Ever feel like you are forever trying to get to the bottom of an endless to do list?

My days always start with the best intentions, but I’m constantly distracted by my phone, emails, social media, chores and well, just daily life.

Two weeks ago, as we approached Oliver’s 1st Birthday, I felt we were all in need of a digital detox. Away from the distractions of emails and calls and social media. Away from chores and traffic and daily life.
So we escaped!!

We packed up the boys, the dog and boot full of food and fizz and escaped to one of the calmest and most relaxing places I’ve ever been…we escaped to The Welsh House !

A collection of three unique and charming self catering cottages in a blissfully quiet sleepy corner of rural Camarthenshire, West Wales. There’s no phone signal for miles, you may as well leave it at home.

Owner/Developer and Designer, Dorian Bowen is one of the sweetest, loveliest and clearly one of the most artistic and design conscious men there is. I actually found him on instagram a year or so ago. His whimsical, natural and beautifully simple feed really captures the essence of his home and this incredible part of the world.

We decided to stay at Bryncyn.
A fusion of old and new. A traditional rustic cottage has been transformed with a stunningly raw glass and concrete extension. We were quite honestly blown away by its beauty and simplicity. All wonky stone walls and wood burners on one side, a modernist haven on the other. Bryncyn was featured in The Times as one of the “Top 10 Places in Britain to Escape The Crowds” and it’s easy to see why!

The enormous glass wall in the kitchen opens up onto concrete decking that blurs the lines between outside and in.

What’s even more wonderful is the bubbling cedar hot tub sunken into the ground of the patio.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking because this property really needs to speak for itself…

We had grand ideas about visiting some of the many beautiful nearby places while we were there…Narbeth, Tenby, Llandilo… But the moment we stepped through the door of this peaceful retreat, we didn’t want to leave!

Instead we spent our days chatting around the dining table, playing cards, exploring the surrounding countryside and really just slowing down.

We were blessed with the most incredible weather every day of our trip. In the mornings Archie and Colin would go out with Halle on their bikes while Ollie and I relaxed. We’d gather around the table for a big breakfast before setting up for the day.

Our best friends Steve and Anna from Penarth came to visit with their beautiful new baby, our handsome nephew, Harrison.

We spent the evenings watching the most amazing sunset from the hill behind the house, before jumping into the hot tub with a glass of prosecco and the stars.

On the eve of Ollie’s birthday, while everyone else slept, I sat awake downstairs and wrote him a letter. With only the sound of the crickets outside the words came so easily to me. I realised that this time-out was exactly what we needed to mark such a special occasion.

On the morning of Ollie’s birthday, we opened gifts in bed and drank Buck’s Fizz (yes there was a lot of prosecco involved in our stay too). Ollie’s little crown was handmade by @katievictoriadesign

Later, my parents arrived from Mid Wales and we had a tea party in the sunshine. Mum made a big Victoria sponge and we sang happy birthday to our boy. It was the perfect day! Ollie’s Number 1 T-shirt was made by The Grey Store

I have to say a huge thank you to Dorian for inviting us to stay at his beautiful property. I can’t recommend it enough and we’ll definitely be coming back. Perhaps next time we’ll visit in the winter months so we can make the most of the beautiful old wood burners and the star filled skies at night.

If you fancy a trip to The Welsh House and have any questions about your stay, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below. It really is the most gorgeous escape and I hope I’ve done it justice!!