2006/7 River cottage Guest Entries

We have included every comment from our visitor's book - without any editing.

The cottages were closed between November 2005 and December 2006 for major restoration work. Thank you all for your kind comments. We are delighted to see that you have enjoyed your time in Pembrokeshire, and particularly at the Pembrokeshire Courtyard Cottages.

Susan, Tom, Charlotte & Jessica Hayne (December ’06). We were very impressed with the wonderful accommodation and lovely scenery. A lovely peaceful treat - we will recommend it to all our friends.

Eleanor & Nick & friends (New Year, Jan ’07). We’ve had an absolutely lovely break here. The cottage has everything we’ve needed – we especially enjoyed the table tennis ! Had a great meal at Doctor's Court in Newport – to be recommended. We’ll be back!

Nick and Tina (Jan ’07). We have both thoroughly enjoyed our short weekend break here in this idyllic spot. Hot tub wonderfully relaxing once we had discovered the switch! Although it has rained for most of our stay ‘Welsh winters’ this has in no way deterred from our enjoyment. The bath is big enough to launch a ship in which we did ! Looked out of windows and watched river rising with some trepidation after read about the flood. Sunday lunch at the Nags Head wonderful so was the drive up the valley afterwards. Returned to discover the ‘Blue key’ in separate bunch so had to try games room - bring back childhood memories. We’ll certainly return again for another re – match. Many thanks. Nick & Tina

Dave & Sharon Sheppard, Sue & Owen Lebeck (Jan ’07). The cottage was beautiful, very warm + cosy. The surrounding area and the countryside was lovely + the coastal walk we did at poppit sands was superb. We couldn’t have wished for a nicer place to stay + relax.

McGuire’s (Feb 07). Had a great stay here. Had family staying in the larger cottage. Went to lots of beaches, fished once near St David and caught Bass. Ideal cottage for a baby, we found large rooms great + Jacuzzi . Lovely cottages and location. Recommend it. Thanks.

Andy Buxton, Karon Smith, Kiera & Kassey (Feb’07). We’ve had a wonderful 4 days here at the river cottage. So many walks to go on, and beaches and castles to explore. The cottages are wonderful and the Hotel up from the cottages very friendly. Thank you for providing such a great place for a short stay – Invite us back!!!

Mitch, Cathy & Flo (March ’07). All three of us ( yes, our dog Flo talks?) had a wonderful time. The cottage is fantastic and is of the highest quality. The surrounding countryside is very peaceful- like somewhere out of a Jane Austin book! The walk to the castle is very satisfying. It didn’t once bother us that the castle was closed when we got there! Flo is literally dog-tiredand her paws are tender on the shingle outside. She’s been on so many walks. One very happy dog. One other thingwhen you want a Jacuzzi bath remember to turn on the switch in the hallway. It took us 2 days to figure that one out!! We’ll be back!!!

Howard, Helen, Charlie, Tom & Becks (March ’07). We’ve had a wonderful week at this beautiful cottage. The hail and snow gave us an excuse to light the fire! We’ve visited some lovely beaches and had a fab time as both Pembroke and Caernarvon castles. We had a fantastic time, especially as it was the first holiday with out 3 month old daughter. The castles and walks along the river were great and coming back to a cosy house at the end of the day was even better!

Simon, Claire & Finley (April ’07). Thanks for making our Honeymoon week ever so special. It is a pleasure to book, stay and recommend you. The cottage was fantastic and Finley (our six month old) enjoyed going for walks and cycling around the countryside and the beaches. Even though the weather was fantastic we had to light the fire and snuggle up on the sofas. Thanks again for making our Honeymoon so special!! X.

Richard, Louise & Charlie + family (April ’07). Thank you for a lovely Easter stay in Courtyard cottages. The cottage was beautiful and there was more than enough room for all 6 of us + ( our four legged ) Charlie. The cottage had everything we could wish for to keep us comfortable & entertained. We had lovely weather all week and enjoyed visiting the beaches, going on walks and seeing Pembrokeshire. Thank you for making our holiday special.

Symon, Jackie & Grace (April ’07). They say “ third time lucky” but this is the fourth time to these cottages & they have been brilliant every time. We have done “the circuit” of all four cottages, so back to “Secret“ next time. River is a beautiful place to stay in. Extremely relaxing & beautifully set out. Jacuzzi bath a real bonus after carrying Grace ( seven week old daughter) to Cilgerran castle & back!!. Thanks Tanya & Dylan, once again, for a delightful stay. P.S. Grace liked the cot, a lot, (Going to have to buy her one for when she goes travelling, the carrycot is not good enough now!)

Vikki, Bud & Holly (April ’07). Love at first sight! The courtyard took my breath away, so inviting and beautiful. River cottage is amazing I want to take it home! It could not have been more perfect for Bud, Holly and myself. What a location! Tanya & Dylan Have been brilliant from the start – thank you. Finally a “very big” thank you for the treats for Bud & Holly and for my birthday card. A very touching gesture.

Mr. & Mrs. Gould plus the boys – Hamilton + Angus, choc labs. (May ’07). It was our first wedding Anniversary – a few days away to celebrate a wonderful year of wedded bliss. And what a wonderful place to stay – we had brought the boys + intended to do loads of long walks – which in truth we did – but if it had rained + rained we would not have cared as we would have cuddled up on one of the sofas + just relaxed and watched the rain come down. The cottage is placed so that it is in easy reach of the beautiful coastal walks around the area. We travelled on the back roads which were empty + covered in beautiful wild flowers – pinks, whites + blues – so so pretty. The beaches were clean and great for the boys. The coastal paths were amazing – much better than Australia !!! (the great ocean road). A fantastic few days – we will be back !!!

Paul + Debbie Gruff + Shaemus (long haired spoilt G. Shepherd). Even though the weather not too good, cottage very comfortable + well equipped when needed. Within being so close to the river it was enjoyable to fish + even better to have caught a few brown trout (which were returned). The one last thing we’d like to see is the bird that wakes up 5:00am daily singing several songs (unknown species). Even though we’re only from Pembs, we’ve still managed to find a few places, different, to try on our motorbike runs. Very enjoyable, many thanks. P.S. We spotted mystery bird – song Thrush.

Lynne Roberts, W. Roberts, Bobby (spaniel) Dusty (retriever). (May ’07) We all had a lovely time, had a few days good weather – and very sad to be leaving – we will certainly be back. Wonderful. Many Thanks. Lynne + Robby + Dusty.

Liza + Adam + Taylor + Bump Charvonia Claret (May ’07). Beautiful and very comfortable stay at River cottage, we were so lucky with the weather and even managed a bit of the true Brit suntan ! Part of me wanted it to rain though so we had an excuse to stay in and light the fire, even though Adam insisted on doing a ‘Ray Mears’ and start his own light without the aid of conventional methods! We didn’t even mind the resident spirit of cat! Loved Poppit Sands + Tresaith beaches, plus the hospitality + good food of the Old Sailor in Dinas Cross, The Nags Head + the little pub on the left hand side leading down to the beach at Tenby. Hope to come back with our new addition when I have more energy + inclination to do some walking!!

Holmes(June ’07). A cottage with a TV that works! A first for us. Everything was well presented + welcoming + we felt at home immediately. Peaceful, picturesque location with stunning surrounding countryside (when the sun shines!). Didn’t want to leave. Fred+ Helen.

Jennifer + Roddy Jubb + Ruby (June ’07). Courtyard Cottages ‘are quite something’ very up to their 5 star standard and a real pleasure to stay in. The weather this last fortnight has been jolly good. Our favourite beach and cove has to be beautiful ‘LLANGRANOG’ about 20 mins from the cottage. It feels untouched by anyone (especially during the week) for years. The fish Chowder at the cafe on the front is very very good! Melin Tregwynt woollen mill is a must for budding fashionistas, it is also very expensive as everything is Pure New Wool. We intend to come back again. Jennifer Jubb.

Ann + Steve Murphy + family (June '07). River cottage lovely, bigger than expected. Children enjoyed the facilities of the Coach Houses. Visited Mwnt, Poppit Sands and Llangranog beaches, all excellent (note steps down to the beach at Mwnt). Unfortunately the weather made fishing too difficult, river running too fast and muddy. Hope to come back with sunnier weather. Excellent accommodation, will recommend to others. Thanks. Ann + Steve.

Brian & Carol Fahey + Mo (black lab), Lys + Alan Pead, Andrew Dale + Fleck. (June / July ’07). A most enjoyable week despite the atrocious weather. The men came to fish but the river in flood and rain like stain rods!! One sunny day when we walked along the river path to the castle and encountered landslide with a very hairy climb to get beyond. Came back by the road! Found a wonderful art and craft gallery at Manorwen off the road to St. Davids (Workshop Wales Gallery) – just stunning works of art. The beaches were great and the dogs just loved Poppit Sands. Linen shop at Cilgerran worth a visit. Café at Llangranog – good food. We had come to fish the river, but in total flood – last time no water. River charging furiously below our sitting room window. Rain lashing down, but the comfortable sofas and TV in full working order makes up for the weather, even though none of us are on our honeymoons.

Christian Brown (July ’07). WICKED !

Helen, Dougal & Rory Paver. Arline and Les Wilson ( July ’07). A delightful place with loads to do – and plenty of agreeable ways of not doing them. River in flood so fishing poor, but amply compensated by a cracking curry at the Royal Indian in Cardigan. Forget Abdul’s by the way – rude and unhelpful people.

Dawn, Chris, Emily + Badgee & Sammie (four legged friends). ( Aug’08). Beautiful cottage, just what we were hoping for. A relaxing place to return to at the end of a hard days walking with the dogs. FANTASTIC ! weather, came prepared for rain but brilliant sunshine instead. Poppit Sands & Newport Sands great places to walk the dogs, Mwnt lovely as well. Oh and so is Dinas Head. Didn’t want to leave !! IT WAS GREAT – Emily aged 11.

Steve, Paula, Lucy, Matthew Cale + Josie ( Aug ’08). Had a great time in well equipped cottage. Enjoyed days out to Poppit Sands, Tresaith (great when tides out) & Newport Beaches + to Pembroke Castle, Folly Farm (great for our kids @7 + 5) and enjoyed lovely walk to Cilgerran. Good food at Nags Head near Abercych (with kids playground) and Davids Court at Newport.

Downings (Aug ’08). Well equipped for children. Good fishing. All four houses make a great party. Have just had a superb week celebrating my father’s 70th birthday. So much space, so comfortable, beautiful setting. Could not be faulted. Many thanks to Lee for making our holiday so lovely.

Boaler & Wintles + friends ( Sept’08). A good time had by all the family getting together from Germany, Stockton & Gloucestershire. Lovely setting with lots of space + good weather for the summer of 2007 !

Goulds & Sewards (Sept ’07). What a pretty Courtyard. Pity about the almost constant rain! A lovely area and super walk along the river bank to the Castle. Accommodation good but spoilt by the heavy smell of dog on the sofas and lounge area. Used a whole bottle of Febreze but still it persisted. OWNER COMMENT: We take our guests’ comfort very seriously. We only wish that these guests had mentioned this to us when we spoke to them in person, or informed our manageress during her courtesy phone call. We would then have done everything in our power to address their concerns.

Dot, Sue, Rob & Michelle + kiddies (Sept ’07). Had a fab time. Cottage and surroundings beautiful. Kids loved it can’t wait to come back!!!!

Michelle and Matthew Eacer. (Oct ’07). What a wonderful place - wonderful, spacious and relaxing. Had a lovely time and weather was faultless. Would love to return in the future. Thanks for everything.

Emma, Laurence, Debbie, Tim, Dennis, George and Darcie (Oct ’07). Lovely cottage with a homely feel. A good time was had by all despite the trouble we had finding suitable walks for our slightly adventurous and fearless dogs !!! Beautiful beaches – would definitely recommend.

Elaine, Glen, Anthea, John, Lily, Harry + Millie (shitzu) (Oct ’07). Delightful cottage with all the comforts of home from home. Great walks especially along the river, were enjoyed by all including our little shitzu. Good beaches for walks too, Poppit and Mwnt were great. The weather for this time of year was kind to us. Lee, the courtyard manager is a dream – will return in the near future.

Rob, Lou, Max & Evie (Oct ’07). We have enjoyed a wonderful autumn holiday enhanced by fantastic weather – been digging on the beach every day! River cottage is a lovely place to stay in a great location. Oh and the children aged 5 and 2 loved the Jacuzzi bath !

November 2007 - shut for maintenance work

2006/7 River cottage Guest Entries

Luxury Holiday Cottages, Pembrokeshire: Self Catering Accommodation at the Pembrokeshire Courtyard Cottages, Wales