Welcome to Grove Cottage, new to our portfolio and nestled by the river in Solva, a picturesque harbour village on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast. In our interview with Kate, the owner of Grove Cottage, you’ll discover what makes this idyllic holiday retreat and the surrounding village so special. From its tranquil location on the river, to the mesmerising coastal walks, Kate shares her love for Solva and invites you to experience the tranquility and natural beauty that makes Grove Cottage the perfect base for an unforgettable getaway.

 

Hi Kate, could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to Grove Cottage?

I spent nearly every holiday growing up camping at Mutton Farm owned by Mrs Lamb(!) just outside of Solva. Here I learnt to canoe, row, sail, fish for mackerel and my best memory, actually swimming with a dolphin. My father gave up his job in printing & became a mobile sandblaster, often coming to Solva to work on the boats when they were lifted out for winter, so we got to know lots of the locals.
Move on about 40 years and I returned almost as a pilgrimage after both my parents passed away. The comfort it gave me made me feel I was coming home. So the idea came that maybe I would invest some of the money my Mum had left me into a little cottage. Then Grove Cottage came on the market.

What do you love most about Grove Cottage?

We love Grove Cottage, it has everything on its doorstep. It is 5 minutes from the harbour, shops, restaurants & cliff paths, yet nestled in woodland with its own little river.

How would you describe your interior style?

Although Grove Cottage had been well loved it needed some updating. I my husband and I both love the mid century Scandi vibe whilst being sympathetic to the fact this is an old Welsh cottage. I’d definitely call my style eclectic, which hopefully helps it feel homely not staged.


What was your inspiration when it came to designing Grove Cottage?

I knew how I wanted to design the bedrooms. I love Sanderson wallpaper, so a lot of the ideas I had started there, plus being a small cottage I felt I had to be a little innovative, a nod to seaside without being too twee, but a little bit of humour, whilst trying to incorporate all the needs of a holiday home without cramming it full. We also took the Victorian fireplace out as it wasn’t original to the cottage and overpowered the room. We knew it had replaced a kitchen range so putting a wood burner in seemed an appropriate solution. The kitchen will be phase two.

What would your perfect day spent at Grove Cottage look like?

The weather in Wales can go several ways and usually determines what we do. Sunny days would almost certainly involve breakfast on the balcony, lots of walking, kayaking, swimming. Then back to Grove Cottage for a barbecue, maybe light the fire pit by the river watching the sun sink with a glass of wine.
My favourite time at the cottage is actually out of season. I love having the cobwebs blown away with a cliff top or beach walk. There is nothing better than coming back, lighting the wood burner, having tea & cake and being truly cosy. Letting the elements do their worst.

What is something in the local area you think is a must-do when visiting?

There are so many things to do in the local area, but if I could only do one it would be to walk the cliff paths. Their outstanding beauty is simply breathtaking.

Grove Cottage sleeps 4 people and welcomes 2 dogs. A week’s stay starts at £395.

LEARN MORE AND BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.

6 responses to “Owner Stories – Grove Cottage”

  1. Valerie knight says:

    Have you any vacancies for this year up to October. Thank you.

  2. John Turner says:

    Can you please tell me if there is an easier access to the rear garden than the spiral staircase as my wife has mobility problems
    Many thanks
    John Turner

    • stdavidsescapes says:

      Hi John, the main access to the garden is via the spiral staircase. The are 2 alternative ways to access the rear garden. One is via the front door and round to the side of the house. However this side access has steps down to the garden with no hand rail. Another alternative access to the garden is via the basement from inside the house. The basement steps are steep but do have a handrail either side. If you want to call us on 07714689855 we can arrange for some further photos to be taken for you to show you the side garden access and the basement access if that helps. Thank you

  3. Carol says:

    We love the look of this cottage for a week. If our daughter wanted to visit for a couple of days would there be parking for the car?

    • stdavidsescapes says:

      Hello Carol, There is one private parking space next to the cottage, there is some street parking close by or there is a payable car park in Solva Harbour which is just a 5 minute walk from Grove Cottage.

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