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4-Bedroom Hot Tub Barn in Mawbray

Guest Rating
Rating
5.0
out of 5
Carmarthenshire » Llansawel
Sleeps up to 15
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 6
Welcome to The Retreat, a much loved family home since 2006 and a place where memories have been made for decades. Over the years, this remarkable property has watched children grow, echoed with laughter during music festivals and weddings, and provided a welcoming haven for hundreds of happy campers; Today, after thoughtful and sympathetic renovation, The Retreat has been transformed into a spacious, character filled sanctuary set within the peaceful grounds of the historic Glanrannell Park estate, right in the heart of the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside.
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At Sykes Cottages
 

About The Retreat

Welcome to The Retreat, a much loved family home since 2006 and a place where memories have been made for decades. Over the years, this remarkable property has watched children grow, echoed with laughter during music festivals and weddings, and provided a welcoming haven for hundreds of happy campers; Today, after thoughtful and sympathetic renovation, The Retreat has been transformed into a spacious, character filled sanctuary set within the peaceful grounds of the historic Glanrannell Park estate, right in the heart of the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside.

Sleeping up to 15 guests, The Retreat is the perfect setting for multi generational family gatherings, milestone celebrations, or simply reconnecting with loved ones in a serene rural landscape; Every corner of the house has been designed with comfort, warmth, and togetherness in mind. Inside, you’ll discover six beautifully appointed en suite bedrooms, each offering its own charm and a restful place to unwind after a day of exploring; A convenient ground floor cloakroom with two WCs ensures plenty of space for larger groups; The elegant drawing room invites you to sink into soft furnishings and enjoy relaxed evenings, while the magnificent open plan kitchen and dining area provides the ideal hub for cooking, sharing meals, and lingering over conversation; A modern utility room adds practicality for longer stays.

Step outside and you’ll find your own private courtyard, a wonderfully sheltered space centred around a covered pergola—affectionately known as “the cwtch”; This cosy outdoor haven features an outdoor heater, comfortable seating, festoon lighting, an additional WC, a BBQ area, and a generous dining space; It’s the perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee, long lazy lunches, or magical evenings under the glow of the lights. Beyond the courtyard, the estate opens up into a world of natural beauty and adventure; Wander down to the tranquil lake, where paddle boards and a rowing boat await those who want to get out on the water; For pure relaxation, slip into the warmth of the lakeside hot tub and take in the peaceful surroundings; Guests can also enjoy gentle river activities or spend time meeting and feeding the friendly pigs and striking peafowl that call the estate home.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

Cottages Near The Retreat

11 Miles
Sleeps 2
Pets 2
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1
Set in a large courtyard of similar properties, this charming cottage for two is surrounded by fields, mountains and forest and enjoys its own blissful hot tub. The location is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, cyclists and keen walkers alike with many well-marked paths easily accessible. The stunning West Wales coastline is just a short drive away where dolphin and seal spotting trips are readily available.
1-Bedroom Hot Tub Barn in Brynteg
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14 Miles
Sleeps 2
Pets 2
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1
An enticing retreat for those keen to escape to beautiful West Wales, this individual, octagon-shaped timber lodge provides exceptional comfort for a stay close to nature. This property boasts Welsh timber cladding and a living turf roof. This property's eco credentials include wind and solar power and an air source heat pump. It was built using locall sourced timber and sheep wool insulation, and fire wood is grown on site.
1-Bedroom Cottage with Hot Tub in Dihewyd
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The Retreat Reviews

Tracey
We had the most amazing birthday weekend and couldnt have chosen a more perfect place to celebrate. The house and its surroundings were absolutely amazing, and there was something for everyone to enjoy. With two little ones in our group, we particularly loved that there was a gate between the house and the lake, which gave us that extra bit of reassurance while still allowing us to make the most of the beautiful setting. The big kids were certainly not forgotten either! The paddleboards and rowing boat were very well utilised and provided plenty of fun. The games room was perfect as a party room, and having an extra fridge in there was incredibly useful. The house has a lovely, comfortable, livedin feel and genuinely had everything we could possibly have needed. There were plenty of large cooking utensils, more than enough crockery and cutlery, and having two dishwashers made catering for a large group so much easier. The dressingup box was a huge hit with both the little ones and the big ones! The dining room is wonderfully spacious, with plenty of room for everyone to sit together, and the piano was an added bonus and provided some extra entertainment. Outside, the seating area was a lovely place to relax after dinner, and the heater was very welcome and well used during the evenings. The owners were close enough to be on hand if we needed anything, but were never intrusive. The little ones particularly enjoyed collecting apples and feeding the pigs, which made the stay even more memorable. We would absolutely recommend this house. It was the perfect setting for a special birthday weekend, and we have come away with the most amazing memories that we will treasure for a very long time. Thank you for helping make our celebration so special!
Ruksana
We were a family of 13, ages ranging from 8months to 77. The retreat had something to offer each and everyone of us, allowing outdoor games, laughter on the lake and quiet spaces to sit and listen to the wildlife. The Hot Tub offered a lovely relaxing experience before big family meals indoors prepared in a kitchen which offered all equipment to be able to cook for all. Evenings playing quizzes in the lounge which offered enough seating was great. The house was immaculately clean and beds were comfortable. We usually do a lot of exploring whilst away but didnt go too far on this trip, A visit to Lampeter and Llandeilo for coffee and cake. Walks around Talleys Wood and Caio and a day at Penbyrn Beach, otherwise there was enough to do at the Retreat for us to just enjoy all it had to offer. We were exceptionally blessed to have great weather, which helped. Beth, Dave and their family were welcoming, chatted to us and were on hand without being intrusive. Their love for wanting people to enjoy their stay at the retreat is apparent in the vibe they give off from the moment you meet them. Our grandson aged 3 feed the peacocks and pigs, thanks Beth. Our son enjoyed walking Bryn the dog. Would definitely recommend The Retreat. Northampton Family xx
Roberta
Our family group of 14 spent 3 days here and loved it. Novice anglers and rowers all had a go on the lake and there were plenty of games to keep us busy too. Our 6 yr old granddaughter fell in love with the animals and did NOT want to go home! Beth and David were ideal hosts friendly, informative and helpful, and the old house itself was full of interest. The only improvement I would suggest would be a few shrubs or climbing plants especially in the fencedin area outside the kitchen.
Had a wonderful weekend here with the family, we had 14 of us using the property, the children loved the dressing up box they found, the games room and the croquette game outside. They enjoyed going to the lake and in the boat with their dad and the hot tub was perfect. There was plenty of room for everyone, enough cutlery and crockery for all of us. The kitchen was fully equipped with everything needed . The rooms were all warm and comfortable. We enjoyed using the barbecue and the outdoor area very cosy, even had blankets to use if you were cold. Wonderful welcome from the owners and we were kept fully informed from start to finish.
Have just returned from a fantastic week at the Retreat with my children and grandchildren. The house was so stunning and had everything you need. So very spacious. The grounds were stunning. We were so lucky to have incredible weather and made good use of the paddle boards and rowing boat. My grandchildren loved them. We made good use of the hot tub. A bit of a walk from the house but with the weather we had wasnt an issue as the views across the fields and back across to the house were superb. My grandchildren loved feeding the new Zealand pigs every morning. The two peacocks were very inquisitive and would come right upto you and had no fear. We were also very lucky that there were Two Canadian geese with their 6 babies and how they grew in the week we were there and learning about their yearly visit to the retreat. We enjoyed the games room and played table tennis and darts. Would definitely recommend. David
We had an amazing stay at The Retreat at Glanrannell Park House with 15 of us, and it was perfect for everyone from the toddlers and baby right through to the adults. The house was brilliant really well equipped with everything you could possibly need for a big group stay. The hot tub was a real highlight, especially watching the sunset over the pond such a lovely way to relax in the evenings. Everyone made the most of the beautiful grounds, and being able to paddleboard on the pond was a huge hit. The location was perfect too peaceful, quiet and ideal for switching off, while still offering plenty to enjoy right on the doorstep. We had such a lovely time and would definitely recommend it for a family or group getaway.
Andrew
We had an amazing week. Its a beautiful part of the country and we found lots to do to satisfy all 14 of us National Trust, Steam Railways, mountains and great walking trails. The house is really beautiful too. It was really clean and there was a great sense of the time and effort that Beth, Dave and Ted have made to make it a really lovely space to just chill out and be with each other. The darts, table tennis, paddle boards, rowing boat and hot tub all got used lots and brought everyone a lot of joy. We also had a night with the fire pit which was a lot of fun. The kitchen was really well equipped for cooking and dining for the masses and the table was able to sit us all very comfortably and made meal times a highlight of the holiday. The piano was a lovely addition as we had a couple of piano players so we got to hear them play and the piano sound was beautiful. The outside seating area was used lots too. The chairs were really comfortable and we were lucky with the weather to enjoy the sunshine and birdsong! There was a lot of thoughtful little touches such as throws for inside and outside, sheet music for the piano and the fire in the sitting room was laid and ready. Beth, Dave and Ted were brilliant and attentive hosts. They were really quick to respond if we had any queries and they made us feel really welcome and comfortable for the whole of our stay. We look forward to returning!
Stewart
A very special place which certainly lives up to its description as a retreat. We were given a very warm welcome on arrival and were delighted with what the house had to offer . Beautiful fittings and furnishings and stunning bedrooms and bathrooms.The kitchen was fully equipped with everything we needed. The grounds were an absolute dream , we likened it to a film set! And to top it all there were peacocks and pigs which our grandchildren were very excited to help out with feeding. David and Bethan were excellent hosts who coulnt have been more helpful.
Rosalind
We had a wonderful holiday celebrating a special birthday with 3 generations of family. . The house is beautiful. It had everything we needed for a very very comfortable stay. The kitchen was brilliant for cooking meals for 15 and we had great fun playing games round the table. We absolutely loved the lake and using the paddle boards and rowing boat. The children loved visiting the pigs and spotting the peacocks. We had beautiful runs and cycles from the house and didnt need to use the car for the entirety of the stay. The hosts Beth and Dave were so helpful and welcoming. We couldnt recommend the house more highly and hope to return.
Pauline
We booked a family weekend to celebrate two milestone birthdays a 50th and an 18th! It was without doubt the best weekend ever in quite the best place we have ever stayed! Fabulous house and grounds in a beautiful area of Wales. Plenty of space to play board games, read, watch television, socialise and chill out. A real feeling of luxury! We didnt manage to take advantage of all it had to offer but imagine boating and paddleboarding in better weather would be great fun. The Kitchen was very well equipped tho we thought a 4 slice toaster would have been even better to cope with the number of guests! And our chef for the weekend suggested a need to move the shelf where the probe goes for the oven to avoid possible damage The hot tub was much appreciated and well used a bit far from the house in the inclement weather?! We did think the addition of pathways to the hot tub and some paving around it would be a good way to stop the mud The youngsters loved the games room and the dressing up box in fact the dressing up box was voted totally AWESOME by all and particularly by our 5 year old granddaughter! Lovely bedrooms and comfy beds though the bed in the master bedroom was a little on the high side for us! But I guess it needs to be high to make the most of the fab view! A fabulous, elegant house and grounds which had everything we needed and more with some lovely touches. Would definitely recommend to others and return next time we are planning a family get together. Many thanks to our hosts Beth and David for their warm welcome into this lovely place.
The house was phenomenal! We booked at short notice over new year, due to an issue with another property booked through Sykes. The owners could not have been more accommodating. Its a beautiful house, with superb finishes. Long drive to the house and loads of parking. The kitchen is like new, all mod cons, including two dish washers, a fridgefreezer, separate fridge and wine fridge, new appliances, plates, cutlery etc. Fab large dining table and a piano. The rooms are elegant and comfortable. We loved the TV screen in the front room we were convinced it was a picture, very clever and tastefully decorated. There are two downstairs toilets and each bedroom has its own ensuite. The owners have thought of all the finishing touches, board games, dressing up outfits for the kids and a record player and vinyls to name a few things. You couldnt hear a thing downstairs from the bedrooms, which is a massive plus when your with a large group. Beautiful grounds with its own boating lake, I imagine paddle boarding on this in summer would be amazeballs. It has loads of out door seating, an outside toilet and seating area right near the house with BBQ and heaters. A separate seating area and a hot tub at the bottom of the garden past the lake. Its snowed during our stay and it was magical, they had put up Christmas decorations. We used the hot tub in the snowy conditions and it was perfect, stayed so hot! We stayed for 5 nights and Beth and Dave were brilliant. Dave let our little ones feed the pigs and visit the peacocks. Ted, their son, was super welcoming and so helpful. I could go on and on. If youre looking for a chilled family holiday with plenty of space inside and out, with activities for the family and a quality finish, book it I promise you wont be disappointed !
Weve just returned from a family holiday during half term. The house accommodated 14 of us beautifully in lovely big bedrooms all ensuite. The lounge was big enough to sit and watch tv or chill out and read, and the log burner was very welcome in the evenings. The huge dining room table was perfect for family meals and for board games. The kitchen was very well equipped, lots of crockery, glasses, pans, oven dishes etc, very useful two dishwashers. Also two fridges plus freezer which we made full use of. The small lake with its rowing boat and paddle boards was a big hit with the teenagers, as was the table tennis. The adults enjoyed the hot tub, especially after dark when they could stargaze. The house is set in lovely grounds, very peaceful. Plenty of parking. Would love to return in summer when we could sit outside and enjoy the surroundings. David and Beth were very helpful when we needed anything, but also very discreet.
Heather
A most memorable and happy week end that easily and comfortably accommodated our 8 adult, 6 children family. Beth and Dave could not have been more welcoming for our special birthday celebratory stay the birthday bubbly, and the welcome pack was much appreciated. So much fun also for the younger members in the games room, feeding the pigs, and the hot tub was a particular hit for adults and children. The accommodation could not be bettered, tastefully furnished with ample and quality kitchen ware. Many happy memories were certainly made during our stay, we will certainly return to this idyllic place.
We have just returned from the most incredible weekend at The Retreat at Glanrannell Park House and we cant stop talking about how wonderful it was! Three families 6 adults and 6 children from ages 3 to 12 stayed together and from start to finish it was absolutely fabulous. The children and adults! had endless fun on the pond with the rowing boat and paddleboards it was such a unique highlight and created so many happy memories. The woodfired hot tub, tucked away in its beautiful and peaceful setting, was another favourite the perfect place to relax and unwind while soaking up the surroundings. Our host, Beth was welcoming from the moment we arrived, and went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed. One evening she lit the firepit for us and surprised the children with a bag of giant marshmallows and extra long sticks so they could toast them over the flames a lovely touch that made the experience truly magical for them and us!. The house itself is stunning, spacious, and perfectly set up for groups. The kitchen has everything you need and a fabulous big dining table. We also enjoyed a BBQ and catching up outside in the relaxing, private 'cwtch' area with the outdoor heater. Weve all said the same thing it was one of the best weekends we've had, and were already planning when we can come back.
Lovely place, well thought and well organized.
Zainab
We had an absolutely wonderful stay! The place was awesomebeautifully kept, full of unique pieces and furniture that gave it so much character. The view was simply fantastic, and everything about our visit was superb. All the families, including the kids, truly enjoyed themselves, and warm hospitality made our time there even more special. Well definitely be coming back to visit! Thank you again for everything. It was an unforgettable experience! Zainab Qazi
The Retreat a Is just beautiful. Not only do all the bedrooms have en suite facilities, they are very spacious and decorated beautifully. The grounds surrounding the house are stunning, including views across the lake. We loved the cwtch where we sat outside many times to enjoy a BBQ or to listen to Millicent and Maude, the resident pigs! The accommodation was amazing and so were the owners! The whole family were so friendly and approachable. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and David even went above and beyond when he took the tyre off one of our cars following a puncture! Would absolutely have no hesitation in recommending this beautiful property, and should we be venturing out this way again, would love to pay another visit. Thank you, Beth, David, Lydia and Ted for such an enjoyable holiday!
Victoria
This newly renovated property was perfect. The indoor decor was a mix of modern and traditional and done with real flair and attention to detail. The kitchen was well stocked with good quality utensils and cookware to enable a feast to be made. The dining table was feast worthy. The outside areas were stunning terraced lawns with peacocks, a lake, a hot tub and games room with ping pong and darts. Plenty of parking. It was a really great place to escape to with friends. David, Beth and Ted were fantastic hosts and I wish them all the best with this venture.
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Top Days Out Near The Retreat

The best-known attractions within an easy drive of The Retreat, with real driving times.

Castle 32 min drive · 15.3 miles

Carreg Cennen Castle

Sat nav: SA19 6UA

A medieval castle on a limestone crag in the Brecon Beacons National Park, with a cave beneath it.

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Carreg Cennen Castle stands on a high rocky outcrop above the River Cennen, near the village of Trap and four miles south east of Llandeilo. It sits within the Brecon Beacons National Park and is cared for by Cadw. The castle you see today was probably built by John Giffard and his son after Edward I's conquest of Wales.

Tip: The castle is reached by a steep climb up the hill from Castell Farm, near the car park, so wear sensible footwear.

Botanic garden 33 min drive · 20.5 miles

National Botanic Garden of Wales

Sat nav: SA32 8HG

Home to the world's largest single-span glasshouse, in the River Tywi valley in Carmarthenshire.

  • Couples
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The National Botanic Garden of Wales is in Llanarthney, in the River Tywi valley. It is both a visitor attraction and a centre for botanical research and conservation. The centrepiece is the Great Glasshouse, the world's largest single-span glasshouse at 110 m long and 60 m wide. It stands virtually on the site of Cockerell's mansion, the new Middleton Hall.

Tip: Look out across the restored eastern view towards Paxton's Tower, which was designed to be seen from the mansion's east side.

Ruined castle 35 min drive · 23.9 miles

Carmarthen Castle

Sat nav: SA31 1AD

A Grade I listed Welsh castle ruin with Tudor links, standing above the River Towy in Carmarthen.

  • Couples
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Carmarthen Castle is a ruined medieval fortress in the county town of Carmarthen, on a high terrace overlooking the tidal River Towy. It began as an early 1100s timber motte and bailey, was rebuilt in stone and was captured, destroyed and rebuilt many times. Owain Glyndŵr took it in 1405, and Henry VII's father, Edmund Tudor, died here as a prisoner in 1456.

Writer's house museum 54 min drive · 37.1 miles

Dylan Thomas Boathouse

Sat nav: SA33 4SD

Step into the clifftop Laugharne home where Dylan Thomas lived and wrote during his last four years.

  • Couples
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The Boathouse in Laugharne is where Dylan Thomas lived with his family between 1949 and 1953. Set in a cliff overlooking the Tâf estuary, it is now a museum run by Carmarthenshire County Council. The interior has been returned to its 1950s appearance, with a recording of Thomas's voice playing in the background, and it holds memorabilia and some original furniture, including his father's desk.

Tip: Visit the writing shed close to the main house, where Thomas did most of his writing, and look across the estuary that inspired "Over Sir John's Hill".

Animal sanctuary 1 hr drive · 38.4 miles

Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary

Sat nav: SA9 1UD

A Powys charity sanctuary giving a final home to rescued chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys and more.

  • Families
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Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary sits between Caehopkin and Abercraf in Powys. It began as a hill farm and grew into a final home for unwanted primates, including chimpanzees, baboons, spider monkeys, capuchins and marmosets. Its first chimpanzees arrived in 1999, when seven were taken in from Penscynor Wildlife Park after it closed.

Ruined castle 52 min drive · 32.7 miles

Kidwelly Castle

Sat nav: SA17 5BQ

A Cadw-run castle above the River Gwendraeth, with a Monty Python film cameo and nine centuries of Welsh-English history.

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Kidwelly Castle (Castell Cydweli) is a ruined castle overlooking the River Gwendraeth and the town of Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire. It began as a Norman earth and timber ringwork in the early 12th century, and the semicircular outer ditch still survives.

Tip: Look for the inner ward's four towers, which were raised in height in the 1390s to overlook the outer ward.

Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.