Waterwynch House

WATERWYNCH HOUSE WAS FEATURED IN ISSUE 52 OF THE DOG FRIENDLY MAGAZINE

Here is the full review from Leanne Robins

Everyone dreams about their wedding day. Few of life’s events are as important but a great deal depends on finding the right venue. I spent weeks searching online, hoping I’d find somewhere with a license that was surrounded by wonderful countryside and welcomed dogs warmly. Our dog Bailey is one of the family and it was vital he could take an active role in the celebrations. Indeed, there would have been no marriage without him and, as prominent member of the wedding party, he had his own bow tie.

Nestling picturesquely within a secluded bay a few miles north of Tenby, Waterwynch makes a spectacular holiday location. It was the only property that ticked all the boxes. The house takes full advantage of the sea views and its 10-acre gardens include colourful new herbaceous borders, a swathe of woodland and its own beach.

After a lovely ceremony where Simon and I exchanged our vows, pictures were taken and we ate lunch with our guests. The caterers also provided an evening meal and breakfast as required – several family members stayed the night. Since the property is immaculate inside, I wasn’t surprised that dogs are prohibited from certain areas, particularly the bedrooms but Bailey was happy sleeping in the Boot Room where a dog flap links with an enclosed area (and dog loo) outside.

Waterwynch is ideal if you’re going away as a group because it’s incredibly spacious inside, with five reception rooms including a Great Hall. The standard of decoration is exemplary – there’s no sense that, because you have a dog, you should put up with anything but the best. The gallery is a real winner. Extending the length of the house, it overlooks the grand entrance and boasts French windows that lead on to the terrace. There’s a marble table here where you can dine alfresco.

The Sky room is easily the most luxurious with an expansive glass roof, white carpets and a grand piano. The views from the terrace are inspirational and, with plenty of seating, a large flat screen TV, Blu-ray and Freesat, it makes a wonderful movie venue if the weather is inclement. The owners request that children are only allowed in here when adults are present. And most youngsters prefer the Den, which also has a comprehensive entertainment system. The Billiard Room, which houses the table installed by Lord Risdale almost 100 years ago, has the relaxed atmosphere of a Gentleman’s Club and, with a woodburner, makes a pleasant evening retreat.

The dining room, which also has French windows, enjoys picturesque views of the bay. You can dine here in relaxed fashion or, if there’s a celebration planned, use the table linen provided. The kitchen has everything you might need when rustling up a feast, including a central island that works well as a servery. There’s a range cooker, a gas hob, microwave, American-style fridge freezer, a Nespresso machine and three dishwashers. If you request caterers during your holiday, there’s a separate kitchen that they can use. There’s also a cafe area with drink-making facilities, ideal in the morning if your bedroom is nearby.

Other attractions include a music studio (with electronic drum kit, guitars, amplifiers, a microphone and a variety of percussion instruments), a fitness suite and even a therapy room. The gym has a treadmill, a shoulder press, a selection of free weights, a z-trainer, medicine ball, bench and trampette. The Arts & Crafts Room is a creative space with a sink, a large table and a tempting selection of materials. And there’s no cleaning-up required until you leave. The therapy room, with its smart massage table, is just like one you’d find at any upmarket spa and you can request treatments during your holiday.

There are 11 spacious bedrooms, the majority with a king-size bed, seating area and ensuite. Several have balconies with views across the garden. The master suite, which overlooks Waterwynch Bay, is lovely and was used by honeymooners when Waterwynch was a hotel. The bed enjoys a raised position on a central dais and, with the original fireplace and a separate dressing room it has plenty of character. Golau Bore and The Master Balcony suite are similar and just as popular because you can walk straight onto a Look-Out Terrace, while the Garden suite is probably the most romantic, with a four-poster bed, an integral lounge area and a balconette. And if there are any extra guests, the sofa makes a double bed. The remaining bedrooms are just as luxurious, with either twin or king-size beds and an ensuite shower room. The Bunk Room is ideal for children, and can sleep six people.

Waterwynch has several acres of landscaped gardens but the real highlight is the woodland, which is wonderful in May when the bluebells are out. The garden may be quite wild in places but it complements the countryside beyond. The major draw, though, is the beach. Waterwynch House owns the shore to the median high tide watermark, which is approximately 10ft beyond the coastal path steps. The shingle acts as a natural sea defence and changes all the time with new ridges appearing every day.

The property is ideally located if you enjoy walking because the Pembrokeshire National Coast Path runs close by – it actually diverts around the northern perimeter rather than leading across the beach.

Pembrokeshire has a rich heritage with many castles, churches and archaeological remains. Manorbier Castle makes a pleasant day out and is just a short drive away. Dogs are welcome in the grounds and there’s a seating area outside the cafe if you’re thirsty – entry is £5.50. A quick word of caution: check the opening hours on the website because the general public are prohibited when there’s a private event. You can let your dog run off-lead on the beach.

Majestic Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry VII, makes a wonderful destination because dogs are welcome everywhere but the cafe and shop and there are picnic tables outside. An adult ticket costs £6. It’s open every day from 10am. The castle diminished in importance during the 16th century and eventually became a romantic ruin. Considered one of Wales’ most magnificent structures, Carew Castle nestles on a low ridge beside the river. Now a ruin, it was once a powerful stronghold and evidence of its prestigious past is clearly visible. There’s a cafe and you can also visit the tide mill which retains much of its original machinery.

Castell Henllys are also worth a visit, with dogs welcome in the grounds but not the cafe. Lying just off the coast at Tenby, Caldey Island is within easy reach and dogs are welcome on the ferry that runs during the summer. An adult ticket costs £13. There aren’t any cars so it’s a tranquil place where you can easily spend a few hours soaking up the atmosphere. Alongside the monastery, there are shops, a post office, a village green, a lighthouse and a dog-friendly beach.

Tenby is only a few miles away and has a number of interesting places. Members of the National Trust can discover what life was like during the 15th century by visiting the Tudor Merchants House in Tenby. Dogs are prohibited from entering the grounds but there’s a choice of dog-friendly pubs nearby.

You can walk along the coastal path in either direction, between Tenby, Pendine and Stackpole. Alternatively, you can choose an inland route around Penally, investigate LlysY-Fan reservoir or try part of the Knights’ Way. Narberth retains much of its original character with many period buildings, including a choice of dog-friendly pubs like The Dragon.