Wales Holiday Cottages

2011-02-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ We have pheasant which roam the estate and some fresh sage languishing in the greenhouse - a perfect combination when roasted, to be served with some parsnip chips cooked in olive oil and carrot batons with a honey glaze.

http://annamaria.com/ My award for the best tasting locally caught fish on Anna Maria Island has to go to Sea Trout cooked outside on the grill by the pool and served with a crisp salad and some White Mountain bread from Publix grocery store.

http://www.torquay.uk.com/ Local caught dabs fresh from the fishmonger on the high street in nearby Paignton are delicious cooked in a very hot oven for 6 minutes with a knob of butter and served with potatoes dauphinoise sprinkled with some finely chopped rosemary from the West Wing Cottage garden.

2011-02-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

The weather is warming up and the island is enjoying plenty of sunshine. Visitors from up North will find a friendly welcome and there are some beautiful houses & condos to rent at http://annamaria.com/

Over here in Wales we have chicks and ducklings hatching out - all fluffy, golden and downy. The weather is warmer this week and we have had sunshine this afternoon. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

Our last minute visitors in West Wing Cottage enjoyed a weekend away from Stoke on Trent. I phoned in the morning to check they arrived OK as they did not get in until midnight. They say they love the cottage.http://www.torquay.uk.com/

2011-01-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

Take a vacation down by the sea at West Wing Cottage in Torquay. We think it is the prettiest coastal cottage we have seen for a long time and the gardens are beautiful at any time of year. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Lovers of the countryside should stay at the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in glorious Carmarthenshire. Any time of year is good for a visit, but the winter months mean roaring log fires, country walks, lunches at the local pubs and restaurants and relaxation. Bring your dog along with you, it will love exploring the 104 acres of meadows, hillside, woodland and riverbank at your side. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

Travelling to Florida from one of the Northern States and want to bring your dog along on the vacation? No problem, bring it along with you. Dogs are welcome at many of our properties. Just make sure you make sure at time of booking to choose a property that is dog friendly. http://annamaria.com/

2011-01-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Lots of interest in the holiday cottages today, have been busy replying to emails this evening. I think they will get booked up earlier this year than last year. There are loads of great comments in the visitors books that I have posted on the web site http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

The cottage in Torquay has booked out early this year. We still have some weeks available so if you want to experience one of the Devon's best coastal cottages go straight to our website http://www.torquay.uk.com/

News Update from Florida

I heard today from some guests who stayed in Villa Tuscany. They loved the new look - we jut employed a professional decorator to create the light and bright island beach decor. http://annamaria.com/ and the result is so pretty. They can't wait to come back again in the fall for another week in paradise.

2011-01-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here in Carmarthenshire the snowdrops carpet the secret woodland just across the meadows and the daffodils are starting to push up beside the main driveway. Prince Charles also loves Carmarthenshire and has bought a similar small country estate just down in the valley below the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. In a few weeks lambs will be frolicking in the fields in the pale spring sunshine and catkins appear in the trees and hedgerows. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Wheatsheaf Cottage is waiting for you.

Daffodils are also peeping through in the gardens of West Wing Cottage down in Torquay, South Devon. The climate there is always warmer than the rest of the County and indeed most of the UK. The beaches surround the waters of Torbay and the cottage is perched right on the edge of the water. It is a dramatic and beautiful position for a delightful holiday cottage. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

2011-01-18T09:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas here on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate was beautiful - the landscape was a snow scene worthy of a picture postcard. Guests in the cottages enjoyed roaring log fires and each cottage found a Christmas tree waiting for them on their arrival. A truly traditional family Christmas was had by one and all. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

West Wing Cottage at Torquay also enjoyed a brisk, crisp Christmas Day. Reservations there have started early this year but there are still a few weeks left during the Spring/Summer/Autumn. Guests wanting to spend some time on the "English Riviera" can see the cottage and check availability at http://www.torquay.uk.com/

For anyone looking for warmer climes just look at our sister website http://annamaria.com/

Beautiful houses and apartments on Florida's pristine white sand on western coast, just below Tampa Bay enjoy a divine climate and a friendly, laid back atmosphere, great restaurants and plenty to see and do.

2009-09-26T02:18:00.000-07:00

September has been divine at the Bwlch Tre Estate http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ the pale morning sunlight illuminates the view down over the hillside to the valley below and out to the Black Mountains on the far horizon. Down in the orchad it is full of apples, pears, damsons and plums. Fat, juicy yellow and red raspberries are growing in profusion. Guests staying in Wheatsheaf Cottage, Barley Cottage and Meadow barn are invited to pick some for their supper

The English Riviera is equally enjoying some superb weather. You can rent the west wing of a beautiful 1923 Lutyens influenced mansion house right on the seafront with half an acre of elegant private lawns gardens for your own use http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Over on Anna Maria Island the beaches are peaceful, the pelicans are diving gracefully into the Gulf, and the sandpipers run in and out of the gentle surf that laps the sands.

2009-08-26T07:27:00.001-07:00

No blogs recently as we have had a really busy Summer here in the beautiful Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. Guests have enjoyed the cottages and left some lovely comments in the visitor books - it is really helpful to have feedback and find out what they have particularly enjoyed during their visit. The main comment is that they love the cottages and are absolutely amazed at the beauty of the situation and the views.

The property West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ is also receiving rave reviews - again the situation and views are unsurpassed, albeit this time of the calm waters of Torbay on the English Riviera.

On the Carmarthenshire estate http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ the apples and pears are ripening in the orchard, the blackberries in the hedgerows are plump and juicy and the plums have been made into some delicious preserves. The new geese in the meadow are growing rapidly, they are only 5 weeks old and already are larger than the chickens. Hillsides are dotted with this Spring's lambs, now grown fat and happy on the summer grasses.

Anytime now is mushroom gathering season, so we will be searching all the meadows for field mushrooms.

Postcard From America - received a lovely email from a lady who stayed in Waterview House - she loved everything about the waterfront house and aims to be returning to Anna Maria Island soon http://annamaria.com/

2009-07-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

Carmarthenshire, UK

Mike has taken film footage of Wheatsheaf, Barley and Meadow Cottages to put up on U tube. Just search for "Bwlch Tre Banau". This is Welsh language for gap through the hills. You can take a visual stroll through the cottages and around The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. Today we are taking a drive over to the nearby historic and pretty town of Lampeter for lunch in the restaurant that won The Best Fish & Chips in Wales followed by a stroll 2 doors down from there to Conti's Ice Cream for their delicious home-made ices & a cappuccino or espresso. Heaven! Parking in the town is free and a walk through the Lampeter reveals individual small shops, boutiques and bakeries . Don't miss the traditional ironmongers, stepping back in time to our parent's era - I can never pass it without picking up some useful item for the Estate.

Torquay, UK

Make for the harbour to see the sailboats and cruisers. For the ladies, stop off in Hoopers, the exclusive department store right on the seafront overlooking the Marina for a coffee and check out the latest top designer shoes, bags and clothes. Wander down to Maggie's, a shop that would be at home in Bond Street or Rodeo drive for friendly personal service and the most beautiful small range of hand picked designer clothes & costume jewellery. Their personal shopper service guides through the collections and if you are just browsing they are happy just to chat about the clothes and the top designers they stock. For the guys, sip a beer in a waterfront cafe and watch the world go buy and the sailboats slip into the marina before sampling the freshest local caught seafood at No.7 Bistro just along at the crescent. Halcyon Summer days in Torquay. Stay at the exclusive West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ with its extensive lawns and gardens overlooking Tor Bay.

Florida, USA

Anna Maria Vacations has a superb group of properties on Anna Maria Island, Florida. The island lies in the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida just below Tampa Bay. Peaceful and friendly with great restaurants and easy access over either of 2 bridges to the mainland to Tampa and Orlando. Take the children up to Busch Gardens or enjoy a couple of days in Disney then return to the natural seaside pleasures of 7 miles of pristine white sand beaches and a gorgeous villa with its own private swimming pool http://annamaria.com/ A visit to The Sign of the Mermaid restaurant is a must during your vacation - try their prize winning home made Key Lime Pie.

2009-07-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

Warm balmy Summer days make it such a pleasure to enjoy the beautiful hills and valleys of Carmarthenshire in South Wales. Click on http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ to find the best holiday cottage and spend time with your family and friends in this rural paradise. There are amazingly good top restaurants within easy reach of the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate including The Angel Inn, The Carlton Riverside and The Lasswade. Choose between Wheatsheaf Cottage, Barley Cottage and Meadow Barn or get a group of family and friends together and book all 3 cottages.

Here in the UK, the Devon coastal areas of the southwest are preparing for their sailing regattas. Dartmouth and Torbay are among the best and include a daring flying demonstration by the Red Arrows with an extraordinary display of aerobatics over the water. The West Wing Cottage is part of a 1923 coastal Lutyens's style Arts & crafts era mansion house that is perched right on the edge of the water. A divine destination for the best of Britain. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Over in Florida they are right in the middle of turtle hatching season on Anna Maria Island. Turtles lay their eggs in the beach and then cover them with sand and return to the sea. Guess who have booked a vacation property though Anna Maria Vacations will have the chance to see a turtle hatching. Just keep an eye on the local press for news updates. There are a few vacancies left for the Summer so come on down to Anna Maria Island and enjoy nature, sunshine and some real southern style hospitality. It's easy to organize, just click on http://annamaria.com/

2009-06-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

The weather has been really hotting up and this is the year that the Brits are actually going to enjoy holidays in the UK. Where better than England's glorious South Devon coast or heavenly South Wales countryside. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

The 3 bedroom Barley Cottage on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate on the western tip of the famous Brecon Beacons is just an hour from South Wales peaceful coastline that has several of the most beaches in the country. Ealk out of the cottage door for exploring, riding, walking, picnics, waterfalls and swimming should keep all the family busy. There is an abundance of wildlife, incredible views

Going further afield for your sun, sand and beach? http://annamaria.com/ Anna Maria Vacations have some of the best properties on Anna Maria Island on Florida's west coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

2009-06-16T01:03:00.001-07:00

Thinking of going to the Brecon Beacons? http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ for the best holiday cottages that South Wales & Carmarthenshire have to offer. History, superb views and 104 private acres of gorgeous countryside including parkland, meadow, woodland, hillside and riverside to explore. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Do you want to visit the West Country and Devon's South Hams this year?The sun is shining and the sea is crystal blue, come on down to Torquay to spend some quality time with your family. The West Wing is newly opened and part of a historic 1923 mansion house in a half acre of completely private gardens right on the edge of the water. A unique property with best quality linens and fluffy white towels, elegant new furnishings and a decor that reflects the 20's with a modern twist.

Travelling further afield then don't miss out on Florida. Over 30 island vacation properties to choose from. Want to be on the edge of 7 miles of peaceful white sand beach, have a holiday villa with its own private swimming pool. Visit our website at http://annamaria.com/

2009-06-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Summer is here! The infrequency of the blogs has been caused by some marvellous weather here in Carmarthenshire. I have been out and about on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate enjoying the scenery and the sunshine. Yesterday we relaxed in the garden and were serenaded by the birds, the distant lazy hum of the bees in the Catoniasta by the pond and the smell of new mown grass - there is nothing better in this world. A few clouds drifted by the the azure blue skies and Stripe and Spot lazed in the shade.

Love the West Country? If you enjoy Devon and in particular the incredibly beautiful South Hams area try http://www.torquay.uk.com/ our newly opened West Wing of a 1923 mansion house. Half an acre of private garden to enjoy perched on the top of a cliff on the edge of the crystal waters of Torbay.

Want to try further afield, we have some new properties http://annamaria.com/ including Great Palms, Palm Villa, Sunrise Cottage and Sunset Cottage. Anna Maria Island lies off Florida's west coast on the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.

2009-04-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

What a superb morning, the sun is streaming in through the window. Guests arrived at Wheatsheaf Cottage yesterday and I took them over some new laid eggs for their breakfast this morning. Today Ann & Robbie are travelling up from the westcountry for a little R & R. If the weather stays like this there is nowhere better in the world than The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire.
http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

We came back from Devon last weekend and spent time working on the grounds, the orangery and the greenhouses. Everything is growing -shrubs are bursting into flower, the roses and the grapevines are in leaf and climbing and there were two beautiful black & white wagtails cavorting in the courtyard in the sunshine yesterday. What a terrific place, it never fails to amaze me.

Talking of Devon, down in Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the weather was sunny and warm and the sea sparkled in the bay. Sailboats and tiny fishing boats dot the water. Although I say Carmarthenshire is divine, the South Hams area of Devon also enjoys superb scenery and the views from the West Wing Cottage are panoramic - looking out over the crystal blue waters of the bay from the seafront gardens is an experience not be be missed.

Over in Florida hibiscus are starting to bloom in the gardens http://annamaria.com/the pool heating will be switched off and the weather is really starting to warm up. Pelicans and white cranes are seen on the beaches and soon will be the start of the loggerhead turtle seasons. Nature really is amazing on the island - sea grapes, palms and sea grasses fringe the beach and boaters are out in the intercoastal and the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the sunshine.

2009-03-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

The carp pond is fed by spring water and at this time of year the water iris are starting to grow around the edge, protecting the fish from the heron. They should be starting to come to the surface soon to feed. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ The pond is also home to a myriad of wildlife including a couple of frogs who languish in the shallows enjoying the spring sunshine. When you walk by they hide under the nearest stone or just freeze, thinking that you can't see them if they don't move, floating suspended in the water.

Down at Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the driveway has just been repaved with brindle pavers and it is lined with daffodils, shrubs and trees emerging from Winter into Spring. The lawns are greening and the flowers in the borders appearing. I never fail to be bowled over by the expansive view of the water that unfolds as you walk through the French windows onto the terrace.

On Anna Maria Island in Florida http://annamaria.com/ it is time for the white flamingos to arrive in the bay. They don't stay around for long and the flock is an incredible sight to see. Take aboat trip with Captain Don Meilmer out around the island and explore the intracoastal waterway. Ask him to take along a barbeque grill and cookout on a sandy beach or small island. Just pick up a few steaks, a salad and some crusty white mountain bread and you have a feast to enjoy in the sunshine. Washed down with a cold beer or a glass of Californian wine, this is outdoor dining at its best. Anna Maria Island is all about the sunshine and the water.

2009-03-26T01:04:00.001-07:00

Choosing a holiday by the sea or in the countyside need not be an issue. Spend some time in both places http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Carmarthenshire is home to 3 holiday rental cottages near the Brecon Beacons is South Wales. Easy access from the motway and set in stunning countryside with unsurpassed views.

For unrivalled sunshine and a relaxed and friendly environment http://annamaria.com/ you cannot beat Anna Maria Island on Florida's west coast. Fly direct to Tampa. The island lies in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast and is accessed by either of 2 bridges from the mainland.

Torquay's premier vacation rental, The West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ has one of the best positions on the South Devon coastline.

2009-03-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Our guests have been enjoying some really good weather recently. All the trees and shrubs have been bursing into bud and house sparrows are nesting in the eaves. I thought the swallows had arrived early but on closer inspection it turned out to be the sparrows. We have been clearing out the wood store and I sorted out some chunks of oak that had been trimmed off when making large beams. We used them on the fire last night and the heat they throw out is enormous. Nothing like relaxing in front of a glowing wood fire at the end of a busy working day.

2009-03-20T01:41:00.001-07:00

The sun is shining on the swathe of golden daffodils that line the driveway. Yesterday we sorted out the raspberry canes and weeded around the gooseberry and blackcurrants. The grass is growing in the parkland to whizzed around with the large drive on mower. There is nowhere prettier in the UK than Bwlch Tre Banau - glorious to be out in the sunshine.

2009-03-07T01:02:00.001-08:00

This morning the sun is shining so it is a great morning to take a look at the gardens to see what needs doing after the winter. I still have some snowdrops in the large stone trough by the back door, although it is pretty shady there because of the year round clematis growing over the pergola. The first show of daffodils lines the drive and, when they are over, a second wave will emerge taking us right through to April.

The ducks, chickens and eggs that roam in the meadow have started laying. It seems a bit early but it must be the result of the fantastic couple of weeks of bright and sunny weather we have just experienced, getting nature off to a quick start this year. During Spring at Bwlch Tre Banau it is fun to watch everything spring to life - birds starting to nest in the hedgerows and trees and fullsome pink blossom on the peach trees in the greenhouse.

The orangery http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-orangery.html is the perfect place to unwind at the weekend with the newspapers, a good book or some sudoko. For computer buffs we now have really fast satellite broadband in the cottages so while on holiday you can keep in touch with friends, family and business. Isn't modern life great, you can be in a haven of peace and tranquility but still make sure everything in your life runs smoothly and efficiently while you are away. Real freedom.

2009-03-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

When you make a reservation at The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate near the Brecon Beacons in one of Listed Heritage's delightful cottages http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ don't miss a visit to nearby Llandeilo. I was there yesterday and its winding streets are dotted with an eclectic collection of small shops, restaurants, coffee shops and galleries. One of Wales prettiest towns by far with a far reaching history, Llandeilo is a great place to splend a few hours. Stroll down to see the river, visit National Trust properties, enjoy a first class lunch and take home some naughty chocolate treats from the little chocolate boutique on the main street. Explore the back streets to find more very small individual shops of every type and description. Its rare to find such a gem. Don' miss it when you stay at Wheatsheaf Cottage, Meadow Barn or Barley Cottage http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-properties.html

2009-03-03T00:48:00.001-08:00

At the moment we have primroses, daffodils, snowdrops and crocus emerging around the estate. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-estate-views.html The pink heather on the rockery is in flower. The sunshine over the past couple of weeks has signalled the start of spring, but a sharp frost will nip it back a bit if it occurs. Wales is beautiful in the Spring. Lambs gambol in the fields and hillsides, the hawks, kestrels and red kites swoop overhead in the sky and the verdant rolling hills stretch out towards the Brecon Beacons. Often the very highest peaks in the Beacons have a light dusting of snow. We have been really busy preparing another delightful holiday cottage right on the bayfront at south Devon’s beautiful and elegant resort of Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/

2009-02-27T00:49:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining, yesterday we cut the grass in February. The Bwlch Tre Estate http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ is the place to stay in Carmarthenshire to enjoy the rural idyll. Superb views and planty of places to visit. Try the National Trust properties at Dinfawr and Dolacothi, visit castles of legend, drive down to the Mumbles on South Wales gorgeous coastline.

2009-02-26T01:03:00.000-08:00

We have been away for a while. Arriving at Bwlch Tre Banau is always such a pleasure. The first wave of daffodils are out at the top of the drive - Wordsworth would have been impressed, we have a swathe of daffodils that stretches from the top to the bottom of the main entranceway.

Guests staying in Wheatsheaf Cottage have a delightful little dog named Frank that Spot and Stripe are completely besotted with.

We have been very busy finishing our new property down on Devon's beautiful coast. It is direct seafront on a headland and has a huge south facing garden overlooking the water. Steps lead down to the waters edge and it has a lookout! Amazing, it is going to be so popular with our guests. Check it out at http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Although it is brand new, the design and atmosphere of The West Wing Cottage is reminiscent of the languid atmosphere of the gorgeously decadent 1920s. Oak trim from the owner's private estate in Carmarthenshire, quarter sawn American oak wide plant flooring in the living area, blonde maplewood flooring specially imported from Canada in the bedrooms together with bathrooms courtesy of Sanitan, purveyors of some of the finest fixtures available in the world today, combine to make this a property a seafront delight.

Combined with the serenely peaceful position, gardens and lawns extending out towards the sea, the attention to detail in West Wing Cottage will make you want to return again and again. Long lazy summer days gazing out over the water, croquet on the lawn, picnics on th waters edge and fishing off the rocks. Sit out on the lookout at sunset with a glass of wine and watch the sky and the sea light up with spectacular colours..

2009-02-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

Another scattering of snow this morning, followed by plenty of sunshine. The sky was so blue and clear it reminded us of Switzerland up on top of the banc this afternoon. Stripe and Spot played in the snow as we sat on the bench at the top of the scenic overlook enjoying the panoramic views out towards the snow covered Brecon Beacons that stretch the length of the horizon to the south.

2009-01-30T22:46:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast is for a blanket of snow over the country in the next couple of days. We have plenty of firewood and food and intend to hunker down for a couple of days and really enjoy it. Hot chocolate by the fire, walks through the snow with the dogs along the many paths around the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. We aim to take some photos for the web site - Carmarthenshire is divine at this time of year, with the backdrop of the really high ground of the Brecon Beans dusted with snow in the distance the landscape cannot be beaten.

Received a postcard from Al on Anna Maria Island, Florida - he says the weather is warm and he has been sailing in Anna Maria Sound.

2009-01-26T00:42:00.001-08:00

The forecast says that we are in for some bright sunny spells today. The orangery is looking wonderful, we have lightly pruned the citrus trees and so they do not grow too large and all the plants are thriving. Last night we had a feast of oranges by the fireside - freshly picked oranges have a far more delicate texture than those in the shops. The guests in Barley Cottage arrived yesterday afternoon and said that they think it is beautiful - it's really rewarding to hear that others love the place as much as we do.

2009-01-25T01:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning we went round to the log shed with the RTV an stocked up on logs for the cottages. We stacked them under the stairs in each cottage with a liberal supply of lighting wood and firelights. Our guests love their fires. In the countryside, one of our real pleasures is going out for a walk in all weathers and then getting back by the fireside for a warm up and a cup of our favourite hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Talking of coffee, we roast our own coffee beans and have an ancient coffee grinder that perfectly prepares the beans for expresso or cappuccino. Another indulgence, but a simple one that to us makes life here at Bwlch Tre Banau such a great experience. This morning we are off out to Orangery for a quick polish up (hopefully the Robin that resides in there has been not too messy. If you are lucky he will fly down and perch on a handrail and give you a stirring song - he is quite fascinating, not in the least shy.

2009-01-20T00:39:00.001-08:00

Having put on a few pounds (or kilos) over the festive season, yesterday we set off to walk down through the orchard, into the woodland that lines the River Mynnidd. I have not been down on the tree lined riverbank walk for a while and had forgotten just how beautiful it is in Winter with its series of little waterfalls, soft bright green mosses, evergreen holly and multi-coloured fungi. Definitely a job for wellingtons as it is a little boggy in places. That is a job for the 2009 calendar - improving the access. We scampered up the bank half a mile further upstream where the so called "wicked witch" lives in a log cabin on the other side of the riverbank. Actually Stripe and Spot scampered and we lagged behind a little. Walking back through the meadows, chatting and revelling in the views out to the Brecon Beacons we decided that there is no place on this earth more beautiful than the 104 acres that make up the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. We have more guests arriving this week in Barley Cottage and Wheatsheaf Cottage. Amanda has cleaned and polished them from top to bottom, made up the beds with fresh linens; Bob and I have stocked them up with firewood & lighting wood for the woodburners. I will just nip in to them today for a final check to make sure they are absolutely perfect.

2009-01-14T00:14:00.000-08:00

Travelling down to Swansea for a meeting this morning so we will be going to Patrick's for lunch, a divine little restaurant on the seafront in The Mumbles. The food is delicious, innovative and a real treat for the senses, the views out over the bay divine and the service friendly and efficient. I never really want to leave the estate, so it takes something special to entice me away gracefully. We don't use the main roads, but turn off at Llangadog, through some beautiful countrysde and drive right over the top of the hills - great fun and a real change of scene. On the way back, we whizz home on the motorway via Crosshands, through Llandeilo and then Porthyrhyd and the much beloved Bwlch Tre Banau Estate.

I was in the courtyard tidying after the wind blew some dead leaves around and the robin who has taken up residence perched on the end of the wheelbarrow and watched me for a while. He sings beautifully. I left him out some food as a reward, a little rolled barley from the hen house.

2009-01-13T01:50:00.000-08:00

It is nearly 10am, the sun is shining, Spot and Stripe want to go for a walk over the Banc and I am on my computer catching up on my blog. Therefore this is going to be short - fresh air, plenty of walks and after the excesses of Christmas and New Year, simple good foods - Welsh lamb, free range poultry, eggs from chickens that roam in the meadow, loads of fresh fruit and vegetables. I will try not to bake fresh bread every day, although it is so good to come down the stairs in the morning to the aroma of a fresh baked loaf. Scenery over calories!

2009-01-12T15:11:00.001-08:00

today I have been browsing through the internet, getting an update on all the things to do in the South Wales area, particularly Carmarthenshire. Here on the Bwlch Tre Banau estate, we are so happy to be here that we rarely venture out on trips - so when we do it has to be pretty special. We did enjoy a day trip to Tenby recently and another to Dylan Thomas' boat house down on the coast.

2009-01-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Had to travel back to Torquay in Devon. On the way back up to the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate we took the turning off the M4 marked Cwmbran. This route takes you through spectacular scenery, passing through the delightful small town of Crickhowell and on toward Brecon and then Llandovery. The alternative route we take is the turning off the M4 marked Merthyr Tydfil, making towards Brecon and turning off at Defynogg towards Llandovery. That route presents you with another of Wales most stunning views out towards over the Brecon Beacons. Either way it is a memorable experience. It is jut amazing how when you leave the motorway the traffic just ceases and drifting along through tranquil roads is just such a great experience compared with the rest of the UK. We love Welsh hospitality, the peaceful existence and scenery second to none.

2009-01-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

The weather is due to start to warm up a little today

Temperatures are still down to 3 degrees today and it will be sunny and bright, so it will be great day to go down to Llandeilo. There is marvellous kitchen gadget shop down there and I need some new peelers and some replacements for the holiday cottages. We continually check that the cottages are fully stocked with everything our guests need in order to have a perfect vacation. Linens and the very best quality 100% cotton sateen with a thread count of over 400, the neatly folded piles of white towels are thick, fluffy and pillows are continually replaced. Our aim is to make guests feel comfortable and relaxed: we aim to spoil them a little while they are guests of the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. They will then want to return again and again to experience Carmarthenshire's hospitality. Nestled on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, our views are to die for and with high standards and comfort as our priority it is definitely the perfect choice for a countryside sojourn.

2009-01-07T00:15:00.001-08:00

This morning yet another light snow, making the landscape look for all the world as if it has been dusted with icing sugar. Taking the trail to the top of the bank is rewarded by the most spectacular views; tiny cottages and patchwork quilts of farmsteads litter the landscape against the dramatic backdrop of the Brecon Beacons. The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate is nestled high in the Carmarthenshire hills in a sheltered spot shielded by a high banc. Opening out into a courtyard, the cottages are warm and cosy and there is a plentiful supply of logs for the woodburners for crackling log firs to warm you on your return.

2009-01-06T00:18:00.000-08:00

I spoke to Sarah last night to check that all was well during her stay at The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. She said that the family really enjoyed their time at the cottage once again and that they will definitely be back. There was a slight sprinkling of snow on New Year's Eve which added to the enjoyment.

2009-01-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

It is snowing! Hope to wake up in the morning to a dusting of snow over the Carmarthenshire hills. The landscape as far as you can see covered with crisp white frosty crystals - stunning. Can't wait to see it tomorrow.

2009-01-03T02:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those clear, sparkling sunny days with a frosty start. The views are tremendous, looking out over the valley and over to the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. Christmas and New Year passed in a flurry of country walks, huge log fires, plenty of festive food including a goose reared on the Estate that was cooked to perfection. Sarah and her family arrived for a last minute stay in Barley Cottage; the children loved the 4-poster bed. It also has a large master suite with a 6ft wide king size bed and a third bedroom with twin beds. Each bedroom has an en-suite and the open plan kitchen living area is beamed and has a wood burner for toasty evenings around the fire.

2008-12-21T01:10:00.000-08:00

Breeding your own geese, feeding them on fresh grass and fattening them on rolled barley results in the most luscious roast goose. Running free in the meadow, they graze on grass year round and finishing them with the additional rolled barley definitely brings results. At Bwlch Tre Banau geese are fed on natural foods and roam in the fresh air, two ingredients that cannot be bettered.

2008-12-20T00:49:00.001-08:00

This morning we are going out as soon as it gets light to stock up the logs for the cottages over Christmas. Guests love going out for walks and coming back to a roaring fire. The wood burners are great for this as you can stock them up before you leave, close the doors tightly while you are out, then open one of the doors just slightly to catch the fire up. After a minute or so then you can open the doors entirely and enjoy the firelight. Last night I watched Mama Mia beside the fire while roasting chestnuts and eating clementines. Heavenly!

The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate is great at all times of the year and Christmas is no exception. Up here in the gently rolling hills of Carmarthenshire you can have a truly memorable old fashioned Christmas.

2008-12-18T23:33:00.000-08:00

We came back to Bwlch Tre Banau yesterday and it was a joy to be back. As we came down the drive the magnificent view out over the Brecon Beacons unfolded - it really is a beautiful setting. The geese, ducks and chickens are all safe in the meadow. Stripe and Spot seemed really pleased to be back and investigated all around the gardens.

Christmas is just around the corner so I am off to Carmarthen for some last minute Christmas shopping.

2008-11-30T23:53:00.000-08:00

We were up as dawn rose this morning to walk down through the valley down by the river with Spot and Stripe. It is cold and crisp with a dusting of frost underfoot. The sunrise threw scarlet and gold fronds across the horizon and the fields glowed, incandescent in the early morning light. We are expecting some sunny spells, although it will be staying cold so time to wrap up warm. I am starting to plan for Christmas and over the weekend found some great presents in Carmarthen. We are having some visitors over the festive season this year travelling up from the Westcountry for a real Welsh country Christmas. Christmas trees, lights, goose, turkey: it is the best time of year.

2008-11-28T00:44:00.000-08:00

Carmarthenshire in South Wales is absolutely beautiful at every time of year, but at the weekend we set off for a taste of the big city. We drove over the pick up the train at Newport and then took the train to London. It took just 3 hours door to door. As we only go once a year we pre-booked a couple of first class seats and were spoiled with coffee and complimentary newspapers. Arriving on the Saturday morning it was a beautiful day, dry and cold, and the taxi sped us over to the gorgeous Milestone Hotel. The concierge recommended Maggie Jones for lunch. From the outside it is unprepossessing, but when you enter the ambiance is enigmatic - British to the core with artifacts from between the wars and candlelight, it is such a nostalgia trip. The food could have prepared with recipes from my grandmother's kitchen when we used to visit her in London as children in the fifties. After a revitalising snooze, it was off to the Albert Hall for a concert, then back to Bwlch Tre Banau on Sunday. No matter where we travel, it is always the best feeling in the world when entering the driveway and looking down over the valleys and out to the magnificent Brecon Beacons. When people ask "How come you live out in the wilds of Carmarthenshire" and I always tell them that it is the most utterly idyllic spot in the United Kingdom. When they come to see it for themselves, they have to agree.

2008-11-21T00:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday there were 6 for lunch. I picked some greens and leeks from the garden and parsley from the greenhouse, then shredded it all and braised it in a little butter. A few potatoes freshly dug from the polytunnel, quickly cubed and then tossed in a little butter and sauteed strips of salmon and lunch was in the table in just 10 minutes. When they rolled in from working in the orangery and the greenhouses they tucked in and pronounced it delicious. Followed by pancakes with our own apple and blackcurrant and a little ice cream (I confess here I did not make the ice cream, but I often do) it made a quick and healthy lunch.

Joyce and John are off home on Saturday after putting so much effort into to making the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate's glass houses spic and span. Everything now works and is spotlessly clean. Don't know what we would do without their visits.

Everyone's efforts see the brick paved paths brushed and free from leaves, windows cleaned and ground prepared for more planting. Guests are due in on Saturday in Barley Cottage may be in for a couple of hours of snow - not much is forecast, but it is still going to be exciting - love those snowflakes dusting the landscape.

2008-11-19T23:45:00.000-08:00

With guests arriving at the weekend the place is spotless. Autumn leaves have been raked up, walkways and pathways brushed with the small tractor and brush, Amanda has polished and cleaned the cottage until it glows and the heating has been turned up to air it.

Lots of hard work, but the whole place looks great. All we need is some sunshine and with the colder spell arriving this may well be on the cards.

2008-11-19T00:09:00.000-08:00

This morning we are up bright and early to go logging. Sustainable heat provided by burning logs in our woodburners is not just ecologically sound, everyone loves the fires. There is something really homely about sitting by a log fire in the evening and other forms or heating just don't cut it. The majority of our heating systems are underfloor and they provide a good all over background heat. Bathrooms here at the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate are always warm and cosy with heated towel rails and guests have a liberal supply of white fluffy towels.

Last evening at the fireside I was researching Florida for a forthcoming trip and came across a really interesting map site called www.luddist.com Loads of facts and figures and historical information of Florida.

Anyway, must run, the sun is streaming through the window and it is just too good to stay indoors. I'm off out side to feed the chickens, check the geese and take Spot and Stripe over the top of the Banc. The view today is going to be spectacular, 360 degree panoramic views over the Brecon Beacons to the south and the southern tip of the mid Wales mountains visible in the far distance to the north.
Wikipedia says "The Cambrian Mountains are a series of mountain ranges in Wales, reaching from, and including, the South Wales mountains of the Brecon Beacons, north Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, to Snowdonia in North Wales.

Originally the term "Cambrian Mountains" was applied in a general sense to most of upland Wales. Since the 1950s, its application has become increasingly (and arguably illogically) localised to the geographically homogeneous Mid Wales uplands known in the Welsh language as the Elerydd (which extend from Pumlumon to Mynydd Mallaen).

This barren and sparsely populated wilderness is often referred to affectionately as the Desert of Wales.

The highest point of the range is Pumlumon. The area includes the source of the River Severn and River Wye, and has been proposed as a National Park. It is the type of locality of the Cambrian period of the Paleozoic era (542-488Ma).

Cefn Croes, the site of a controversial wind farm project, is in the Cambrian Mountains, just south of the A44 road between Aberystwyth and Llangurig.[1], [2],[3]

The Cambrian Mountains also holds the Elan Valley Reservoirs and Llyn Brianne reservoir, Which hold water for the English West Midlands, and South Wales respectively. It also holds Clywedog reservoir and Nant y Moch Reservoir." So now you know everything there is to know about the Cambrian Mountains. Better jump on the internet and make a reservation at the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate and experience some of it first hand!

2008-11-18T00:36:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast is for colder brighter weather so we are looking forward to getting out with the dogs for some serious walking. The last batch of eggs did not hatch out and Trevor, our farmer neighbour, says that it is due to a thunderstorm that came by a while ago. It is his view that thunder causes problems with hatching.

Frosty mornings are on their way. I love waking up to those bright days when it is crispy underfoot. We are tearing ourselves away from the Estate to go to a concert in London on Saturday so Joyce and John have agreed to stay for a while longer to look after the ducks, chickens and geese. They really revel in the rural idyll and Joyce has been enjoying the company of the robin in the Orangery while she has been working. He is getting quite brave and hops around just a few feet away from her while she is trimming the plants and cleaning the windows.

2008-11-17T00:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday being Sunday, I decided to take a day off. I drove over the the village of Pumpsaint and picked up The Sunday Times for us, The Sun Telegraph for John and the Guardian for Tim and Chloe. I picked vegetables from the kitchen garden, fresh leeks and crispy cabbage to shred and braise in a little butter, a large sprig of rosemary from beside the rockery slowly baked in the oven with a shoulder of Welsh lamb and we found some potatoes in the polytunnel to roast in olive oil until they were really crispy. Desert was raspberries that I picked in the summer cooked with a little golden sugar and stored in the freezer to make quick and delicious puddings.

John took his Telegraph over to the Orangery, we sat in front of the inglenook fireplace enjoying the warmth of a log fire. Joyce just kept on working, she is a one woman dynamo. The orangery has never looked so pristine, not one leaf out of place. Tim and Chloe took off on a long walk around the Estate, I think they have enjoyed their stay.

2008-11-17T00:08:00.000-08:00

I love fresh orange juice so today I am going over to Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton for a juice fest! I am not a health nut, but if things taste good and do me good then I am all for it. To quote their web site "Florida Navel Oranges, Tangerines and Pink Grapefruit are always a treat and healthy too. Health food never tasted better; full of vitamin C, sodium free, cholesterol free and high in fiber" Well, in that case that for me.

One of the best things about Florida is the orange juice. Nothing beats freshly squeezed juice and it only takes a feew second to produce with a juicer. In my view it helps beat colds and flu, its good for the skin and tastes like nectar.

Tonight I am aiming to go down to Euphemia Haye, one of Longboat's best restaurants. Their food is stunning. On the internet is says that Chef Raymond Arpke, co-owner, with his wife, D'Arcy is the culinary inspiration of Euphemia Haye and now a cookbook author, integrating classical training, an innovative flair, and a love for fresh foods to provide consistently outstanding, American, global, slow cooked food. Breads, stocks, sauces, soups, dressings and desserts are homemade on the premises. I think he is one of America's most talented chefs, we are so lucky that he opened his restaurant here.

2008-11-16T01:14:00.000-08:00

Last evening four of us took a 20 minute drive over to Llanwrtyd Wells, the smallest town in the UK, for dinner at Lasswade. Located in an attractive Victorian House, we had read good comments about the food. The chef/owner has won many awards for his food and changes the menu daily, sourcing his ingredients locally where ever possible. It certainly lived up to expectations. On arrival we enjoyed some very good sherry and locally brewed beer on comfortable sofas. There were 3 choices of starter, mains and desserts. We plumped for the chef's assiette of starters (heavenly), followed pork in a cream and pepper sauce and then finished up with the best variation of apple strudel I have ever tasted. We were offered a small glass of sherry with dessert that is reputed to be the very best that Spain has to offer and I have to admit it was delicious. During the drive home Joyce commented that it was the best food she had ever eaten in a restaurant, praise indeed. The service was discreet yet friendly and we will definitely put it on our list of recommended fine dining restaurants. Their 2 AA rosettes are well deserved.

2008-11-15T01:08:00.000-08:00

Today we are going to take a drive down past Swansea to the Mumbles. The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate is just an hour from some of the UKs most beautiful beaches and The Mumbles is home to one of our favourite restaurants, Patricks. Right on the seafront you can stroll along before lunch to work up an appetite or mooch around the small individual quality shops in the main street that leads at right angles away from the sands. The perfect day trip.

Spot and Stripe are going to stay back on the Estate with Joyce, John and their dog friend Candy. Tonight we have booked a table at Llaswade in order to say thanks to them for coming up from the West Country to help out with organising the self opening windows and the plants in the orangery. They are both 80 years young but very nimble and full of life. I hope I have half the stamina at their age.

2008-11-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Tim is coming in tomorrow with his family to stay in Wheatsheaf Cottage for the weekend, I went in to light the fire for them in the woodburner and then realised that they arriving tomorrow. Oh well, it will be beautifully warm and cozy when they arrive. The heated Victorian towels rails in the bathrooms, underfloor heating and the log fire create a warm, comfortable and cheerful welcoming atmosphere when guests first arrive. We stacked plenty of logs in the nook under the staircase, together with firelighters and lighting wood. Amanda the Housekeeper had prepared Wheatsheaf Cottage for the new arrivals with freshly laundered sheets and plenty of fluffy white towels in the bathrooms. Joyce and John are still working in the Orangery and it is looking beautiful. We are going to spend some time there on Sunday morning with the newspapers and a cup of coffee, catching up on the news. The dollar has not been as strong against the pound for years so we are expecting some visitors to The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate from the other side of the Atlantic. We are going to advertise on www.annamaria.com as it is a great website with high viewing figures.

2008-11-12T23:50:00.000-08:00

Friends have just arrived from the West Country and we are enjoying evenings around the dining table catching up on their news and enjoying post dinner chatter in the warmth of the kitchen. Later on we retire down to sit around the inglenook fireplace in the lower living room for a glass of Cointreau or a snifter of brandy.

While they here John is working on the Orangery and greenhouse self opening windows that regulate the air flow, temperature and humidity and Joyce has been busying about in the glasshouses. Although both in their late 70s they enjoy life to the full and are either travelling or working on some new project. They stop by on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate several times a year and by the time they leave they always leave us in better shape than when they arrived.

Stripe and Spot are pretty thrilled as well as roll up with border collie Candy,an old and much loved friend to do dog stuff with like sniffing around and exploring every corner of the orchard together. Happy days.

2008-11-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

Its Sunday this morning stayed in bed longer than usual here on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate Lit both of the inglenook fires, on at each end of the house, and settled down for breakfast on the huge comfortable sofa pulled up in front of the woodburner in the old kitchen. This is the oldest room in the house and it is also my favourite room for Sunday mornings. it is the original house on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. Stone built and dating from the 16th century, it has a massive 3 tier fireplace and a cathedral ceiling. The woodburner is a Jotul from Scandinavia. Just settled down with a glass of home made blackcurrant juice made with fruit picked from down in the orchard and about to put a spoon in the porridge when Trevor, the neighbouring farmer from Tre Banau arrived, so quickly finished eating and put the kettle on for him. Trevor keeps us up to speed with the local news as he knows everyone and usually runs by on on his quad bike on Sunday morning for a yarn and a cuppa.

2008-11-08T00:25:00.000-08:00

The chickens are still laying well and the eggs are useful for baking. I use them to make the best bread and butter puddings - crispy on top and golden because the yolks are such a beautiful color - they taste divine and don't hang about in the kitchen for long.

Stripe and Spot helped yesterday rounding up some rogue young chickens who escaped from the paddock and caused havoc in the greenhouse. The 2 dogs thoroughly enjoyed helping to round them up and escort them back to the acre of green meadow they have to scratch around in and call home.

During the Winter evenings while sitting by a roaring log fire with a nice glass of something warming I have started a project on Florida history. Wales is a country of castles and legends so I am also reading up on its many castles. They have fascinating histories and I have already visited quite a few of them so I am adding some more to the list for next Spring and Summer. Bwlch Tre Banau itself has quite a history: it is said to have belonged to the Prices who were descended from a Welsh prince.

2008-11-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

Going over to Brecon today. It's an interesting town - in fact it is the town where we first saw The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate advertised in an Estate Agent's window five years ago. We were touring in Wales and happened to stop in Brecon for a restorative cappuccino. The town is so pretty we thought we would have a wander around. The rest is history.

Just half an hour away,Brecon has a great little theatre, a working canal, loads of interesting shops and a genuinely historic atmosphere specific to this part of South Wales. Perched on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, the scenery as you drive from the Estate to Brecon is of course spectacular. On the way to Brecon pass through Crickhowell - another great spot to mooch along the high street and stop off for lunch.

2008-11-06T00:54:00.000-08:00

Carmarthenshire and the Brecon Beacons have castles galore but the most dramatic is Carreg Cennen. Just a half hour drive from The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate, there are few castles in Wales that boast a more spectacular location. Its romantic and atmospheric weatherbeaten ruins crown a sheer limestone crag overlooking the remote black Mountain in the western corner of the Brecon Beacons. Perched on the edge of a sheer 100 meter cliff on the far side, it is ingeniously adapted to its rocky hilltop. Its centre is a high walled, strongly towered enclosure, protected by a succession of pits, drawbridges and gatehouses. The first castle at Carreg Cennen would probably have been built by the Welsh Prince Rhys Ap Gryffydd in the 12th and 13th Centuries, though there is some evidence of prehistoric and Roman occupation. Legend suggests that the original fortress dates back to the Dark Ages and the Welsh Knight Urien Rheged and his son Owain who were knights during the reign of King Arthur. A history like this makes it an exciting place to visit. Stop off on the way back to the estate at the Plough in Rhosmaen for lunch or supper. They are known for providing the best traditional Welsh Sunday lunch in the area (book ahead if you want a table). Alternatively go into Llandeilo town to The Angel or the Cawdor Arms. If I am in town then I can never resist a quick look in the incredible kitchen shop, a visit to the tiny delicatessen and an espresso or cappuccino in the smart cafe down by the church.

2008-11-06T00:18:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite days out is to drive down Highway 41 to Myakka State Park. It is only about 40 minutes drive from Anna Maria island and is one of the oldest and largest state parks. Covering 58 square miles of lakes, wetlands prairies, hammocks and pinelands, visitors can enjoy watching wildlife from a boardwalk that stretches out over Upper Myakka Lake or take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. You can walk or drive slowly along the main paved road that travels through the park. Pause at the bridge to look down onto the lake to see alligators sunning themselves on the banks and gliding through the waters. Along the route catch glimpses of deer, wild boar and Florida birds. Go boating, freshwater fishing, kyaking or canoeing, ride on the State's largest air-boat and from May through mid-December take an tram ride through the park's back-country. Take some burgers or steaks in a cooler and cook out on the barbecue grills provided in the picnic area. Eating out in the fresh air beside the lake, food never tasted so good. If you don't want to cook out, then just take a quick trip to Publix grocery store before you leave - take a whole cooked lemon pepper or barbecue chicken, one of their house salads and some delicious breads and pastries. This is a day out that all the family will enjoy. Writing this reminds me of the time we went out to the park when it was flooded after a massive rain. We went out onto the boardwalk and on our way back were concerned to see that a small alligator, about 3 feet in length, had parked himself on the end right across our way off. We waited for about 5 minutes and threw a piece of vegetation in his direction to scare him off. He slid off the boardwalk and swam away. Just as we were passing the spot where he had been, one of our party who is a real prankster was lagging behind suddenly started screaming and running. Nobody looked back, we just all took off together through the flooded banks as fast as our legs could carry us. Of course it was nothing and we all ended up with the giggles. I still laugh about it now.

2008-11-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Marsha emailed me from Florida to say that her new web site was now up and running. We lit a roaring fire in the inglenook fireplace down in the lower living room and spent some time going though the new site. It is really quite informative.

Received a lovely email from Sarah and her family saying how they enjoyed Wheatsheaf Cottage and their visit to Carmarthenshire. It is so rewarding to receive positive comments about The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate.

2008-11-03T00:38:00.000-08:00

I have just looked on the internet and find that the gallery has moved to The Bridge Gallery, The Corner House, 38 Quay St., Ammanford. As this is just across the Llandeilo bridge and a further 15 minutes drive I will try to make time to visit them today. It's worth skipping lunch for!

2008-11-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

I have to go down to Llandeilo this morning so will stop off at my favourite coffee shop by the church for some of their reviving cappuccino and one of their delicious cakes or pastries. An art gallery just up the main street has many pieces of artwork that I covet. The Bridge Art Gallery in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire West Wales showcases the work of Welsh watercolour landscape artists. I will drop some very large hints in the Bwlch Tre Banau kitchen with suggestions for Christmas.

The landscape and wildlife prints of works by Wendy Powell Jones, Jenny Keal and David Bellamy are evocative of days spent walking in the Carmarthenshire hills.

2008-11-02T23:21:00.001-08:00

Sunrise is beautiful here at Bwlch Tre Banau,the sun comes up over the hill to the East and lights up the sky. It's quite a sight to wake up to, bathing the landscape with silvery pink and golden light. If there is mist in the valley below it is like a carpet over the trees and then as it lifts, dissipating in the morning sunshine.you can gradually make out the ancient woodlands beneath the haze. It is a sight not to be missed and is well worth rising early for.

2008-11-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

A red kite was swooping over the chicken run today. I think all our chickens are too big for him so perhaps he was looking field mice. He is such a beautiful bird. A few years ago one was living near the road between The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate and the small village of Siloh and often when I drove down through the canopy of trees he would fly into the road in front of the Rangerover and fly in front of my vehicle for about 50 yards before veering off. This went on for quite a few months, then one day he was gone and I have not seen him since. It was an incredible experience.

2008-11-01T01:20:00.000-07:00

This area of Wales is home to one of the smallest distilleries in the world. The Penderyn Distillery is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park and draws water exclusively from its own well. Only this water is used in the distilling and blending process and is a key ingredient in their malt whisky. The distillery also produces gin and vodka, plus a Merlyn Liqueur that sounds delicious

I found this description on their website
"Rich warming creamy texture and fudge toffee is overlaid with the tingling aroma of fresh clean spirit. Gradually these give way to vanilla, hints of banana and exotic fruits – and even rose petals – all lingering gently in the background.

In the mouth the fruits are more intense and intermingle with the vanilla. When swallowed the combination of fresh cream and complex spirit produce a mysterious depth which is difficult to describe but encourages the next mouthful."

Sound magical - perfect for serving at Christmas at Bwlch Tre Banau. Wales has some superb products including Welsh wine and a fine selection of local cheeses sold in the greengrocer/delicatessen in Llandovery. Succulent Welsh lamb and Welsh Black beef raised in the gently rolling hills of Carmarthenshire is second to none. Our free range eggs and vegetables are second to none.

The postman rolled up in his red van with a postcard from Florida sporting a cheerful picture of an idyllic beachfront property http://annamaria.com/villas/all.html I have put it up in the farmhouse kitchen to remind me of the time we spent on Florida's west coast. Anyway back to reality, must go and feed the chickens and pick up the new laid eggs.

2008-10-31T00:47:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be a dry day and temperatures back into double figures. It is 8am in the morning and the sun is shining. A cheerful start to the day. Our Housekeeper Amanda called by to see Sarah and her family who are staying in Wheatsheaf Cottage and says that they really like the house and they are very happy. We love to hear good comments. I left them plenty of logs so they can have fires in the woodburner and they are have been out and about exploring the Estate.

2008-10-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

Our friend Robbie is on his way to Villa Tuscany on Anna Maria Island, stopping
off en-route to visit friends in Orlando and then driving down to the island to spend
a few well earned weeks of relaxing, dining in the local restaurants and
fishing. Fishing is one of his favorite occupations so the island is
idyllic for him. While he is at the beach or over at the pier Annie will be
sunbathing by the pool, catching up on several new novels in a shady area of
the garden and walking over to the nearby shopping center to mooch around
the stores.

Robbie loves the seafood from Publix and Cortez fishing village, Annie loves
the fresh pineapples and watermelons from the grocery store. What they most
enjoy is when Robbie catches a fish in the Gulf, then brings it back and
cooks it on the barbecue grill down by the pool. What is it about catching
your own food and cooking it in the open air? Delicious. A crispy salad
and a glass of crisp white Pino Grigio make the perfect meal.

Catch up on the latest fishing new with the Island's newspaper The Bystander. You can pick it up at the grocery store free of charge.

2008-10-30T00:42:00.001-07:00

We are going logging. The cold snap reminds us that Winter is on its way so we are going to get some more logs into the big log shed. Using logs as a fuel source reduces our carbon footprint and by using logs from our own estate reduces it further. Good to know that keeping warm is also keeping green.

Stripe has put on a few pounds and so have I so we are going to venture further on our daily walk around the Estate. I always like to start by walking up the Banc and then sitting on the bench at the brow of the hill. The view from there is always spectacular and always varies depending on the seasons and the weather - from high drama to buccolic scenes reminiscent of days gone by from long ago. Carmarthenshire is unspoiled, the fields are small patchworks of agriculture set against the backdrop of the magnificent Brecon Beacons. The view from the top of the Banc is the most beautiful in Wales.

Long weekends to unwind in Carmarthenshire are the order of the day as far as Bwlch Tre Banau is concerned. For longer periods of sustained sunshine and an equally relaxed environment try Anna Maria Island on Florida's Gulf Coast. Robbie will be arriving at Villa Tuscany in a couple of days. He booked it through Anna Maria Vacations at www.annamaria.com

2008-10-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

We saw the fox today lurking around the chicken run. Can't help but think he is a really beautiful colour, similar to Stripe with his russet coat. Both Spot and Stripe took off hell for leather down the field to chase him off. That made them feel very important.

2008-10-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

Arrived home late this evening. The fire was lit in the big inglenook fire place in the living room and also in the old kitchen. Wonderful to come home to a crackling log fire when it is cold outside - it is warm and cozy plus it adds such character and atmosphere to an old house. There is nothing like it for that feeling of well being - curled up on on a large comfortable sofa with the flames flickering in the woodburner on a Winter's evening.

2008-10-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

Snow! We watched the forecast this morning and it looks like we might get a smattering of snow today. The fields and hedgerows of our landscape may get a light sprinkling.I love the snow, so even if it is just a little we will be out walking over the to of the Banc to get the best views out over the Brecon Beacons.

2008-10-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

We put on our warm wool scarves and gloves and ventured out in the frosty morning - the sun shone and the frost crystals glistened on the grass. The heaviest frost is down in the bottom field beside the river. Our neighbour farmer Trevor calls it "frost pocket". After, we had lightly scrambled eggs and organic bacon in the kitchen and then read the paper beside the fire. Heaven!

The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate will never be short of water. That's what another neighbour Gareth said to us. Springs pop up all over the place and trickle down the hillside and we have used some of them to feed the ponds.

Annie found http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/on the internet and fell in love with the place. She has stayed in Barley Cottage and Wheatsheaf Cottage and hoped to come back and book again at Christmas if her boss will give her the time off. I spoke to her last night and she tells me that as soon as she gets the OK she will be on the phone to make a reservation.

The postman came by in his red van with a postcard from Robbie in Florida. He found a gorgeous villa on Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast and it seems he is having a great time. I looked up where he is staying at http://annamaria.com/ He chose Villa Tuscany. We are looking forward to seeing him when he gets back to find out all about it.

2008-10-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

This morning as the sun rose over the hills I walked the dogs over the east meadow and then down towards the river. The morning sunlight sparkled on the heavy dew glistening in the grass and there are still blackberries on the brambles. The weather is due to turn colder over the next few days and there is a possibility of frost. I love frosty mornings when the ground crunches underfoot.

We were just saying the other day that it is only 8 weeks until Christmas. It just does not seem possible, this year has flown by. It seems only yesterday we were out planting the garden. We still have a few runner beans on the vine but the first frost will see them off, so I must have a final pick today. Nothing like fresh runner beans with some Welsh lamb and buttery parsley potatoes.

2008-10-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

We lit the fire and settled down for an evening of reading, catching up on the newspapers that we had not had the time to read all week. Played some board games, had a glass of Tia Maria on the rocks and then an early night. Heavenly.

Bwlch Tre Banau is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and relax.

2008-10-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

the red kite was circling over the chicken house for ages today. I think that the chickens are all too big for him. Good job that we do not have any chicks roaming around as he would have them for lunch in a flash.

2008-10-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

I was in Villa Rosa looking out over the water and saw a family of dolphins coming in towards the dock - they were chasing fish and throwing them up out of the water. They are so fast it is unbelievable.

The three of them were around the dock for about 3 or 4 minutes and then they went off towards the intercoastal waterway to deeper water.

2008-10-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Woke up early this morning and looked out of the bedroom window and saw a heron standing beside the carp pool. I hope he is not considering raiding the pond for his breakfast. We have put a few strands of line around the edge of the pool to stop him from leaning in and spearing them. He is such an elegant, beautiful bird - graceful in flight and on the ground.

Yesterday, we were sitting in the living room working on the web site and there was a tapping on the window. It was a blue tit trying to pick the putty out.

We have a cheeky robin who lives in the orangery and sings up a storm and a tiny wren who spends a lot of time in the lean to greenhouse. I suppose they are both quite a good source of food for them.

The swallows left some time ago. You don't immediately miss them and then you suddenly realise that they are no longer swooping over the ponds and busying themselves about the courtyard. Then you know it is the onset of Autumn and Winter.

2008-10-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning, the sun was shining and there was a slight mist in the valley. The countryside looked so beautiful that I rushed in to get my camera to try to capture some of that early morning sunlight - somehow it never looks so good on camera as it does in real life.

So lucky to live at Bwlch Tre Banau. See what I mean at walesholidaycottages.com

2008-10-21T00:25:00.000-07:00

Today we are due for some sunny spells so the grass is still growing. If it carries on we will have to give it a final cut before Winter sets in. Last night we had a roaring log fire and curled up to watch TV with Spot and Stripe curled up on the mat in front of the grate enjoying the warmth. The only time they wanted to move was when I went to the kitchen as they thought there might be a few delicious morsels to sample.

I see on BBC Wales they are switching off the streetlights in the towns to save money. Here on the estate we have movement lights so that when you walk out the lights come on so I wonder why they don't consider that concept.

We always carry a good torch or lamp if we are out for a late stroll around. Sometimes the moon is so bright that you don't need any extra light, but if goes behind a cloud then you do need some extra light. The countryside is just as beautiful by moonlight as it is by day.

2008-10-20T14:37:00.001-07:00

To the lovely girls who asked if Spotty and Stripe would be here when they visited, I am sorry to say that they will on holiday themselves in sunny Torquay. However, next time they visit we will make sure they are around.

Well that was a busy day. Margaret and Derek came up and rubbed down the woodwork in the lean to greenhouse and refinished it. Diana went up to the goose enclosure in the top meadow and used some mesh to encircle the small saplings. Hopefully this will deter the geese from chewing on them over the Winter. I would hate to lose them after having to carry buckets of water to them over the long hot summer the year before last just after we planted them. So far we have planted nearly a hundred oak trees, plus an assortment of pines, willows, rowans, ash, birch, chestnut, sycamore and beech. A few years ago we planted two rows of beautiful glowing copper beach down the main driveway and this summer they were starting to look rather pretty. Can't wait to see them next year! Another tree that really likes it here in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, is the fig tree. We have planted 3 of them so far and they are all thriving. As I have a particular weakness for fresh just picked ripe figs they have been a good choice.

All you people out there who live in cities and towns need to come on out to the countryside to relax, visit the local pubs and restaurants, enjoy family evenings together by the fire and explore the hills, meadows and woodlands of Bwlch Tre Banau.

2008-10-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

There are 2 tiny yellow fluffy chicks over in the hen house. Hatching out in October, they are really late so we will have to keep them in for a while until they feather up a bit. I feed them on a few chick crumbs and refill their water dish a couple of times a day. Spotty, the Jack Russell terrier is fascinated by their antics and always comes with me to see them.

The ducks from the pond just down the hillside track up every day so I leave some rolled barley out for them with a container of water. I'm sure they could survive on the duckweed but they have developed a taste for the barley and I love to see them waddling along every morning. The fox has nabbed some of them but the 3 that are left are wiley and so far have defeated any of his efforts. They are a mixture, one is a large white Aylesbury, another is an Elder and the last one has an interesting pom pom of feathers on its head but I can't remember its name. Perhaps someone will remind me.

2008-10-18T01:28:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining and it is a perfect Autumn day. As it is Saturday we are going to get up a little later, have a long lazy breakfast in the conservatory with some home made blackcurrant juice, my own bread, eggs from the hen house and some of our neighbour Lil's famous strawberry jam. We had so many strawberries this year that she made pounds and pounds of jam. I don't know how she does it, but the colour is rose red and it is not rock hard like many others. Actually the best way to eat it is with clotted cream and just baked scones.

The dogs, Stripe & Spt, have put on a bit of weight so we are going to get back to a good regime. Just lately we have slipped a bit, getting up later, not doing so much active work and spending too much time on the computer. Today we are going to walk over the green road to visit our neighbour Trevor for a cup of coffee, Might pick a few of the last blackberries on the way. That's a good couple of miles and we can walk and talk while enjoying the countryside.

Yesterday we planted out the big greenhouse with 4 different types lettuce, carrots, beetroot, parsley, and other vegetables for the Winter. It will be interesting to see how it fares over the winter months. Normally we only plant in the traditional growing seasons, but with the warmer winters it may well give us year round vegetables as well.

2008-10-17T00:20:00.000-07:00

Woke this morning to go mushroom hunting. We talking with Trevor our neighbouring farmer to see if he had seen any this year while inspecting his sheep but he has not spotted any at all. We have had loads of horse mushrooms popping up in the large greenhouse but they do not have the flavour of field mushrooms.

Loads of scarlet rose hips and hoar berries in the hedgerows add a touch of colour now that the leaves are starting to turn and the paths and drive ways have drifts of autumn leaves that will need gathering up. I might take the American blower out and make short work of this task. The small tractor and large rolling brush will clear the drive.

Only a few weeks now until our Anna Maria Island Florida holiday. If you want to see where we are going take a look at the gorgeous new web page at annamaria.com

Apparently it has all the new features including online booking, up to date availability calendar and the house, Villa Serena, looks divine. I told a friend about it and they phoned to tell me they booked Villa Tuscany as it was such a good deal in November.

I have apples and pears from the orchard stored in the garage and made a smashing dessert with pears poached with just a little water and a sprinkling of demerara sugar. Remove pears, reduce syrup, add a good splash of Courvoisier and allow to cool to just warm. Toast some almonds in a dry pan and sprinkle over. It is quick and easy

2008-10-16T01:08:00.001-07:00

Annie phoned. She is going over to Florida soon. Last night she made a reservation on annamaria.com

The web site is interactive and you can make the reservation right there online. Judging from the photos every property they have for rent is gorgeous. Annie said it was so hard to choose, but in the end it boiled down to Villa Serena and Villa Tuscany. In the end they plumped for Villa Tuscany as it is least expensive and leave loads of dollars free to spend in the local restaurants and attractions.

She says to expect a postcard next month letting me know how she is getting on. Apparently November is the least expensive times to go over there, both for flights and accommodation, yet it is also the nicest weather. Not too hot, the weather is settled, plenty of sunshine and the island is peaceful. She says there is a white sand beach running the whole 7 miles of the islands coastline.

In the meantime they are coming up to Bwlch Tre Banau this weekend, so I can catch up with all their news. They are booked into Barley Cottage as I have already rented Meadow Barn and Wheatsheaf cottage.

2008-10-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting by a crackling log fire, relaxing watching the X-factor. It was a really busy day, we went down to Mumbles on the coast, about an hours drive. I have never been there before - what a perfect place for a day trip. Lots of small, pretty shops and along the seafront is a great array of restaurants. We stopped and had an early dinner in Patricks, arguably the best fillet steak we have ever tasted and the desserts were divine. Definitely one to add to the list of Best Places to eat.

2008-10-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

Had a great evening last night. Some farming friends came up from the West Country and we had an uproarious evening of tall tales, Dartmoor ghost stories, reminiscences of growing up in and around the village of Chagford high upon Dartmoor. Fuelled by a couple of bottles of wine, a good dinner of our own roasted free range chicken, crispy roasted potatoes & onions laced with chopped rosemary from the rockery by the back door and vegetables freshly picked from the kitchen garden.

One of the highlights of the evening was the story of the bumptious DEFRA representative who called at the farm, flashed his DEFRA identity card and demanded to inspect all aspects of the land. The farmer said he could go everywhere except the top field. The DEFRA rep said that he was legally entitled to go anywhere he wanted on the farm. 15 minutes later the farmer heard screaming from the top field and looked over the gate to see the DEFRA rep running across the grass with his best bull in hot pursuit.

The farmer shouted over the gate "Show him your card!"

The Carmarthenshire hills and mountains are very similar to Dartmoor and so are the respective farming communities. They are resilient, incredibly hard working and have a sense of humour that sees them through adversity and uncertain times. it's like being a member of a private club that you can only join through shared experiences.

2008-10-01T00:26:00.000-07:00

Woke up to the sun streaming through the window and the remains of a rainshower glistening on the garden. When I look out it could well be Spring, everything is growing. Bearing in mind it is the end of September we have been so lucky with the weather this month. I hope it continues on into October. I trimmed back the honeysuckle around the walkway unter the pergola and brushed up the bricks. The rose that Cassie gave me for my birthday is blooming for a second time. It always comes out in June and is a pale pink edged with a raspberry tint but it is unusual for it to bloom a second time. Called "Birthday Girl" it always reminds of her when I walk past it on my way down to the greenhouses.

I cut long strands of mint and took them into the lean-to greenhouse to dry in the sunshine. Why buy mint tea when it is so easy to make your own. I should have enough for the Winter as it is prolific. Can't wait until the "Chagford" mint really gets going next year. The leaves are huge and fluffy looking and the smell and taste are divine. Mint also looks great mixed in with cut flowers and makes the room smell divine.

2008-09-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

I have friends staying and the ladies all plan to go down to Cardiff for a day of retail therapy. Cardiff has swish shops, a terrific walk through shopping center with every type of shop you can think of and so many different places to stop for a tasty lunch or a delicious cup of coffee.

The men all have different plans. Bob is going to get the big red tractor out and do some work on the Estate, Robbie and Barry are going logging and Big John has planned a full days fishing down on the Towy & Cothi rivers. We packed him a picnic with home made bread filled with thinly sliced, slightly pink local lamb, tomatoes just picked from the greenhouse and thinly sliced hand cut crispy game chips. Washed down with a can of his favourite tipple this will make a good lunch. We are hoping he will bring back supper.

We are still finishing http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Just a few more things to do on the web site and it will be fully operational.

2008-09-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful balmy September day. I took the RTV down to the orchard and picked eating apples from several of the trees. There is quite a heavy crop of crisp juicy fruit this year.

We spent the rest of the day out in the fresh air usefully, cleaning up weeds and debris from the brick paved entranceway the old fashioned way with a flat shovel, brooms and rakes. It was hard but rewarding work

Feasted on sweet blackberries growing on the brambles beside the top back drive. Came back with fingers and mouths stained purple but having had our fill of them. No rain about at the moment so they should stay plentiful, firm and plump.

As beautiful as The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate is, we all love to travel. We have been looking at some gorgeous properties in Florida. Now is the time to go as the prices are low all through the autumn - found some absolute gems of properties for holiday rental on http://www.annamaria.com/ We are going to stay in Villa Serena. It has plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms, looks really romantic, has a heated private swimming pool and is close to 7 miles of white sugar sand beaches.

2008-09-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous day - we had breakfast in the morning sunlight outside beside the clematis and the roses - heavenly! I spent the day working on The Orangery, giving it a complete spring clean (or in this case an Autumn clean). The palms are looking wonderful and the last of the oranges need to be picked as the blossoms are starting to burst out again. Orange blossom smells divine. A robin has taken up residence there and he sings to me as I am working.

We fed the carp in the pond, put some more eggs in the incubator to hatch and cut the grass really short. The swallows are still here, swooping low over the bottom pond - they will take off any time now. They all gather in the big pine tree beside Wheatsheaf cottage and then the next day they are gone.

Friends popped in last evening to pick some of the huge yellow raspberries by the pond and I gave them some apples from the orchard. I made apple crumble with butter and chopped hazlenuts in the topping which went down pretty well.

2008-09-20T01:24:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful morning. The Autumn sunshine is streaming in throught the bedroom windows and when I look out over the gardens I see the waterlilies in the ponds are still in bloom, huge pink flowers set amongst dark green glossy leaves. The huge old rocks around the water are covered in moss and lichens and all the plants are really green a lush. Looks like being an Indian Summer this autumn.

Yesterday we picked more of the huge yellow raspberries down by the pond, apples from the orchard, oranges from the orangery and grapes from the conservatory. We have loads of ripe tomatoes, both red and yellow in the lean to greenhouse so I picked some rosemary from the rockery and set about making home made tomato soup. Skin and de-pip a couple of pounds of tomatoes, chop a large onion and gently simmer in a little olive oil for 5 minuutes, then add the tomatoes, some really good home made stock, finely chopped rosemary and some black pepper. Left it on to simmer for 20 minutes while we went up to the top meadow to check on the geese. I could not immediately see them in the three ponds, but eventually found them among the bull rushes - I think they are pretty lucky to have their own acre of ground fenced off with saplings, grass and plenty of water to enjoy. When we got back to the kitchen the soup was gently bubbling away. Served it with a swirl of cream and some home made crusty bread - delicious.

Anyone looking for a holiday cottage in Wales could do not better then visit the web site at http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate is just an hour and a half from Bristol, an hour from Cardiff and about 3 hours from London.

Must go as we are going out to look for mushrooms in the fields - it's that time of year!

2008-09-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

We walked over to the kitchen garden and picked runner beans. We also dug up some tiny new potatoes, picked huge yellow & red raspberries down by the pond and ate some sweet tasting blackberries we found on the way. We then walked down the brick path to the orchard and picked a dozen of the slightly crisp and delicious pears.

Here at the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate we aim to be self sufficient.

2008-09-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

Found some mushrooms in the neighbours field this morning. Great with chopped bacon and some home baked break for breakfast. Walked down to the river, it is running quite fast and waterfalls are cascading down through the woodlands. Beautiful.

2008-09-15T14:16:00.001-07:00

We walked with the dogs along the paths and byways for about an hour this evening at dusk. The moon came up and it was huge and hung low in the sky like an giant misty ochre ball over the landscape. Some cloud drifted by and partly obscured the moonlight, the thought crossed my mind that it would have been useful to have put a torch in our pocket before leaving the house, but the dogs follow the paths homeward and Spotty is so white that he is easy to see. Apart from a few times that they ran off into the fern chasing rabbits, the dogs know their way back. The owl was hooting in the trees down in the valley. I love this place so much, it is such an incredible part of the world to be - we are so lucky!

We are still working on the we site for the holiday cottages www.walesholidaycottages.com
It has been quite a lot of work, but I think that we will be finalising it soon and getting the online booking functioning. In the meantime anyone who wants to book can phone us on 01558 650399

2008-09-14T01:24:00.001-07:00

The sun is shining, it's a beautiful morning. The morning dew is lying on the meadows and sparkles in the sunlight. The cockerell woke me this morning "full of the joys of Spring" even though it is the Autumn. The leaves of the Virginia Creeper are glowing red on the walkway round to the orangery and right beside it the clematis that is growing over the pergola by the back door of the farmhouse is in flower again. Nature seems somewhat confused at the moment.

2008-09-10T01:41:00.000-07:00

Autumn is just around the corner and I am looking forward to the change in the season. I love that time of year - the trees will start to turn red and gold all through the the valley. Already the Virginia Creeper that grows on the walls by the old green road are changing from green to red. We tied back the honeysuckles round the walkway as they had gone wild this summer and swept up the leaves they left all over the path. Time for a bonfire!

New laid eggs for breakfast, just lightly boiled with some fresh baked home made bread and some blackcurrant and cranberry juice. I just add a handfull of the blackcurrants from the bushes down in the orchard and give it a quick whizz - delicious and full of vitamin C. We finished off with a cappuccino.

We bought a coffee roaster a while ago and now we buy the beans green and then roast as and when we need it. There is nothing like freshly roasted coffee - we like ours quite dark and then I add just a touch of medium roasted arabica and that seems to help to form that delicous crema that is so essential to maiksng that perfect cup of coffee.

The web site is still under construction and is not yet fully functional to allow people to book online, so I am hopeful that they will just phone instead of trying to use the on-line reservation system. My friend Annie is proof reading the entries for typos and emails me every day with a list of corrections which is a great help. For some reason when I copy information over that I have written in word it loses a lot of the spaces in between words. Check it out at

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com

If you are thinking of going to Florida for some winter sunshine then take a look at the holiday rental homes on

http://www.1annamaria.com/

Talk about some gorgeous properties and what a beautiful island. It's just 7 miles long and has a beach that runs the whole length of the island - a gentle curve of palm fringed white sugar sands - looks like heaven.

2008-09-07T02:58:00.000-07:00

John & Julia left today. Julia has a high powered, stressful, job and they came down for a couple of weeks to chill out and completely relax. Stripe and Spot love having them around as they get to go on extra walks and are sometimes gone for hours on end exploring all the little lanes, footpaths and backroads.

I am still working on th web site http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

I am trying to persuade Bob to add some photos to the Estate Diary

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-estate-diary.html

For at the moment we will be using photos that we have taken in the past but we will be renewing them as the Seasons go by and adding more. I have really enjoyed doing this work as it makes you realise what a idyllic corner of the United Kingdom it is and how lucky we are to have spent time here.

Being less than an hour from M5 also helps considerably as we can be at Heathrow in just 3 hours, down in Cardiff in an hour and in Bristol in just an hour and a half.

2008-09-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I took Stripe and Spot over to the west meadows to check on the sheep, there are a few rabbits around. Maybe they are the ones that ate the top of my cabbages in the kitchen garden!

Today we have to work on the web site for our holiday rental cottages here on The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

My favourite page is

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/security-wake-up-personel.html

We had such fun putting that one together! Anyway back to reality, the cottages are absolutely beautiful - we have used natural Welsh slate, oak from the Estate for beams and natural stone and quarter sawn oak for the floors. Shutters have been hand made, kitchens custom fitted by Matt the carpenter and we chose Heritage bathrooms - double showers, natural marble tile and roll top baths.

So far the guests that have stayed have all been really pleased - we were naturally a little nervous when our first party of renters arrived but they got in touch with us to say that not only did they have a great time but it was actually even better than it looked on the web site!

2008-09-05T04:17:00.001-07:00

The pink climbing rose I planted this year beside the conservatory has grown several feet and some beautiful highly scented blooms have appeared this week. The aim is for it to grow really large and mix with the white blooms and prolific green leaves of the clematis giving shade in the warm Summer months and then after the leaves fall giving us plenty of sunlight in the Winter months. The grapevines inside the conservatory also make a complete canopy of shade and have given us a constant supply of small, sweet black grapes all Summer long. It certainly beats spending a fortune on conservatory blinds.

I went into Llandeilo this morning, stopped off at the great little coffee shop down by the church and had an espresso and some of their delicious coffee and walnut cake. I also dropped into the tiny delicatessen just up the tiny side street opposite and bought some of their delicious special olive oil and some cheeses

2008-09-04T03:12:00.000-07:00

Stripe & Spot were up bright and early this morning ready to go out and check out the Estate. Had a quick breakfast then we all took off across the top field, past the quarry and followed the path runs up the back of Bwlch Tre Banau Banc (yes, the spelling is correct, "Banc" means "large hill" in Welsh). A few years ago we put 2 decorative metal benches on the top of the Banc so you can rest awhile and take in the view. This morning is sunny and the 360 degree views never fail to amaze us - the Brecons to the south and to the north-east, the tail end of the Cambrian mountains shows up on the horizon. All around is is a patchwork of small field, hills, tiny white farmsteads tucked into the landscape and the village of Siloh nestled into a valley. Bwlch Tre Banau means "gap through the hills" - directly in front of us, to the left and to the right are two hills and between them (with a backdrop of the Brecon Beacons) is the most beautiful sunlit valley in the whole of Carmarthenshire. The "Heart of Wales" railway with its small 2 carriage trains runs a couple of times a day through that valley and sometimes , if the wind is in the right direction, you can hear it meandering through from one tiny unmanned station to the next. One of these days, when I have more time, I am going to pack a picnic, get on the train in our little Llandovery station and travel over to the end of the line in the the beautiful border town of Shrewsbury, one of the prettiest towns in all of the UK. The ad says, "hop aboard the little train and relax as it takes you on a railway journey though a land of lush rolling hills and crystal clear mountain streams". Sounds like the perfect day trip.

2008-09-03T03:25:00.000-07:00

This morning we stopped for elevenses and as we were really hungry I made boiled eggs and soildiers from my home baked bread. The eggs were just laid this morning with firm whites and golden yolks, not like those insipid things that are supposed to be free range that you find in the shops. Ours have to be good as they run about and peck around in a grassy paddock 24/7 and I also spoil them by giving them some mixed corn every day. This was closely followed by some of Lil's strawberry jam, made from our own strawberries. Lil always wins all the prizes for baking and for her home made preserves at the local shows. If you walk around the little marquees at Cilycwm or Rhandirmwyn agricultural shows the judges cards always have her name on nearly every table: first price, best of show, highly commended.

We will miss lunch today as we are busy in the kitchen garden clearing some weeds, but tonight we will feast on succulent roast Bwlch Tre Banau duck with runner beans and sweetcorn just picked from the garden.

2008-09-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

Got up late this morning, chickens & ducks to feed, watering to do in the greenhouse. Our water here on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate comes from over 150 feet down under the ground, beautiful sparkling fresh spring water and there is a plentiful supply for the whole Estate.

Walked up to see the 5 geese in the top meadow. They just eat grass so as they have about an acre growing wild and 3 ponds up there, plus a shelter if the weather is inclement, they are pretty well self sufficient. The young goslings are not old enough yet to put up with the adults so we have them down in the nursery paddock. The only trouble is they tend to wolf down the rolled barley we put down for the ducklings so it can be an expensive exercise. As soon as they feather up properly they can go up to the top field.

I found the tail feathers of the male peacock scattered about. He has just moulted them for the Winter and the new ones will not grow again until the Spring. I would love to bring them into the house as they are so intricate and colourful, but it is supposed to be bad luck to carry them indoors so I will leave them outside.