The former dairy of our smallholding has been converted into a charming, one bedroom holiday cottage, complete with beamed ceilings and some original, interesting ironwork features.

The cottage is comfortable and well equipped, with central heating and double glazing, so autumn and winter breaks are very snug (all fuel and power is included in the rent). Whatever time of year you choose to visit us, we would like you to start to unwind as soon as you arrive, so there will always be a bottle of wine and some locally produced goodies to welcome you, and if available, some of our own eggs or honey.

It is said that Blaenfforest was once a hunting lodge owned as part of their Welsh Estates by the Earls of Cawdor. The Carmarthenshire Archive Office have records and maps dating back to the 1780s showing Blaenfforest as an established property surrounded by its lands and buildings. We came to Blaenfforest in 2002 and found a special place where time seems to have stood still.

Blaenfforest 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 River Arad is our boundary and the remains of ancient woodlands rise to meet the fields that surround the property. We 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

Please feel free to sit in the garden at the back of the cottage and watch the birds in the old apple tree or in the pond garden where there are newts and dragonflies.

We would love you to explore Blaenfforest and experience the peace and tranquillity to be found here. If you wish, we can do a small shop for you so there is no need to bother bringing groceries from home or dashing straight to the shops. Please telephone or e-mail to arrange this at least three days before you are due to arrive.