Rhydlewis, Ceredigion£975,000 Freehold
A remarkable collection of dwellings - including three cottages, a boathouse, two Dutch barns and additional outbuildings - that make up the majority of the hamlet of Brithdir
Lovingly restored by the current owners, this collection of traditional buildings in the beautiful Ceredigion countryside balances rustic character with the requirements for contemporary living. The vermilion hue of the traditional mill house stands in pleasing contrast to the lush green gardens that surround it. Inside are all the hallmarks of the west Wales vernacular: stone walls, quarry tile floors and traditional timber-panelled walls. The buildings are set within approximately three acres of gardens, including wildflower meadows, a well-established lake, native woodland and sun-trap terraces. A short drive from the coastline, the buildings encompassed within the grounds present opportunities for holiday lets or establishing a wonderful and varied multi-generational home.
Setting the Scene
The separate buildings and homes encompassed are wonderfully private; each has its own entrance, along with parking and private gardens.
The primary house, Felin Brithdir, lies just south of The Mill, with the Blacksmith’s Cottage just across a private lane. There is also a wonderfully atmospheric boathouse. Two Dutch barns with electricity (one currently used as a studio/workshop, the other used as a garage) are situated within an enclosed yard with private and direct gated access from the road.
The Grand Tour
Felin Brithdir
The front façade of the house is as bright as it is pleasingly Georgian in its symmetry. The front door marks its centre, with a grid of original marginal bar sash windows on either side. A lime-washed wing is set back to one side, relinquishing prominence to the main building. Traditional materials have been used to ensure breathability, including the pink-toned limewash from Ty Mawr Lime. The main house is painted with contrasting traditional pigmented limewash to ensure breathability.
The plan continues the satisfying symmetry as the main quarry-tiled and original timber-boarded hallway leads to reception rooms on either side. The dining area is centred around a Nordica wood-burning range, and a bright, contemporary kitchen sits within the vaulted mono-pitched space. There is subtle texture at every turn: flagstones with underfloor heating ground the space, butt-and-bead boarding spans overhead, and white-washed rough cast stone walls embrace the space.
Across the hall, the third bedroom/study has been finished with the sunny hue of ‘Yellow Pink’ by Little Greene, which contrasts sharply with the shutters and fireplace. Exposed beams cross the ceiling, adding a visual rhythm. An Aga woodburner adds additional warmth. There is a convenient shower room next door, and a connected utility and boot room with direct external access.
Part of a more recent addition, a contemporary and spacious reception space now occupies what was originally a cowshed. The space within is clad in light oak and orientated to make the most of the views of the gardens, lake and island. The floor-to-ceiling double-glazed doors open out onto a south-facing terrace.
Upstairs, two bedrooms sit on either side of a wide landing. The chamfered ceilings are timber clad, and each is lit by a shuttered window with garden views. The en suite has a vaulted ceiling and a traditional rolltop bath at its heart.
The Old Mill
The now-renovated mill would have once ground flour. It is thought that millers may have been working on this site since the mid-17th century, and that it was rebuilt around 1811.
Hidden within robust stone walls, the interiors of the mill have been stripped back to their full voluminous height. A frame of rafters has been revealed, providing the backdrop for an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. Raw timber panelling and a Danish wood burner in the corner provide warmth. Downstairs, two well-proportioned bedrooms share a bathroom. Double doors open out onto decking and a private garden, with views of the valley from the top level. Downstairs, two well-proportioned, timber-clad bedrooms share a bathroom.
Ty’r Gof
A wonderfully traditional space, Ty’r Gof – once an old smithy – is rich with original details. A wood burner is fitted within an old fireplace, capped with an original cob and basket worked hood propped on timber stilts. On one side is a functional, oxide-red handcrafted kitchen. Flagstone floors are interrupted by slate cobbles that connect the traditional red oxide-painted front and back doors. Downstairs, the bathroom has a timeworn timber floor. Glossy red enrobes the stairs that lead up to a crog lloft/mezzanine sleeping area lit by skylights.
Lake Cabin
An insulated and powered lake house sits at the edge of the pond and has an enclosed outdoor kitchen, wood burner, and a king-size mezzanine sleeping platform for summer campouts. This area would also make for an atmospheric office/art studio. Overhanging the pond, the decking here is perfectly positioned to take in beautiful sunsets while sipping sundowners.
Dutch Barns
There are two Dutch barns within the grounds: one is currently set up as a two-storey workshop/studio and a large woodstore, while the other is used as a garage.
The Great Outdoors
All of the buildings are accessed from a private lane, and there is separate access to the workshop/studio from the lane.
Much of the landscaping across the site has been designed and implemented by the current owners. At the centre is a large lake, with an island accessed via a boardwalk, rich with reeds and flag iris. From here, grassland and woodland open out, running up to the banks of the Afon (River) Ceri, which marks the boundary and is home to kingfishers and otters. The site is abundant with wildlife as kites circle overhead and brown trout run along the river.
The front garden of Felin Brithdir is also home to a kitchen garden with raised beds, a large greenhouse and productive apple and pear trees. The current owners have kept an array of livestock on the land, including free-range chickens, geese and ducks.
To the rear of the mill, there is a decking set up in the canopy of trees, a private lawned area stretches up the hill, bound by native hedges and open countryside to the back, with views across the valley below.
Ty’r Gof has both a small front garden and rear terrace, well-positioned for the afternoon sun.
Out and About
Brithdir is a small hamlet found just outside of Rhydlewis village, within the rolling valleys of south Ceredigion. The settlement is close to the coast and to the route between the harbour at Cardigan and the university town of Aberystwyth.
Llangrannog, once known for shipbuilding and fishing, is a charming village steeped in history and is under 15 minutes’ drive away. Today, it caters to a more leisurely crowd, with a range of options for beachgoers and walkers. The seashore is dotted with establishments such as the Pentre Arms, Y Caban café, and Tafell a Tân pizzeria, all excellent spots for eating and drinking.
Llangrannog Beach itself is a stunning stretch of sand flanked by dramatic cliffs, with a hidden cove – Cilborth – that can only be accessed during low tide. The village has immediate access to the spectacular 100-mile Ceredigion Coastal Path. To the north is the distinctive hill fort of Pen Dinas Lochtyn, with its panoramic views from Cardigan Island to the Llyn Peninsula. Llangrannog’s sheltered west-facing cove is perfect for dolphin-spotting and swimming, and attracts surfers. To the south, a fern-clad valley leads to the secluded National Trust cove of Penbryn, which includes the excellent Plwmp Tart café.
Inland, the expansive Cambrian Mountains lie to the east, Snowdonia to the north, and the Preseli Hills and deep Gwaun Valley to the south. All are known for their immersive, restorative natural landscapes.
Cardigan, a 25-minute drive away, boasts a range of bustling restaurants, cafés and independent shops, including the well-preserved and renovated Cardigan Castle. The Theatre Mwldan, which has a performance stage and three cinema screens, is set in the centre of the town; other cultural institutions include the Small World Theatre and Rhosygilwen music and performance venue. The Fforest team have three restaurants in the area: the relaxed Pizza Tipi, Fforest Farm, and the recently renovated Albion Aberteifi, situated by the River Teifi. Cardigan Castle is also home to an annual Craft Festival, which brings further interest to a town steeped in tradition, art and artisans.
The Victorian university town of Aberystwyth can be reached within 45 minutes, while the cities of Swansea and Cardiff are accessible within two hours. The closest train station is Carmarthen, with direct connections to London in approximately three-and-a-half hours. It also provides services north to Aberystwyth and Manchester, as well as south-east to Swansea, Cardiff, and Bristol.
Council Tax Band: E
Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.
Felin Brithdir — Rhydlewis, Ceredigion
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