oxide painted front and back doors. Downstairs, a bathroom has a timeworn timber floor. Glossy red enrobes the stairs that lead up to a crog lloft/mezzanine sleeping area lit by skylights.

Lake Cabin

An insulated and powered lake house sits at the edge of the pond and has an outdoor kitchen, wood burner, and a king size mezzanine sleeping platform for summer camp outs. Overhanging the pond, the decking here is perfectly positioned for sunsets.

The Great Outdoors 

All of the buildings are accessed from a private lane, and there is separate access to the workshop/studio from the lane. Much of the landscaping across the site has been designed and implemented by the current owners. At the centre is a large lake, with an island accessed via a boardwalk, rich with reeds and flag iris. From here, grassland and woodland open out, running up to the banks of the Afon Ceri which marks the boundary and is home to kingfishers and otters. The site is abundant with wildlife as kites circle overhead and brown trout run along the river.

The front garden of the mill house is home to a kitchen garden with raised beds, large greenhouse and a productive apple and pear trees. To the rear of the mill, a lawned area stretches up the hill, bound by native hedges and with views of the valley below. Ty’r Gof has both a small front garden and rear terrace, well-positioned for the afternoon sun. Add about the extra plot of land.

Out and About 

Brithdir is a small hamlet found just outside of Rhydlewis village in the rolling valleys of south Ceredigion,. This is fertile land, and home to the dairy herds that supply Caws Teifi and further to the south, Caws Cenarth, both renowned for their farmhouse style cheeses. The settlement is close to the route between the harbour at Cardigan and the university town of Aberystwyth.

Llangrannog, once known for shipbuilding and fishing, is a charming village steeped in history, under 15 minutes' drive away. Today, it caters to a more leisurely crowd, with a range of options for beachgoers and walkers. The seashore is dotted with establishments such as the Pentre Arms, Y Caban café, and Tafell a Tân pizzeria, all excellent spots for eating and drinking.

Llangrannog Beach itself is a stunning stretch of sand flanked by dramatic cliffs, with a hidden cove - Cilborth - that can only be accessed during low tide. The village has immediate access to the spectacular Ceredigion coastal path. To the north is the distinctive hill fort of Pen Dinas Lochtyn, with its panoramic views from Cardigan Island to the Llyn Peninsula. To the south, a fern-clad valley leads to the secluded National Trust cove of Penbryn, accompanied by the excellent Plwmp Tart café.

Stretching from Aberaeron to Cardigan, this section of coastline has some of Wales' most distinctive and romantic beaches. From the dramatic Tresaith waterfall to the serene seclusion of Mwnt, the coastline has a range of natural wonders to explore. Llangrannog's sheltered west-facing cove is perfect for swimming and surfing, and hopping into a kayak gives an alternative view of the coastline, revealing the hidden coves and thriving wildlife along the shore.

Inland, the expansive Cambrian Mountains lie to the east, Snowdonia to the north, and the intimate Preseli Hills and deep Gwaun Valley to the south. These areas are known for a slower pace of life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature.

Newcastle Emlyn and Llandysul, situated close by, have further amenities, including primary schools. Cardigan, a 25-minute drive away, has a range of shops, cafés, and the well-preserved Cardigan Castle. The Fforest team have two restaurants in the area, the relaxed Pizza Tipi and the recently renovated Albion Aberteifi, both situated by the River Teifi.

The Victorian university town of Aberystwyth can be reached within an hour's drive, while the cities of Swansea and Cardiff are accessible within two hours. The closest train station is Carmarthen, with direct connections to London in approximately four hours. It also provides services north to Aberystwyth and Manchester, as well as southeast to Swansea, Cardiff, and Bristol.

Council Tax Band: E