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> i-escape - fronlas***** llandeilo, carmarthenshire, wales, 14th may 2008
Eco meets luxury at Fronlas, a 3-bedroom Edwardian townhouse B&B situated at the foot of the Brecons
Reviewed by Emilie Witham
"Peering over the idyllic River Tywi to the Brecon Beacon mountains, pretty Llandeilo is one of several 'transition towns' aiming to slash carbon emissions and exploit alternative energy from local sources. So it's a fitting spot for one of Wales' most eco-aware and organically sourced B&Bs, which opened in April 2008 in the heart of the town.
But Fronlas is much more than an eco-escape: it's a boutique B&B par excellence. With only 3 rooms and tireless (but never overbearing) service from Eva and husband Owain, the welcome could not be warmer. In the bedrooms, a gorgeous combo of designer furnishings, groovy bespoke wallpaper, organic mattresses and solar-powered underfloor heating makes you feel at once indulged and guilt-free. The breakfast - from the toasted granola to the award-winning pork sausages - is as delicious as it is local. For city dwellers on a romantic break, hikers and cyclists wanting to blow cobwebs away, foodies and shoppers keen to explore Llandeilo's growing array of delis and non-chain boutiques, we can think of few better – or better value – gems.
Rooms
The 3 Luxury Doubles, named Un, Dau and Tri (1, 2 and 3 in Welsh), are individually decorated with bespoke swirling wallpapers by Oxfordshire-based Colliss & Quinton and stylish furnishings from Alessi, Kartell and various local designers. The colour combos are gorgeous - splashes of warm magenta or lime green against a backdrop of neutral greys or creams - and the overall effect is sumptuous without being pretentious. All the bedding, towels are organic; mattresses are layered wool and cotton (also organic), and made by Abaca just a few miles from Llandeilo.
The ensuite bathrooms are clad from top to bottom in natural stone, with 'The White Company' goodies and snug bathrobes: perfect after a day in the great outdoors. All the rooms come with flatscreen TV and DVD player, organic tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
'Un', on the ground floor, is the only one to benefit from underfloor heating. It has dark wooden flooring, stylish retro lampshades and chairs, and lovely views of the mountains and the Twyi river. Its ensuite wetroom has a rainwater shower which could outpour even the worst Welsh weather.
The other two rooms, 'Dau' and 'Tri' are on the first floor. We stayed in 'Dau' and enjoyed the best views out to the river and mountains. 'Tri' is dressed with Welsh lambswool cushions and throws by Pembrokeshire-based Melin Tregwynt, who has decorated several Welsh boutique hotels. Both rooms have an ensuite with bathtub and rainwater shower.
HIGHS
Unique design, with contemporary Welsh-made furniture and perfectly matched fabrics
Total peace and tranquility, despite being in town
Genuine environmental and social credentials include solar panels, eco-electricity, organic cottons, and fabulous locally sourced breakfasts
Friendly owners who are always on hand to help plan your days
With dramatic ruined castles, botanical gardens, fishing, footpaths and cycle routes on your doorstep, there's no shortage of stuff to keep you amused
LOWS
With only 3 bedrooms and a fast-growing reputation, you'll need to book early for weekend stays
The train journey is long - 4.5 hours from London (if all goes well), and 3 hours (with 1 change) from Bristol - but the scenery is stunning once in Wales, and Llandeilo station is literally one minute's walk from the B&B."
Go to i-escape [here] and [here].
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