We have created The Merlins (named after the little falcons that spend the winter at Whiteford) for our retirement, and as such we have attempted to create our dream home. The Merlins is far more spacious than we thought and has ample space for our children and grandchildren, to stay with us!

Oak is our favourite wood, with beams, floors, front door, staircase and kitchen all made out of it.

The kitchen has all mod cons including a Rangemaster stove and an American style Rangemaster- ice-cube producing -standing fridge freezer, microwave, washer drier, dishwasher a table and chairs with a further sitting area to the rear.

Entrance porch has a large cloakroom.

Open plan living room with woodburner, sky plus television/dvd and comfortable leather settees. One step down to dining area with seven foot dining table, and comfortable seating for eight. Then another step down to large garden room again with log burner and leather settees and chair, with panoramic views over the estuary.. A selection of dvds, books and games.

Both double bedrooms have shower rooms en suite.   Family bathroom. There are breathtaking panoramic views to the rear directly looking over Whiteford Burrows and The Loughor Estuary, with to the west extending to The Presceli mountains and to the east The Brecon Beacons. The two twin bedrooms are to the south facing front of the house overlooking the village green.

We have incorporated beautiful Gower stone into the porch, one feature wall inside the house and one fireplace.

The Merlins really has an old cottage feel about it!!

The back garden has a large patio area with furniture and barbecue. The garden is laid to lawn, and fenced to avoid dogs escaping.

We chose Llanmadoc because it seems to have everything we need.

As a dog owner and veterinarian I can truely say that in Llanmadoc your dogs will have a great holiday! The beaches are dog friendly, and you can walk them for miles and miles.

BUT in particular we were drawn by the beauty of the area , its wildlife and walks. As an addicted dog walker with a keen interest in photography, I spend hours walking my dogs, photographing birds, butterflies and flowers and of course the tremendous scenery. This area particularly Whitford Burroughs is internationally important as a nature reserve and is only a 15 mins walk away.

The  pictures are of an early marsh orchid, a brimstone butterfly and a female merlin  - taken on Whitford/Loughour Estuary, and sunset over Burry Holmes from Whitford beach.

Price list per week for The Merlins 2010