Nowadays, most people are aware that the value of a property depends largely on its location. A popular location, low availability and a striking feature, such as a sea view, will always increase the value of a property.
And The Rectory, a five-bedroom, two-bathroom historic seafront property, has all three apartments in abundance – in fact, it’s set on a grassy headland overlooking arguably Wales’ best beach.
Rhossili is instantly recognisable to many people, not only visitors and residents, but also people from all over the UK, as one of the most beautiful beaches, not just in Wales, but in the world. Sign up here for the real estate newsletter and receive more real estate stories in your inbox twice a week.
READ MORE: Tucked away in a cute street, this Welsh townhouse is full of potential
CHOICE OF OWNERSHIP: The 18-hectare estate with the best views ever over the countryside and coast from the beautiful bathroom
Previously voted the best beach in the UK (multiple times) and Europe, Rhossili Bay beach in Gower was named one of the top 50 beaches in the world by travel organisation Big 7 for 2023. From the beautiful turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos to the black sands of Iceland, this expansive and breathtaking beach in south-west Wales nestled comfortably among them all at number 42. Find out more here.
But for one family in particular, Rhossili has always been, and always will be, number one. Take Doctor Who’s time-travelling Tardis and not only could you have been transported back to the point where the hit BBC show was filmed on this famous beach, you could have also jumped back in time to when The Rectory welcomed a new owner.
It was 1972 and a former Swansea boy who had grown up and set up his own doctor’s practice there saw it, fell in love with it and fought through sealed bids to buy it – and he succeeded.
Since then, the house has been a lovely home and holiday rental for the family, but now the six siblings who own it have decided to sell.
One of the current owners remembers family holidays at The Rectory fondly. He says: “Despite the distance, the sound of the ocean is always clearly audible in the background. It bounces off the Rhossili Downs behind the house. You can always hear the waves whether you are sitting in the back garden or lying in bed.
“But now the time has come to sell it and pass it on to another family who will undoubtedly love it as much as we do; it is magical.”
The detached period property with five bedrooms, three reception rooms and two bathrooms is for sale for offers in excess of £1,250,000 with Fine & Country Swansea. Call 01792 367301 for more information. For more property and renovation stories, join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here . Plus, the latest issue of the award-winning Amazing Welsh Homes magazine is out now and available to buy online here .
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The Rectory is situated on the headland between Worm’s Head and Rhossili Bay Beach, in one of the most spectacular seaside locations on the Gower Peninsula.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The owner says: “While the village can be very busy in high season, the hustle and bustle of the village is barely noticeable from the house and gardens due to the long driveway, so you immediately experience the relaxed atmosphere as soon as you arrive at the house.”
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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Situated on the headland above the beach, the five-bedroom detached historic property, The Rectory, has been a fine family home, holiday home and holiday rental for over 50 years.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The far reaching views from the garden are nothing short of spectacular and enchanting. The owner says: “Another magical experience is to sit in the garden and watch the acrobatic flight of the house martins flying over to feed their young in the nests under the eaves, or the more gentle movements of the many paragliders taking off from the Rhossili Downs at the foot of the back garden.”
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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Enter the house via the carpeted hallway, but the agent says there is an original parquet floor hidden beneath should you wish to reveal it. This bright and welcoming space is the central hub, with access to all the main living areas, a ground floor cloakroom and the stairs. Oh, and as with so many rooms in this beautiful house, a fantastic sea view that makes you stop and wonder effortlessly.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The kitchen, breakfast room and adjoining dining room overlook the expansive sands of the bay. This well-equipped and social space provides the perfect start to the morning and a social hub to prepare culinary delights with the chef, at any time of the day or night.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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Honestly, you can’t complain about being able to wash dishes from the sink, although there is room for a dishwasher if you’re feeling a bit lazy.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The dining room boasts a dual aspect and as a social hub it is another perfect space, with ample room for a large dining table to accommodate all the family and friends who are undoubtedly constant visitors to this very attractive property. The owner says that over the years the house has also played host to weddings, christenings and important birthday celebrations.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The living room has dual views across the bay and over the hills, via the large lawned garden. A perfect place for family and friends to relax, it also has a wood burning stove in the fireplace, making it a cosy corner of the house during the colder and stormier winter months. And perhaps a new owner might like to replace one of the windows here or in the dining room, or in both rooms, with doors to create an improved indoor-outdoor connection?
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The snug is a very useful space – keep it as a small lounge, use it as a home office or games room. Even put a bar in the corner, add a cinema screen and use it as the coolest games room in Rhossili. The ground floor of the house also includes a cloakroom, wet room and utility room.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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This bedroom is likely to be the master bedroom as it is the largest and has dual aspect. If the new owner does not require five bedrooms, the room behind this bedroom could become a beautiful dressing room and luxury ensuite, with the bath of course by the window, to make the most of the views whilst relaxing in the bubbles.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The owner says: “For the last 30 years, house martins have nested outside the house, so you can see them flying across the lawn from the bedrooms and see the babies in the nest – it’s magical.”
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The owner says: “Staying at The Rectory is a wonderful experience. The light-filled rooms and views over the village and Rhossili Bay are exceptional. The three front bedrooms even have views of the famous Worm’s Head.”
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The owner says: “Despite the distance, the sound of the ocean is always clearly audible in the background. It bounces off the Rhossili Downs behind the house. So you can always hear the waves whether you are sitting in the back garden or lying in bed.”
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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The house currently has a family bathroom upstairs and a cloakroom and separate wet room downstairs, which is very convenient for a family, however there is scope to convert the upstairs spaces and create at least one en suite if planning and budget permit.
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
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Perhaps the location is so enchanting that the next owner will not be able to part with it for another 50 years?
(Image: Fine & Country Swansea / weCREATE)
