When you think of a pretty and traditional fisherman's cottage by the sea it could be argued, and successfully, that Penparc crogloft cottage is what you will imagine. Nestled into the heart of a coastal village and just metres from one of Wales' finest and yet relatively unknown beaches on the stunning Ceredigion coastline.
Despite its singular name, Aberporth Beach is actually made up of two separate beaches: Dyffryn Beach to the east and Dolwen Beach to the west, and both exceptionally beautiful, boasting sandy shores and home to an array of wildlife and sea birds, attracting tourists to this lesser-known haven.
Aberporth village retains a wealth of character and history, making it an idyllic location for a holiday or permanent residence, and this charming, traditional stone cottage called Penparc is nestled within its historic core and just a short walk to enjoy them both, as well as offering direct access on to the popular Wales Coast Path. For more property stories and homes content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
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In addition to its two renowned sandy beaches and stunning coastline, the village boasts an impressive selection of pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as a post office, pharmacy, village shop, bustling village hall and primary school. For those who enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, surfing and kayaking, the village offers plenty of opportunities to get involved and enjoy living by the sea and surrounded by stunning countryside too.
Aberporth is surrounded by several equally picturesque beaches, including those at Gwbert, Poppit Sands, Mwnt, Tresaith, Penbryn and Llangrannog. It's approximately a 15-minute drive to the county town of Cardigan, which boasts a busy arts centre and cinema, high street brands and excellent independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Penparc is one of the village's standout dwellings for character and history, and it when you explore its sizeable and very pretty garden with places to sit and eat, relax and read a book and step inside its charming rooms, it's not hard to see why it has only had three owners over the past 90 years, according to the agent now selling it.
A delightful and untouched example of the traditional cottages found in west Wales, Penparc is a single-storey with a crogloft or sleeping platform and originally constructed of limewashed clom or cob. It was positioned just yards from the sands when Aberporth was a bustling fishing port.
The oldest section of the cottage is thought to have been built in the mid-19th century and it's likely that the original inhabitants were a mariner and his family. The property, along with its surrounding homes, was then owned by John Beynon of Trewern mansion in Pembrokeshire until 1887 when it was purchased by Mary Thomas, a tenant who resided there with her three unmarried daughters. From 1903, the owner was Master Mariner Evan Thomas.
In 1934, Gladys Williams, wife of the vicar of St Gabriel's church in Swansea, bought the property and had it extended by Aberporth builder Mr Jenkins, who lived next door. The current owners have preserved and enhanced the property since 2000, undertaking tasks such as re-roofing with Welsh slate, insulating the crogloft, replacing masonry paint with breathable limewash, and constructing the sunken parterre garden.
Penparc cottage is on the market with a guide price of £440,000 with Savills, Cardiff, call 029 2036 8900 to find out more.