As many of you will know I am very much in favour of short breaks in the U.K. I have covered many popular destinations, but, until now, never Pembrokeshire, so I was really looking forward to this trip.
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is located on the south western tip of Wales. Bordered on three sides by water, the landscape consists of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded estuaries and wild inland hills. Pembrokeshire is known across the world for its awesome coastal scenery with Britain’s only coastal National Park.
For my break here I chose to stay at Hammet House in Cilgerran, a small village on the northern border of the county with the famous river Teifi running alongside. The main town of Cardigan is just 3 miles away, a delightful town crammed full of boutique and independent type shops selling all sorts of unusual things – well worth a visit.
Chic & Luxurious
Hammet House is a luxury country house hotel set in 7 acres of glorious secluded landscaped grounds. This is a luxury getaway that nestles discreetly amongst Pembrokeshire’s glorious coastline and countryside.
The 15 bedroomed, grade II listed Georgian manor house was built in 1795 by Sir Benjamin Hammet. Once the family home of England cricketer David Gower’s ancestors, Hammet House has been lovingly refurbished and brought bang up to date with a clear focus on modern luxury and great service by owners Owen and Philippa Gale. A common, pre-conceived idea about country house hotels is that they are stuffy, full of antiques and tired looking. Definitely not the case with Hammet House!
Owen and Philippa, whilst maintaining the elegance of the original Georgian building, have tastefully added quirky, modern touches which work really well. The result is a fascinating fusion of country house meets modern contemporary style and luxury, appealing to a sophisticated and discerning clientele.
15 Bedrooms
The 15 bedrooms at Hammet House are a spectacular blend of old and new. All rooms feature comfortable beds and mattresses dressed with Egyptian cotton bedlinen. Rooms range from cute and quirky ‘Good’ and ‘Cosy’ doubles, to the luxurious ‘Fabulous’ and ‘Outstanding’ feature rooms with handmade super-king beds, contemporary decor, luxury REN toiletries in the en-suites and indulgent in-room hospitality trays.
I took the opportunity to look at a selection of the rooms and all were light and airy, modern and inviting. The ‘Fabulous’ room commands lovely views has generous space and a glamorous gold sofa.
My wife and I had the privilege of staying in the ‘Outstanding’ room which has a fabulous view over the grounds at the front of the house, a contemporary four poster bed and wonderful quirky touches like a funky cow hide rug, glass effect stool, retro style telephone and flat screen TV with sound bar.
Families are also well looked after with a super ‘Family Duplex’ room – a spacious super-king bedroom for mum and dad, and an adjoining brightly furnished children’s bedroom with two single beds.
Exquisite Dining
Dining at Hammet House is taken very seriously with exquisite menus created by head chef Ashley Chapman using finest ingredients sourced locally where possible and a full wine list.
The Dining room, located down the hallway just past reception, offers a laid back and stylish atmosphere with tables for two tucked away in inviting corners and larger tables for parties of four or more.
We dined in the Library bar on the first night of our two-night stay and in the Dining room second night. The Library Bar offers a more casual setting and the choice and quality of food was first class on both nights. Hammet House is Michelin listed for excellence in food, wine and service.
Conclusion
This was a luxury break in a fabulous location which we both enjoyed very much. Excellent accommodation, wonderful walks in the grounds and alongside the river and superb dining. Owen was regularly on hand to ensure everything went smoothly and all the staff I came across were friendly and welcoming and made our stay extra special – nothing was too much trouble.
Hammet House is a super chic country house hotel an ideal getaway to a great part of the country, we won’t hesitate to return.
Hammet House is an independently owned hotel, bar, dining room, conference and wedding venue. Visit www.hammethouse.co.uk where you can get more detailed information, access a photo gallery and see special offers including the Escape Lux 2 night break which is available from Sunday to Thursday.
Watch David’s short video of his stay
Hammet House
A member of the Welsh Rarebits Hotels of Distinction
Llechryd, Cardigan
Pembrokeshire
Wales SA43 2QA
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