Smugglers Rest is a superb detached property offering captivating river views stretching west up to Cosheston leading to Lawrenny and east to Neyland Marina and Pembroke Dock.
With its quirky reverse-level layout to showcase the striking views and its close proximity to the coastline, Smugglers Rest is a rare find for families or group of friends to use as a base to enjoy this glorious part of South West Wales.
Soak up your peaceful surroundings of Burton village which arguably has one of Pembrokeshire’s best loved pubs/ restaurants, based directly on the shoreline of the Cleddau just 600 metres from Smugglers Rest.
In the summer months it is a mecca for water sport enthusiasts with its pontoon facilities, making it a great launching point for canoeists, paddleboarders and boaters to explore the natural beauty of the upper Cleddau.
The small villages of Lawrenny are close by with its pub and coffee shop and for the more adventurous the picturesque hamlet and pub of Creswell Quay can be reached by water on a high tide.
On entering Smugglers Rest you will find the sitting room, this space is perfect for resting awhile after an action-packed day with its plush L-shape sofa and impressive flat-screen TV.
Climb the staircase to find the heart of the home, the kitchen/sitting room, styled with a contemporary elegance, all the modern conveniences and an abundance of light, making a wonderful spot for you all gather to make some memories.
Light up the woodburning stove to allow a gentle warmth to fill the room, while the chef of the group cooks up a storm in the kitchen, making the most of the quality appliances and the sleek island unit, where a glass of wine or two can be had, as dinner simmers on the hob.
Impressively, the huge skylight windows in here can be opened up to reveal a Juliet balcony, where you can take your drinks out to savour the views of the river and beyond.
Once your meals are ready to be served, relocate into the formal dining room to tuck in before pulling open the map to plan the next day’s adventure, before pushing open the skylight which again reveals another Juliet balcony to allow a seamless integration of the outside in.
If you are visiting during the summer months, venture out onto the raised decking, where table and chairs offer an opportunity for a spot of alfresco dining where you will sit back and watch sailing boats gliding up and down the estuary making passage for pretty coastal villages such as Dale or outwards into the Irish sea before dipping into the bubbling hot tub, where you can truly relax after a busy day of exploring.
Before heading to bed, be sure to challenge your loved ones to a game of pool, situated within the external games room, another great way to while away some fun-filled hours with your loved ones.
Once the sun has set, find your sleeping quarters on the ground floor of the property, each one is designed with a refreshing ambiance and touches of a nautical theme to serve as quiet reminders of your surroundings.
Here, you can choose between three double bedrooms and a twin bedroom, all served by a family bathroom and a sleek shower room.
If you can tear yourself away from this oasis, there are extensive off road walks nearby at Benton Woods offering great walks for you and your four legged companion which pass by a small castle and offer panoramic views of the Cleddau Estuary and the Presell mountain in the distance.
For boat enthusiasts there is a boatyard and slipway half a mile away which offers boat storage and launching facilities or alternatively there are free public launching slipways doted around the estuary such as Llangwm, Pembroke and Neyland just a short drive away.
Venture slightly further to find Pembroke where you will find more options and a plethora of attractions including, Pembroke Castle, Henry Tudor’s birthplace, as well as boating opportunities on Mill Pond so that you can view the historic castle from a different, exciting perspective.
From here, you can also visit Barafundle Bay, which has been voted as the best beach in the UK, with its towering cliffs backing glorious sands, great for soaking up the sun and walking with your canine companions.
If you are looking to get out onto the water be sure to join the National Trust guide on a kayaking trip out of Stackpole Quay, where you can explore the explore caves and play in the surf.
You could also visit the National Trust owned Cleddau Woodlands for an endearing walk before brushing up on the local history by visiting the ruins of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.
Those with children can look forward to an afternoon at Manor House Wildlife Park, Heatherton World of Activities or the Dinosaur Park!
The colourful town of Tenby is also within driving distance, as is Milford Haven, which rests on the shores of the largest estuary in Wales and is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world.
With so much to see and do, you and your loved ones are sure to have an action-packed break whilst staying at Smugglers Rest.