At the end of a quiet single-track lane beneath the Preseli Hills, where three acres of grounds sit within the Pembrokeshire National Park, Banc-yr-Eithin offers two hideaways for couples seeking proper seclusion. The bluestone cottage and vintage caravan, both perfect for romantic breaks, occupy peaceful grounds fifteen minutes’ drive from Newport’s beaches and the coastal path, with hill walks starting practically from the doorstep.

The cottage, restored from a traditional long barn built with Preseli bluestone granite, sleeps two in its mezzanine bedroom where a skylight above the king-size bed frames the night sky. Below, the snug (one of the most inviting rooms we’ve ever seen) gathers sofa and chaise longue around a wood-burning stove, whilst a few steps up from here, the ground floor handles kitchen and dining practicalities with coffee machine and pine table. The spacious bathroom is stunning, something not always associated with bathrooms, delivering both tub and separate shower with underfloor heating, and outside, the private garden includes covered seating, Weber barbecue, and firepit. Two dogs welcome.

The vintage caravan, tucked away in its own garden corner, combines retro charm with unexpected luxury, underfloor heating throughout both caravan and adjacent private bathroom, king-size bed with proper cotton linen, compact but well-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar. Bird feeders hang directly outside the window for close-up wildlife watching from the snuggly sofa, whilst the garden provides covered seating, barbecue, and another firepit. One dog welcome.

Shared facilities elevate both stays beyond standard self-catering: sauna with bucket shower, games barn housing pool table, table tennis, table football, darts, honesty bar with ice-maker, and vinyl record player. Tandem and single kayaks wait at a local bay for coastal exploration, and the spring-fed swimming pond provides spring & summer dips (or autumn & winter for the braver amongst us). The grounds shift through seasonal displays, snowdrops and daffodils in spring, wildflower meadows come summer, autumn colour from turning trees, with sloes, blackberries, and apples available for foraging. Solar panels and filtered spring water handle sustainability quietly. File Banc-yr-Eithin under ‘seriously special’ and ‘has to be seen to be truly appreciated’. A real must visit.