A celebrity is amongst us

Last week a newly refurbished mini mart and filling station in the village of Square & Compass, Pembrokeshire was opened. It was an eagerly awaited event by locals and visitors alike. As a long standing and valued customer Erenie our colleague from Quality Cottages was given celebrity status for the occasion. She was invited to cut the ribbon to kick off the event and begin the celebrations. We at Quality Cottages are just as pleased since Erenie does much of her shopping there for our Monday lunches and weekly treats of home baked cakes.
We wish Mr Roger and Mrs Ann Shackleton the proprietors, a successful and prosperous future.

Can anyone solve the mystery of the stones?

Does anyone know what these limstones were used for? They were found in the grounds of

Cwrt y Cadno, Carmarthenshire an ancient barn recently converted into lovely holiday accomodation. There is a limestone quarry nearby where the stones must surely have originated but to what purpose? If you have any ideas we would be pleased to hear from you. Please either post a comment or contact us at Quality Cottages

A long weekend in North wales.

The route to Llanrwst took us past the Centre for Alternative Technology. My brother and young family had recommended it as an interesting place to break our journey. The steep walk up to the centre was welcome exercise after sitting for several hours in the car. There was such a lot to see. As a new gardener I was particularly interested in the many methods of making compost.

We arrived at pretty Bluebell Cottage (known locally as Bwthyn Bach) which was bathed in late afternoon sunshine. The cottage was immaculately presented. The heating was on, milk, cake, wine and fresh flowers had been thoughtfully provided for us and a big basket of logs was beside the stove which was laid and ready to light.

Mathew the owner had lovingly refurbished the cottage to a very high standard. His craftsmanship shone out from every fixture, fitting and piece of furniture. The honey coloured woodwork and clean and bright soft furnishings gave the place a light and airy atmosphere. The bookshelves were stacked with local information, books, board games, videos & CD's. Preparing a meal in the well equipped kitchen was a pleasure. After a walk above the little hamlet to get our first real glimpse of Snowdonia we spent an enjoyable evening as warm as toast beside the fire planning our next few days break.

We found plenty to do including visits to Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Port Meirion village, Beddgelert, a trip up Snowdon on the mountain railway and the walk down in glorious sunshine. We couldn't have asked for better walking weather. Driving through Snowdonia National Park was a thrill. The scenery is breathtaking.

There were lots more places we would like to have visited and other beautiful walks to explore. We will save those for our next visit.

Anne I

An extract from a letter to Quality Cottages

Jo outside Cerbid Old Farmhouse in the 1970's

"We used to visit Cerbid in the 1970's when my sister and I were young. I have very strong memories of the smell of the fire at
Cerbid Old Farmhouse. We spent many a happy family holiday there. So can you imagine my surprise, when, having booked a cottage with you for my own young family, the brochure arrived and I read the write up about the beginnings of Quality Cottages and indeed saw the photos of the cottages as they are now.
Regards Jo Broad "


2009

1970's

An extract from a letter to Mr & Mrs Rees at Quality Cottages

"Whilst booking Isallt Fawr my daughter Emma Spriggs was asked how she and her husband John found Quality Cottages. Emma told how she had been to quite a few of Cerbid's Quality Cottages and since it was Mothers Day she was feted as a Cerbid Child. You may be interested to know she is actually a Cerbid Grandchild now booking on her own behalf.

My parents, Noel and Jean Addison booked Cerbid House in the summer of 1982 for the whole family. Dominic aged 2 and Rebecca aged 6 months were with us and again the following year at Calves Cot. We have photos of Emma outside Calves Cot at the age of 3-4 months. We also stayed at Gwiga in Rhoslan and Bryn y Mor in Mid Wales. Oh and I had forgotten a week at Mwnt Cottage in 89'.

After the death of my father in 1990 I took over the role of booking our holiday cottages - twice at Period Cottage, Rhoslan then a lovely cottage in Llangybi then a few years later at Drws deu Goed in the Cwm Penant valley.

This year we will be staying for the third time at Bwythen Ty Uchaf. So as a family we have stayed 14 times in Quality Cottages. These last 3 times my granddaughter Alyssa (now 4) has accompanied us and is the 4th generation to stay!

I can honestly say that you have never failed us. We have thoroughly enjoyed our holidays in delightful cottages and hope to continue for many years - thank you so much.

We wonder whether Emma is your first grandchild to book on her own account?

Yours

Margaret J Leighton ( Mrs )"

A stylish apartment for two, 200 yards from award winning beaches in Tenby.

When looking for holiday cottages in Wales you may also wish to consider a stylish apartment for two tucked away in the heart of medieval Tenby. St Catherines is just 200 yards from several blue flag beaches, the pretty bustling harbour, a variety of individual shops and the many amenities on offer in this popular seaside town.

French doors open out onto a quiet sheltered patio. A perfect place to sit and enjoy a sunny summer breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening whilst considering which of Tenby's many bars and restaurants to visit.