Stepping into our country cottage in the heart of the Towy Valley is like stepping into another era, one where time slows, the modern world fades away, and every object has a story to tell. Inspired by Tolstoys Cottage, I have carefully curated a space that feels authentic, lived-in, and timeless, a sanctuary of warmth, comfort, and quiet beauty.
This is not a showroom cottage. It is a place filled with soul, where every antique has been carefully chosen, every worn book holds secrets of the past, and every corner offers a glimpse into a slower, more thoughtful way of life. The Welsh dresser belonged to my Mamgu, (Welsh for grandmother) as did the old gramophone, it spent many years in Tiger Bay and probably has many stories to tell!
A Home Steeped in History
Over the years, I have trawled antique shops, flea markets, and vintage fairs, searching for objects that bring character and authenticity to this space. Nothing here is hurried or mass-produced. Instead, the cottage has been shaped by pieces that have been loved, used, and treasured, each one adding to the rich tapestry of its story.
At the heart of the master bedroom, you’ll find a 1920s French bed, its carved wood frame whispering tales of another time. Aged linens, and a luxurious silk bedspread, soft and with use, drape over it, inviting you to sink into its embrace. The bedside tables are antique with old marble tops, and each piece of furniture has it’s own history, each adding to the layered, imperfect beauty of the space.
The bathroom is no less enchanting. A deep roll-top bath, the kind you might imagine in an old country house, stands ready for indulgent, candlelit soaks. The cool enamel against the warmth of the wooden floors, the soft flicker of light against the aged brass taps, it all adds to the feeling of stepping back in time.
Books, Timeworn Textiles, and the Beauty of the Unhurried
Books are the soul of this cottage. The shelves are lined with hardback volumes, their spines worn from use, their pages carrying the scent of old paper and ink. You’ll also find magazines from the 1930s, remnants of a world that once was, offering a glimpse into forgotten fashions, recipes, and ways of life.
Soft handwoven Welsh blankets drape over chairs and sit folded at the end of the beds, each one a nod to craftsmanship and slow, considered living. The aged leather armchairs, softened by time, sit beside the log fire, inviting you to curl up with a book and listen to the crackle of burning wood.
A Cottage That Feels Like It Has Always Been Here
I wanted this cottage to feel as though it has existed forever, untouched by trends, a place that breathes history. The oak beams, heavy and dark with age, frame the space, while vintage oil paintings and aged prints adorn the walls. Candle sconces, tarnished mirrors, and old pottery complete the picture of a home that feels both curated and effortlessly natural.
Life at a Slower Pace
Beyond the cottage, the village of Llangadog echoes this feeling of stepping back in time. The butcher, the newsagent, and the old-fashioned general store are all run by locals who know their customers by name and take a genuine interest in every visitor. Here, life moves at a gentle rhythmic pace. People pause for conversation, nothing is rushed, and the charm of a bygone era lingers in every interaction.
Experience the Magic
To stay here is to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in a world of history, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. Come and step into the past, where objects hold stories, time moves slowly, and home feels like a novel waiting to be written.
Published on: 4. March 2025 - Filed under: News