Wales is a place and a state of mind.  Here, in these pages,  we will share our stories, history and news of life in Wales, and, in particular, a special piece of Welsh heritage and place for guests to retreat — Ffynnon Oer Uchaf and Ffynnon Oer Isaf.

Recently Kirstie Allsopp’s film crew were here for two days capturing the ambiance of the cottage for her show called “Best Of Both Worlds.” You can see the show on the internet at: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/kirsties-best-of-both-worlds

Here is a bit about your host.

Melise bought the cottage in 2009 as a “bolt hole” and an ongoing restoration project.  Melise’s avocation is working on legal problems for clients.  She is also an avid knitter, general organizer,  and has a heavy foot on her car’s accelerator.

Ffynnon  Oer means “cold spring” or “cold fountain.”

 At least that is what I am told. 

 Eventually the entire hamlet took on the name of its only distinguishing feature – its very pure spring.  

FFynnon Oer is located in Ceredigion, Cymru (Wales).  We are 15 minutes from the spectacular Welsh coastline and the small port of Aberaeron (which means the “mouth of the Aeron”).  All the coastal towns around here seem to be prefixed with the word  “Aber”plus the name of the local river or stream.  Aberystwyth –  the mouth of the Ystwyth.  Aberporth– the mouth of the Porth.  Aberdyfi – the mouth of the Dyfi.  You get the idea.  

Oddly, the stream that runs along our property line is named “Picadilly.”   Perhaps we should rename ourselves:  Aberpicadilly????!

Aside from the reference to Picadilly we are blissfully unaware of London which lies due East by about 5 hours.

A word about Welsh pronunciation is appropriate at this point.  There is a a significant difference between the pronunciation of the double “ff” and a single “f.”  For English speakers, the double “ff” is pronounced as an “f.”  The single “f” is pronounced as a “v.”  Thus,  the name of the house is pronounced as a “f” at the beginning “FFynnon.”  Whereas, “Uchaf” and “Isaf”  are pronounced with a “v” as the ending. Our local pub, the Felin Fach Arms is pronounced with initial “v,” as in “Velin Vak.”

Because the name Ffynnon Oer isn’t easily memorable, someone suggested we translate the name for English speakers.  So, introducing our new logo.

I quite like the logo but not sure about calling it “Springwater Cottage.”   What do you think?  

The house is situated in a small hamlet of houses. We are near to the beaches of Ceredigion, Aberaeron (15 minutes), Llangranog (30 minutes) Lampeter, the Llanachaeron estate, and Aberystwyth (35 minutes).  Ffynnon Oer cottage  has been awarded three stars from VisitWales.   For more information about what to do in the area visit our  “Things to do page.”

If you are interested in staying with us then click on the page “Staying at Ffynnon Oer.”