Situation - immediate surroundings
The holiday cottage at Blaenfforest is approached from a minor road at the bottom of a 1/2 mile unmade private driveway. There are no other houses nearby and we are - as the estate agents put it - secluded! The house and buildings are grouped around a traditional farmyard which we have recently levelled and gravelled. The buildings consist of a ruined stable, a granary, two pigsties and an old cowshed. All are of stone and slate construction. The former dairy, attached to the farmhouse, has been converted into a charming one bedroomed holiday cottage. 
Blaenfforest (literal translation - "edge of the forest") is situated below the great hill of Moelfre, just before the land slopes steeply into the valley of the River Arad which is a tributary of the famous River Teifi. The Arad (river) is our boundary and the remains of ancient woodlands rise to meet the fields that surround the property. We also take all our drinking water from a spring in the valley and it tastes just like the most exclusive of bottled water!
With only 10 acres being left at Blaenfforest, it has not been 'farmed' for more than 30 years and although when we came here it was very overgrown with brambles, blackthorn etc., it has become a haven for wildlife. We have seen evidence of an otter in the valley; there are patches of wild orchids and we have many species of birds including Red Kites. Obviously, 'nature' cannot be allowed to take over completely and we have begun to curb it a little by laying the hedges, in the process of which we discovered an old orchard where wild daffodils and snowdrops are glorious in the springtime. We have re-introduced the native cattle, in the shape of two pedigree Welsh Black cows and their 
calves who keep down the weeds but do no damage to the diversity of species in the pasture. We also keep a small flock of completely free range hens and five exquisite, white Call Ducks.
For a peaceful and relaxing break, away from it all, yet still with plenty to do and see, come to Blaenfforest holiday cottage - we look forward to welcoming you.
Meanwhile, if you have a moment, let Sally show you around.