This week we make our way from city to country to spend a few blissful nights in a bed and breakfast in Wales. Accommodations of the bed-and-breakfast type are well known across the world for a good night’s sleep at a reasonable price. And all those nights add up. In Britain it’s to the tune of around 25,000 establishments contributing a whopping 115 billion Pounds to the British economy.

Their popularity in Britain is well deserved. After all, the B&B was invented here as an inexpensive place for Roman officials traveling to their conquered land to spend the night. And the concept soon spread, with the pension tradition in France, the Fremdenheim in Germany and the Minshuku in Japan. Across the world, these small, mostly family-run businesses are a perfect way to meet locals and stay on a budget.

So we rent a car at Waterloo Station in South London and head off to the countryside of Wales. We arrive several hours later to meet Nicky and Johnny Rogers at Hayston Farm in the tiny town of Merrion, Pembrokeshire, South Wales.

The Hayston farmhouse dates back to the 17th century with enormously thick walls and plenty of original details. The house has been lovingly renovated with just the right amount of contemporary amenities — not so much as to diminish the original character of the house. Just what you would expect from a fine bed and breakfast in Wales.

There is never a crowd at Hayston Farm, with just one bedroom in the main house and another in the coach house just next door. The room’s decor is classic English, with floral patterns, antique furniture, and a big, comfortable bed. It’s a great place to rest after a long day exploring the varied Pembrokeshire villages, countryside, and the seaside.

One of the great attributes of a bed and breakfast in Wales, or almost anywhere in Britain for that matter, is the “breakfast” part. And Nicky puts on a classic spread. With eggs from the coop a few steps from the kitchen, it is a hearty start to a day of adventure

On a warm day, you can take breakfast on the terrace overlooking Roger’s lush garden. But we encountered a cool spell and settled into the library for our morning meal, with a fire crackling and casting a warm glow over the room’s red walls, old books, paintings, and antique furniture.

The house has been lovingly renovated with just the right amount of contemporary amenities … Just what you would expect from a fine bed and breakfast in Wales.

Adding to the country charm, you will most likely be joined by one of the family’s three dogs which keep an ever watchful eye on the rest of the barnyard menagerie.

For a weekend bed and breakfast in Wales, Hayston Farm is the perfect stepping off point. Go to explore the wonderful landscape of South West Wales, breathe in loads of fresh air, and enjoy walks along the wide open beaches of Pembrokeshire West.

Details

For booking details visit; www.haystonfarmhouse.co.uk

 Wifi: Available in your room. The thickness of the old walls sometimes works against the signal strength.
 Nearest airport: Cardiff (CWL) Served by Airlines; Air Lingus, British Airways, KLM City Hopper, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Flybe and others.

Photography and story by Daniela Stallinger

Article last updated on: May 30, 2018