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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Joanne Ridout

The beautiful cottage close to the sea you'll wish could be all yours

A cottage with history and a location that is unique is surely a winning combination for many potential buyers looking to relocate.

How about a one-off house that used to be owned by someone influential within the interior design world in a very popular Pembrokeshire village? Sounds intriguing.

But add in a majestic coastal castle next door and a sweeping sandy beach a bit further down the road and the combination of selling points results in a very tasty property meal indeed.

READ MORE: The Welsh buildings in danger of being lost forever

Who wouldn't want to gorge on a feast of character cottage features inside this home called Castle Corner, that has been so well redesigned that it also has a wonderful and sociable flow inside that adds to its period charm?

Castle Corner can call Manorbier castle one of its neighbours and it's maybe one of the lesser known of the Welsh castles that create our nation's landscape of history.

But it shouldn't be, as it has a very important part to play in our unique tapestry of the past. According to website Visit Wales, the site of the medieval castle was first home to a Norman knight who built a wooden and earthen structure at the site, predating the magnificent stone castle that can be explored today.

It is also said to be the birthplace of historian and archdeacon Gerald of Wales, Giraldus Cambrensis, descendant of the prince of south Wales and known for his writings of medieval times in Wales during his travels through the nation.

Manorbier castle (Google maps)
Manorbier beach (Google maps)

And it's not just the present or the medieval past when people have been drawn to want to live beside this gorgeous sandy beach that rewards you with sweeping views once you travel down the valley to find it.

Archaeological digs have unearthed artefacts dated over 11,000 years old, proving this little slice of Wales is a little slice of coastal heaven and a perfect place to live.

Visit Wales says the most dramatic survival from the Neolithic period is the burial chamber or cromlech known as King’s Quoit, alongside the cliff footpath to the east side of Manorbier Bay.

And while you're up there exploring the chamber, make sure to look up and across the coast and shoreline and down to the village's other star attraction, the 2021 Green Coast Award winning beach, one of only 52 in the UK.

The cottage is well placed for the beach within the village (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
On the lane to the beach you'll find Castle Corner (Google maps)

The deep, sandy beach flanked by rocks, pools and dunes is one of the best places for surfing in the area due to the south-westerly winds, although the current is strong, so extra care is needed.

Nothing to worry about back at Castle Corner though, as the pretty cottage has character combined with modern comfort to make it a special place to call home.

Through the cutest of porches, and straight into the lounge and immediately you are hit by a collection of charming features to catch your eye.

Open plan hall and lounge (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Arts & Crafts inspired fireplace (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

Maybe the first is the open fireplace, surrounded by stripped wood panelling that is reminiscent of an Arts & Crafts style.

And this makes sense when you find out that the cottage was once home to William Benson, who worked closely with renowned designer and artist William Morris, and who took over the running of Morris & Co upon his death.

The Arts & Crafts movement was founded around 1887 and was one of the most influential design groups of recent history.

Exposed stone wall and stripped wood shutter add extra character (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Stripped wood and glass cupboards flank the fireplace (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

They believed in the principle of art for all people, the revival of Gothic design and nostalgia for the medieval age, nature and the natural world, and the importance of distinctive, handmade design and features.

Advocates of the movement included artists, architects and designers, who were united in the ideals of individual design and craftsmanship rather than mass machine production, plus the promotion of nature and the natural world.

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Most historians agree that one of the most famous and pioneering Arts & Crafts champions was designer and writer William Morris.

His distinct and now iconic patterns and prints, based on the beauty and colours of nature, are still very popular and can be seen in many people's homes, from wallpaper to fabric, stationery to accessories.

The living room has more to amaze you though - with charming stripped wood and glass doors either side of the fireplace that are actually handy cupboards.

Staircase tucked away in the corner (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Sweet and secluded sun room (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Garden and country views (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

The exposed stone wall adds another layer of character, coupled with the stripped wood shutters at both windows.

One window frames a view over the front garden and country lane to the castle and beach, the other gives a hint at a bonus room waiting for you as you continue the tour.

The living room is so light and warm, flooded with atmosphere and sunshine and oozing with charm - and it's not the only one.

Another impressive room - the dining room open to the kitchen (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Charming country kitchen (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

The stairs can be found tucked away in the corner of the lounge, but before exploring the next level, there's much still to see on the ground floor.

The next fabulous space to explore is the dining room and again this is an inviting room that wraps its charm around you and squeezes with its welcome and warmth - and not just from the pretty period fire.

The room is generous and can easily accommodate an eating zone and a lounging zone, with the table happily nestled into a large bay window.

Sunny conservatory (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Multiple views of the garden (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

But the space is enhanced further by the removal of a large slice of the dividing wall with the adjoining kitchen.

This creates the most sociable of kitchen diners but the design also keeps the spaces zoned.

This is achieved mainly via a difference in floor level and the use of a rich and elegant deep navy on the walls in the dining room giving this space its own distinct character, style and cosier atmosphere.

Hidden games room (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

Step down into the kitchen and the natural wood units make perfect sense as a choice when combined with white-washed ceiling beams, exposed stone walls and perfectly framed views of the spacious garden and rolling rural landscape beyond.

There are two main bonus spaces on the ground floor that add to the options for places to park yourself with a book or time scrolling through Facebook.

Off the kitchen is a great sized conservatory that wraps its glass walls and roof around the corner of the cottage, offering a choice of views of the lovely garden.

Beaut of a fireplace in the master bedroom (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Sunny bay window in bedroom two (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

But if you want a change from this extra room, there's the cutest of sun rooms off the main lounge.

This is a more secluded spot for some quiet moments watching the wildlife potter around the garden and the weather rush by in the large sky above.

Both bonus spaces have direct access to the garden, but they are not the only extras that come with this cottage.

More sun and more views in bedroom three (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Quirky bedroom four (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

There's a surprise hidden lower level that can tempt you down to discover it and make you ponder the options of what it could be.

Currently, it's a games room but the space is versatile - how about a mini cinema? Or a playroom, bar and disco, home office, extra bedroom? There's a door to the garden too, so access to fresh air is an added bonus.

Off this secret lower floor room is a handy laundry room, tucked away, but don't let that diminish its importance within a busy family home that produces a constant conveyer belt of washing.

Two family bathrooms are a bonus (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
More potential in the loft? (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

The stairs get you to four bedrooms on the first floor and all have lovely country views as well as charm.

The master has a wonderful, ornate white fireplace that is a real beauty plus, on a practical level, there's an ensuite and a dressing area too, which could also easily be put to use as a home office.

The second bedroom can compete with the master with some fantastic features of its own - a bay window with glimpses of the coast and a pretty fireplace.

Walled garden with sun drenched patio (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Shady spot for supper, alfresco dining (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

Maybe the smallest bedroom has the biggest talking point though - situated above the porch extension, it has the cutest bank of windows above the bed that brings a slice of the sky to the interiors.

In addition to the master bedroom ensuite, there are two family bathrooms on the first floor, one more than maybe expected and a welcome addition to a family home.

Outside the cottage has a delightful garden that is bathed in sunshine in numerous spots, including the patio next to the conservatory.

Plenty of space for a party (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)
Charm in the garden too with a Victorian potting shed (Country Living Group / Behind The Lens Media Ltd)

The walled garden is a charming outside space that matches the inside character, including a large Victorian stone greenhouse and potting shed.

At the front of the house is a sun spot for a bench, a place to 'people watch' as they make their way to the castle and the beach, your special neighbours that add an extra layer of fabulousness to this home.

Castle Corner is for sale for a guide price of £650,000 with estate agent Country Living Group, give them a call on 01437 616101 to find out more.

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