You know a place is special when you walk in and immediately start plotting how to move in permanently. Gablebach Cottage, Llangadog once a stable and grooms’ quarters, has been transformed into a vintage, character-filled hideaway that feels like stepping into a period drama—only with better heating and a claret of Port waiting for you.
Me (Llio), Nick, and Derek the dog checked in for a few days of countryside bliss in Llangadog—log fires, Aga cooking, a copper bath so deep you could lose a small pet in it, and the best bed I’ve ever slept in. Meanwhile, Derek took one look around and decided this was his estate now.
Dog-Friendly, Borderline Dog-Owned
Let’s be clear: this is not a dog-friendly cottage—it’s a dog-palace disguised as a cottage. Derek spent most of his time trotting around like a small, furry aristocrat, occasionally pausing to stash his carrot under the kitchen table like a paranoid smuggler. I, on the other hand, was out here living my best farmer’s wife fantasy—red wine in hand, and some duck legs ready for a sauna in the Aga.
Aga cooking isn’t just cooking. There’s no impatient preheating, no stress, just constant, enveloping heat like a warm hug from an old Welsh auntie who smells like lavender and freshly baked bread. The duck legs I made? Glorious. Golden, crispy, tender—the kind of thing that makes you look smug while eating it.
The Bed: What Are They Putting In These Sheets?
I’ve stayed in many beds. This one? This one deserves a round of applause. It was so comfortable it felt illegal, the kind of bed you cancel plans for. I actually debated whether I could somehow acquire it without committing a crime. Pair that with the log fire, a ridiculously indulgent copper bath, and a bottle of Port left for us, and you’ve got the ultimate “I am never leaving” setup.
Llangadog: Where Even the Butcher Gets a Shoutout
If you somehow manage to leave the cottage, Y Castell pub is top-notch—good beer, proper food, and a chance to exchange pleasantries with the locals (or just drink in peace). And then there’s the butcher, who deserves his own standing ovation—sausage, bacon, and a quiche that could end wars.
If you fancy an outing, Llandeilo and Llandovery are just a 10-minute drive away.
Ruth: The Host Who Just Gets It
Then there’s Ruth, hands down the best host. Not only did she leave us a Victoria sponge so fluffy it defied gravity, but she’ll also personally show you the castle on the farm—because yes, there’s a castle. And horses. And sheep. At this point, it was starting to feel like we’d accidentally booked a period drama set.
Move In Immediately
If you love Aga cooking, crackling log fires, ridiculously comfortable beds, and a host who bakes you cake, you’ll adore Gablefach Cottage. If you have a dog with a taste for luxury, they’ll think they’ve won the lottery. We had a gorgeous time, and if Ruth ever decides to rent this place out permanently, let’s just say I know a dog who’s ready to sign a lease.
Fancy a stay? https://blackmountainescapes.co.uk/
March 2025 offer - 3 nights for 2
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