Last week, I set aside my usual city goddess chic for dungarees, boots and DCo fleece. Those of you who know me will be aware that this is a rare and privileged sight indeed. The reason for my noble sacrifice – Newgale Lodge. The Development Company is now the proud owner of this lovely residential retreat, situated in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park just a mile from the stunning Newgale Beach.
Standing at one of the upstairs windows of Skomer building, paintbrush in hand, I paused to admire the view. Just shy of two acres, the grounds of Newgale Lodge blend into the surrounding fields so beyond the boundary there is nothing but green space and hedgerows as far as the eye can see. Within the grounds, my team were working hard: cutting and raking grass, strimming, weeding, trimming hedges and planting new plants. Our fabulous high ropes course and assembled kayaks beckoned temptingly to my inner child. With some of the best coasteering spots in the UK close to hand, this is truly a paradise for anyone with an adventurous spirit.
With our first guests due to arrive within days, however, I resisted all urges to swing from the trapeze, and got back to work. Coasteering, surfing, mountain biking, canoeing, climbing, trapeze swinging and bushcraft will all have to wait for our next team day out. I can’t wait!
