The Mill, Abercych
Pembrokeshire holiday cottages

This is the east-facing wall of Y Ffwrn, where you can see the remains of the waterwheel. The huge window belongs to the master bedroom and faces the sunrise.

y Ffwrn (The Forge)

Y Ffwrn is Welsh for 'The Forge' and we think the building dates back at least 200 years.

We know the building was once used as a corn mill. Apparently, the restored 17th-century working corn mill in Cenarth (about 3 miles away) is almost identical to how ours used to be. There are rumours that, even before this, when Cilgerran Castle was built, the suits of armour were cast here. We have our doubts about this - but we do keep finding clinker when we dig.

Some years ago Y Ffwrn was lying derelict and in danger of collapse. Fortunately it was repaired (though stripped of virtually all its mechanical gear, much of which went to the mill at St Dogmaels) and converted into a self-contained cottage. However, the waterwheel survived - it can be seen in the photo - and one of the grinding wheels is incorporated into the patio area.

Tucked up in the loft is a major pipistrelle bat roost. We've counted over 500 bats leaving at dusk. It is fascinating watching them leave to feed and (if you are up early enough) watching them return next morning.

Y Ffwrn accommodates six people comfortably; and we can supply a cot if required. The cottage has gas central heating throughout and walls that are two feet thick, so even out of season it's a lovely, warm, cozy getaway.

You enter the cottage through the modern kitchen which was completely refurbished in 2006. You'll find a full-sized electric cooker & hob, microwave, toaster, fridge-freezer, washing machine and dishwasher as well as pots, pans, cutlery and crockery for your stay.

The lounge/dining area is spacious and was also refurbished in 2006. It has patio doors leading out to the garden and a delightful slate fireplace. We offer satellite tv (family pack selection of channels), DVD/cd player, sofas, dining table and chairs. There's an electric stove which can be used to boost the heating. It's glow setting emulates a coal fire very cleverly and gives a lovely cosy feeling to the room. Also on the ground floor there is a bedroom with bunk beds and en-suite with wc and basin.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has a large feature window overlooking the gardens and valley and the third bedroom has two single beds. A modern bathroom (refurbished winter 2002/3) with corner bath, spacious separate shower, wc and basin completes the facilities.

Outside, Y Ffwrn has a built-in barbecue and patio area with garden furniture.