The Sandcastle

4.2Good

5.0Coast & Country Holidays rating

12 Guests

6 Beds

6 Bathrooms

Pet Friendly

Description

Overlooking the golden sands and crystal waters of Freshwater Bay, The Sandcastle offers panoramic views across the bay, backed by craggy headlands and sheltered by red sandstone cliffs.

Situated in south Pembrokeshire, this breath-taking coastal retreat, with uninterrupted sea views, allows families and friends to fully relax in Colonial comfort whilst benefiting from 21st century technology!

Picture the scene; you enter the villa through a sub-tropical walled garden and in through a laid-back verandah, with hammock, rocking chairs and rattan, - perfect for capturing the last of the evening rays - and there beyond a 6ft wide glass door is an ultra-wide open-sided living room, looking out onto a magnificent glass-covered balcony framing your very first view of the sea - right there, just metres away!

There is an access ramp down to the beach garden and from there steps cut into the bank allow your own access straight down onto the dog-friendly sandy beach.

For those with limited mobility, there is a slipway right next to the property.

On those wet and windy days and nights, the massive balcony doors close and you can enjoy the warmth of a log fire, at the same time being mesmerised by the waves crashing onto the rocks across the bay.

On those stormy days, when the conditions are really bad everywhere else in South Pembrokeshire, the surfers will put on their own private show just for you - right outside your window.

The kitchen has a 6-burner range cooker - which will please the most discerning of chefs amongst you - and whilst the home-made dining table seats 12, there is a separate table for the children if needs be.

The ground floor master suite has its own private balcony screened off from the main area and its ample bathroom sports a spa bath and a separate shower.

All of the lower bedrooms have tiled floors with underfloor heating and come with en-suite shower rooms.

There is also a honeymoon suite with a beautifully upholstered, four-poster bed and a separate bath/shower room.

All the bedrooms have wide French doors with integral blinds and sea views.

The sun rises over the sea and floods into the rooms.

There is an all-weather, ecologically-heated, saltwater, infinity pool which allows access from inside the house and swimming under the motorised enclosure in the colder months.

During the summer you will probably want to sunbathe on the sheltered suntrap pool deck with its commanding view of the beach, followed by a shower in our tiny banana garden – and all accompanied by the sound of sheep in the neighbouring field.

From there we might suggest the bespoke steam room.

This holds about five or six guests and will remove any remaining cobwebs in its 60c heat.

With a bit of prior planning, you should allow 45 minutes for this to warm up.

Suitably relaxed, why not sit out on the veranda with a chilled glass of wine and be entertained by the gannets out to sea, as they dive in search of fish.

Should you wish to join them out on the water, there is a kayak and paddleboard provided.

The recreation room boasts a table tennis and a ¾ size snooker table.

The village of Freshwater East is situated to the south of Lamphey and offers a pub and restaurant.

The 160 mile, coastal Path is a delight to walk in either direction, and nearby Lamphey boasts a (request stop!) railway station running services from Pembroke Dock to Paddington – at certain times without even changing at Swansea.

Further afield, Pembroke with its medieval fortress, castle and river, makes a wonderful day out with the whole family.

Grab your walking boots and watersports gear, and sink into the most restful of breaks at The Sandcastle!

Your dates

Everything you'll need

Wifi
Baby Friendly
Dishwasher
Garden / Patio
Ground Floor Bedroom

Wifi
Baby Friendly
Dishwasher
Garden / Patio
Ground Floor Bedroom
Ground Floor Accommodation
Games Room
Hot Tub
National Park
Open Fire

What guests are saying

4.2

Based on 14 reviews

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

Cottage had amazing facilities and the view from the veranda was second to none BUT the cleanliness of parts of the cottage needs a lot of attention especially the veranda roof internally which was covered in cob webs with dead spiders and flies caught in them and would drop in the floor or onto the dining table!

The veranda furniture to eat at only sat 6 when the cottage can sleep 12 and the furniture definitely needed updating or replacing. Although dogs are allowed they are restricted as to where they can go (not downstairs)and the back garden is not enclosed and open to the beach and next door so no good for a dog unless watched at all times. BBQ although works is old and the cleaning equipment needs to be replaced. The lounge TV remotes need replacing and unable to get most normal channels, even with a battery change. Some furniture in the bedrooms needs updating or replacing (rip in sofa in one bedroom). For the money that is charged I expected a very clean house and overall this isnt what we got. There seems to be a lot of rules put around the house which is rather off putting to say the least especially as we are all adults staying (no food or drink downstairs to mention but one)

AnnetteJul 2025

Owner response:

I am so sorry you were disappointed in The Sandcastle. To go through your complaints. Yes, the balcony is not cleaned weekly and all kinds of things can happen when eating outside. At least the birds don't eat off your table (Like happens at the Cotton House in Mustique!). I'm sorry for that. We might have overlooked the Barbecue. We usually clean it every week. I think your stay coincided with the gardener not showing up that week. We have noted that and it won't happen again. As for the BBQ itself, it may be only of minimum spec, but it does work and, bear in mind it is right next to the kitchen, it was never considered to be essential. For dining on the balcony, there is a fold away table for five which can be added to the balcony table to accommodate the numbers. And for the dogs, there is a secure 6ft high stone-walled garden with a bolt on the 6ft gate. No deliveries are made at this gate, so they would never be let out inadvertantly. We live right next door to The Sandcastle and the last thing i always say to guests (you will remember) is " if you need anything, please call me". Its all in the guest information book, in any event.

We had a wonderful stay at the Sandcastle in October 2024.

The location was fantastic, just a short walk from the beautiful beach, making it ideal for our family. The stunning sea views from almost all bedrooms were a highlight. The kitchen was spacious, although the absence of saucepan lids was a bit odd. We experienced some patchy Wi-Fi, but it wasn’t a major issue for us. There was ample parking for our three cars. Overall, a great getaway

RodolfoNov 2024

The location of the property is wonderful but the state of the property itself seems a bit neglected, dirty in places and lacking in general upkeep.

That said, the kitchen was well equipped and the pool and hot tub were well maintained and the games room was a big plus, although the bar area needs attention. The en-suite bathrooms in all but 2 of the bedrooms were small and perfunctory and were not clearly described on the property description. The property has WI-FI but it was unreliable and the cellular service was non existent. All of these things may not matter if you are just concerned with the location and scenery, but if you are expecting luxury accommodation ( £10,000 for a 10 day stay) this is not the place. Mike and Linda were very friendly and amenable when issues arose and although we had a memorable holiday, we were a bit disappointed in the general condition of the property.

AmandaOct 2024

Beautiful property, sadly many things are lacking for the prices charged.

Positive note the beds are very comfortable, every room has a bathroom. The games room is brilliant space .The cleaners are not doing the job properly, for £4000 for 4 days you would expect the windows to be clean, windows shills etc . Bathrooms clean but several radiators are extremely degraded and rusty. The place should be sparkling. Enough plates to feed an army but nowhere to put your food except fridge. Decoration is good on the whole but some very random art work put together, lovely curtains but need to be hung properly. We didn't get to use swimming pool it was leaking and cold which is a shame and we should of been told before our stay as we would of change location. IF ALL THE TWEAKING WAS DONE ON THIS PROPERTY TO MAKE IS WORTH THE MONEY IT WOULD BE MAGNIFICENT. DONT GET ME WRONG WE HAD A GREAT TIME , IT JUST WASNT WHAT WE ORDERED

BerverlyFeb 2023

Owner response:

Your comments have been taken on board. * Totally agree about my photos. Ikea BADLY let us down as the frames which are delaminating. We are in the process of reframing. * Windows can get salt-sprayed in a day. They are cleaned every week. Outside is usually the job of maintainance. The cleaners should clean outside if maintainance is called away. * Curtains hooks in a couple of rooms were missing recently. Now sorted * Fridge space SHOULD be enough. There is one under-counter fridge in the kitchen. as well as the main US style fridge and there is always room in the bar fridge. There is a nest of larder shelves with dry goods left by previous guests (like rental villas on the continent) AND ALL IN DATE but perhaps we could house everything in the cupboard outside the kitchen - as the under-counter larder is not ideal. * Radiators (presumably you mean towel rails) go rusty VERY quickly. We have used chrome polish but they will not be changed until next year AND the rust is not THAT bad to be honest. By the way, you are only the second person to have noticed it since we opened in 2018 (when the towel rails were brand new) * Swimming pool is awaiting a complicated repair but perfectly useable at 4ft deep - which a lot of public pools are - instead of 5ft 6" as is normal for us in the winter. Also the solar panels and heat pump are giving us 28C (82F) when I looked today and the guests' children were having a whale of a time. We always aim for it to be over 77F. We will be back to normal winter height between 5ft 6" and then to summer depth (6ft 6") in mid - March when the very rare pool repair men FINALLY arrive from Europe. We will be showing chapter and verse on our website to explain how this indoor/outdoor pool is supposed to work. By the way £4000 for 4 nights is £83 per person per night for 12. Anyway, we take your comments very seriously and always strive to do better. Thank you

Wrong price listed.

Wrong check in tome sent. Beautiful location, gorgeous views and right on the beach at Freshwater East. Not vey clean, No attention to detail. Poor kitchen utensils, pots and pans. Old food left in cupboards. Strict “rules” on recycling but no caddy bags or bin bags. Owner accused us by text of leaving dog poo in garden, we didn’t even have a dog!! This could be a wonderful place but let down. Swimming pool not available for 3 days at start which disappointed grandsons.

JulianJan 2023

Owner response:

Your comments have been taken on board. * Not sure about pricing. That is down to Sykes. It is all clearly stated on our website. Check-in is at 3.30 but we are always around to let you use the loo and leave your cars if you are a bit early. We usually suggest a walk on the beach. * We are always adding utensils, but there is little time to do other than a cursory inventory every week. We usually rely on notes left by guests before they leave and I try and say goodbye at 9.30 and pick up all the feedback. This gives us time to restock breakages before the next guests arrive at 3.30. This system clearly needs perfecting. * Lack of waste bags entirely my fault. That should NOT have happened. * There is a nest of larder shelves with dry goods left by previous guests (Like rental villas on the continent) AND ALL IN DATE but perhaps we could house everything in the cupboard outside the kitchen - as the under-counter larder is not ideal. * Swimming pool is awaiting a complicated repair and occasionaly needs topping up with cold water hence the temporary temperature drop. This will be done (finally) in March. We will try and detail chapter and verse on our site to explain how this indoor/outdoor pool is supposed to work. As far as the dog (or lack of one) is concerned. I thought my note was more of a question than an accusation! I did apologise as it was my fault that I did not spot the poo from the previous guests! Thank you anyway and, do contact us before your next visit to make sure you get the best price available.

Good to know

House Rules

Good housekeeping bond
This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £500
Smoking
Not permitted
Property notes
This property is only suitable for a maximum of 11people including infants
Maximum 2 well behaved dogs
Parking for 4 cars only
Please Note: Bookings must check-in on a Friday or a Monday
Please note: that the pool is not heated over the winter - October - March 20th. Any special request for pool heating will involve a cost of £200 and prior notice of at least 2 weeks

Stay Information

Check-in / Check-out
15:00 / 09:30
Property ref
991641
Parking
Off Road Parking

Guest & Pet Policy

Pets
Allowed
Children
Children and infants welcome
Accessibility
Ground floor