Cottage of the Week – Brynafon

There are many reasons to visit the town of Laugharne in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Some are drawn to it by Laugharne Castle – a stunning collection of ruins located on the Taf estuary. Others may visit to experience the local culture, which is celebrated every year at the Laugharne Weekend festival and every three years with the ‘Common walk’. But the reason we chose to visit it for our new Cottage of the Week is because of its most famous former resident.

Dylan Thomas lived in Laugharne until his death on this very day 58 years ago. Despite only spending a few years of his short life there the town clearly had an effect on Thomas and it is all but guaranteed that ‘Under Milk Wood’ – his most celebrated work – is a reflection of his time there. Needless to say, there are plenty of places to pay homage in Laugharne. The Boathouse is Thomas’ former residence and is now a museum dedicated to the writer, open May to October each year. Brown’s Hotel, Dylan Thomas’ local, is currently undergoing renovation and is set to open in 2012 with the bar restored to its former glory (beer goggles optional).

Brynafon itself is a worthy attraction. A four bedroom, detached 19th-century property, it offers stunning views of both the Taf estuary and the romantic ruins of Laugharne Castle. Thomas’ former residence is just down the road and his other drinking haunts are easily accessible from your front door. If you fancy something more substantial there are a collection of restaurants, including Cors – voted the county’s most romantic restaurant in the Sunday Times, within a couple of hundred yards.

Of course you may choose to spend most of your time indoors. Brynafon offers wooden floors, a living room with wood-burning stove in a feature fireplace, another wood-burning stove in the large dining room a large well-equipped kitchen with dual fuel range and much more. There are four bedrooms (three doubles and a twin) to relax in and satellite TV, a DVD player, wi-fi and much more to keep you entertained.

If you fancy exploring the home of Dylan Thomas, or just want to spend some time relaxing in a delightful corner of the country, then you can view more info and make a booking on Brynafon’s listing on cottages4you.