Guests say
Guests have praised The Woodlands Lower Level for its picturesque and peaceful setting, spacious and comfortable accommodation, and extensive garden with play areas and animals. The property is well-regarded for its proximity to local attractions and its suitability for families. The farmhouse-style decor and the presence of an AGA add to the charm, although the AGA's heat in summer and the need for basic provisions are noted. The hosts are commended for their friendliness and responsiveness.
There is no specific mention of cleanliness in the reviews, so it is not possible to provide a score for this category.
The location is highly praised for its seclusion, peacefulness, and convenience to local facilities and attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring South Wales & Pembrokeshire.
The property is described as spacious and comfortably furnished, with comfy beds and light, airy spaces. However, some areas are noted as dark and cramped, slightly affecting the score.
The facilities, including the garden, animals, and play areas, are appreciated. The AGA and decor are charming, though the heat from the AGA in summer and the lack of kitchen drainer are drawbacks.
While the hosts are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, there is no mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches that would warrant a score in this category. It should be noted that such gestures, if provided, are not guaranteed.
About this property
Tucked away just 0.9 miles from Kilgetty in the lush, wooded valley of Stepaside, The Woodlands Lower Level is a dream come true for families with young children seeking both adventure and serenity. This enchanting three-storey cottage is nestled in five acres of private woodland, where little explorers can roam freely, safely, and be completely immersed in nature’s wonder.
Set at the end of a long driveway, this rural retreat offers absolute privacy—the perfect haven for children to play without worry and parents to truly unwind. Surrounded by wildlife—chickens, goats, and even peacocks—your young ones can discover the magic of countryside living in a safe, enclosed setting.
The heart of the home is a rustic yet fully equipped kitchen, featuring both an Aga and an electric Rangemaster—perfect for baking with the kids or whipping up family favourites. After mealtimes in the dining room (big enough for everyone), cozy up for movie night in the spacious sitting room, or steal a quiet moment in the private snug. Rainy day? Light the woodburning stove in the conservatory and let little imaginations run wild while the rain taps gently overhead.
No family is too big for this six-bedroom wonder. The first floor offers four generous rooms—including a super-king suite and an en-suite double—ideal for accommodating siblings, cousins, or friends. Two additional double bedrooms on the top floor make sleepovers extra fun, while a deep, freestanding bath and heated towel rail in the family bathroom bring spa-like comfort to the bedtime routine.
The expansive garden is a child’s paradise. Whether it’s a friendly kickabout on the field (yes, there are goal posts!) or wandering the woodland paths on a nature hunt, the grounds offer endless, secure space to run, laugh, and discover. You’ll likely spot more than a few peacocks strutting by too!
A short drive brings you to family favourites like Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo and Heatherton World of Activities—exciting days out guaranteed to delight. Or pack a picnic for Wisemans Bridge Beach, a historical sandy bay perfect for castle building and shell collecting. Evenings can be spent around a hearty fire at Wisemans Bridge Inn, or for something special, dine seaside at the Michelin-listed Coast.
From scenic walks along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to tranquil afternoons by the Cresswell River, every experience at The Woodlands Lower Level brings families closer together. With space to grow, room to explore, and peace to relax, this hidden gem is everything a family holiday should be—and more.
Once home to both coal and iron mines, Stepaside is now a holiday hamlet with a few houses pubs and restaurants. This valley was a hive of industrial activity from the 14th to the 19th century as it was an integral part of the Pembrokeshire coal field. It’s hard to imagine that now, as very little remains apart from the old ironworks at Stepaside and the railway tunnels between Wisemans Bridge and Saundersfoot. There were 12 collieries working in this area at its heyday. The whole of Pembrokeshire beckons with the harbour and seaside resorts of Amroth just 15 minutes’ walk away, Tenby and Saundersfoot close by, visit secluded sandy beaches, such as the acclaimed Barafundle Bay for a quiet relaxing day, or take in an invigorating walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Path. Enjoy a boat trip to Caldey Island and its monastery, or to Skomer, which is renowned for its puffins. For the most adventurous, extreme watersports await, whilst golfers can take the challenge of Tenby's famous links course. The nearby town of Narberth is a delight to discover with its many individual shops, including upmarket boutiques, specialist deli grocers and unique gift shops, and a wide choice of restaurants, bistros and pubs can be found in and around the town. Queen's Hall, Narberth's leading cultural and arts venue hosts a variety of concerts, plays and events, which can be enjoyed throughout the year. A perfect holiday base at any time of year.
Accommodation
Settled within five-acres of stunning woodlands.
Over three floors.
Six bedrooms: 2 x super-king-size, one with en-suite freestanding bath, basin and W, 1 x double, 1 x single, 2 x second-floor doubles.
Bathroom with roll-top bath, hand-held shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Second-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Dining room.
Sitting room with electric fire.
Snug.
Conservatory with woodburning stove.
Oil central heating with woodburning stove and electric fire.
Aga range cooker, electric range cooker with electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher.
2 x TVs, WiFi.
Fuel, power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot available on request.
Ample off-road parking.
Garden with lawn and furniture.
Wiseman's Bridge Beach is just over a mile away.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 0.9 miles, pub 0.8 miles.
Note: This property does not accept hen/stag parties or similar.
Please note: Property can accept a minimum stay of 5 or 6 nights, if check in is Mon - Fri or Mon - Sat.
Reviews (5)
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Ray
The property itself has a large garden with goats, chickens , turkeys, peacocks and geese to make friends with. Also in the garden there are loungers, a slide and swings, a football pitch and more. Ideal for kids and adults to relax. Inside the house there are light and airy spaces to spread out and relax, but there are also some dark and rather cramped areas such as the dining room. Space to walk around is also tight in the kitchen where there is an Aga that is constantly putting out heat which can be a bit overwhelming in summer. As the one who did most of the washing up during our stay (other than that which went in the dish washer), I could have done with a drainer beside the sinks in the kitchen. More shelf space would have been welcome in bathrooms, too. The owners were easy to contact and swift to respond to queries and snags. All-in-all, we found the Woodlands a charming place to stay. There was not a corner in the house that didn't have some objet d'art or interesting item of bric-a-brac to catch your eye. Much of this looks precious and fragile, so it may be vulnerable if young guests get over excited. I hope this helps to prepare potential guests for what they will find if they choose to stay at The Woodlands Lower Level. All I can say is that we liked it.
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Karla
Three generations. The home and gardens are amazing. Kids were outside all the time we were there. House is beautiful. Very well looked after and every comfort you could think of. If you are staying and plan to eat in then i would recommend that you bring the basics with you. There is absolutely nothing there so bring salt,pepper, cooking oil. Tea bags, coffee, sugar and milk. It will save you from purchasing it all again. They do provide washing up liquid, washing clothes,tea towels and dishwasher tablets. Highly recommended and would 100% stay here again. Sue and family are very friendly and helpful. Couldn't help enough with any questions I had. Thank you so much
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William
We really appreciated the comfy beds. The kitchen is well equipped and we rose to the challenge of cooking on an AGA for the first time. We used the Conservatory as a dining room because it is light and airy, nearer to the kitchen and we liked the round table. The children made excellent use of the safe and secluded garden for outdoor play. We enjoyed the facilities on offer in Tenby and Saundersfoot and the surf boarding in Manorbier was declared the best ever!