Ten minutes from Pembrokeshire’s best beaches, a smidge east of Pembroke Town close to Carew Castle’s tidal mill, lies a peaceful hamlet enfolded in gentle countryside. Follow the lane past a row of pretty farm cottages in soft mellow stone; at the end, clothed in honeysuckle, is this family-friendly bolthole. Step in to a sunny open-plan living space: big cream sofas cosied up on a rug by the wood-burner, quirky artworks on bumpy stone walls, a trellis of ceiling beams, a scrubbed pine table, wicker chairs. In a bright spot, a fitted kitchen with all the essentials – and tea tray with Welsh cakes to welcome you. Bedrooms, up in the eaves, feel airy and fresh; housekeeper Jayne leaves flowers and crisp linen. Families appreciate the board games, bunks and baby gates, and the safely fenced, gently sloping lawn. Lovely to sit out here on the south-facing patio while the barbecue sizzles: sausages from a family butcher, buns from an artisan baker, corn-on-the-cob from the farmers’ market or roadside stall. A treat – and great for trips to Folly Farm, the rides at Oakwood and sandy beaches at Barafundle Bay.
Upper Nash is just the sort of bolt hole you want to find at the end of a hard week at work, or at the beginning of a much-needed holiday. The drive down is easy, on fast roads, but when you step through the archetypal cottage door you'll feel instantly at home on the sofas next to the log burner, or sitting around the table for a meal.