Property, Lawrenny, Kilgetty, SA68

Story Written in Stone, Water and Time

Set along the banks of the Cleddau Estuary, Coedcanlas is a place shaped quietly by centuries. Sheltered within its landscape and enjoying beautiful, ever-changing views across the water, this remarkable Grade II listed property forms part of a former manor estate where history, character and opportunity come together.

Records suggest that a manor has existed at Coedcanlas since around 1360, evolving gradually as generations passed through. While no single building survives unchanged, the estate retains significant historic fabric. An arch within the original manor house is believed by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales to date from the 15th century, with further elements from the later Tudor period and refinements introduced during the 18th century. Roof timbers bearing the inscription “John Gay 1811” offer a rare and human connection to the property’s long and layered past.

The house has known periods of occupation and quiet abandonment. It stood uninhabited in the early 1900s and is notably the birthplace of Dick Francis in 1920. When visited in 1974 by Major Francis Jones, author of Historic Houses of Pembrokeshire, it was found to be in good repair, before later falling silent again until the current owners acquired the property in 1999 and began its careful restoration.

Today, daily life centres around the beautifully restored former Malt House. Thoughtfully arranged with upside-down living to make the most of the estuary outlook, the main living spaces sit on the upper floor, where light moves across the water and surrounding landscape throughout the day. The open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room is both welcoming and characterful, with a working fireplace and exposed A-frame timbers. These were sourced from France during the renovation, reflecting the craftsmanship and care invested in the project.

The ground floor provides three comfortable bedrooms, two with en-suite facilities, along with a further shower room. Underfloor heating runs throughout this level, offering modern comfort beneath historic walls.

Accessed externally is a study and plant room, discreetly housing an advanced renewable energy system including a ground source heat pump and solar panels — an impressive and practical addition that enhances both efficiency and sustainability.

Adjoining the Malt House is a fully renovated secondary building, formerly operated as a holiday cottage. This flexible accommodation offers two double bedrooms, a bathroom and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space on the ground floor, with a sleeping loft above the kitchen, currently arranged with a futon and providing useful additional sleeping or relaxation space. A private courtyard seating area creates a sense of independence, making the cottage ideal for guests, extended family or income potential.

Beyond the restored buildings lies one of Coedcanlas’s most compelling features: the remains of the original manor house itself. Now standing in a derelict condition, it retains significant historic character and offers a rare opportunity for a purchaser seeking a meaningful restoration project. With existing accommodation already in place, a new owner could live comfortably on site while gradually bringing this historic building back to life.

Subject to the necessary consents, the manor house could be transformed into a remarkable private residence — or reimagined as a boutique hotel or exclusive retreat, where its historic setting and estuary views would create something truly special.

The grounds extend to just under two acres and include a mature pond, a secluded walled garden at the heart of the property, and, across the road, a productive orchard planted with a variety of apple trees and hazelnuts — a charming and increasingly sought-after feature, offering both lifestyle appeal and the pleasure of seasonal harvests.

From the property, footpaths lead directly to the riverside villages of Lawrenny and Cresselly, the latter renowned for its welcoming village pub and strong local reputation.

Coedcanlas offers a rare combination: a restored historic home, immediate lifestyle appeal, and the extraordinary opportunity to shape the next chapter of a former manor estate — all set within one of Pembrokeshire’s most evocative estuary settings.