Location
‘The Forge’ at Southerndown Farm, Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan CF32 0RW
Southerndown is a small coastal village in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. It is on the coastal road and is only 15 mins from the M4.
Directions:
As you drive towards Bridgend take the directions for Ogmore by Sea. This will take you along the coastal road through Ogmore by Sea into Southerndown. Drive through the village past the Three Golden Cups public house and two houses further on is Southerndown Farmhouse. Turn left into the grounds of the Forge. The Forge is a newly converted 17th century Forge, Stable and Granary. It was originally the Forge for Dunraven Estates who still own most of the farmland around Southerndown – even the carparks for the beach!
Local Area
‘The Forge’ is situated on the circular coastal road so many beaches are within easy reach most notably Southerndown itself and its neighbouring village Ogmore by Sea. Both of these beaches are unique in their geology and are both regularly used for TV filming (Dr Who, Casualty, Sherlock Holmes) and for photography as is Porthcawl, with its unique surfing beach at Rest Bay.
There are the local famous sand dunes in Merthyr Mawr, horse riding in Ogmore village, golf at Southerndown Golf Club, cricket in Southerndown, a craft centre in in Ogmore by Sea, Wales’ oldest pottery in Ewenny, fishing at Southerndown and Ogmore, surfing at Southerndown and Porthcawl all very local and walks in every direction – particularly if you have a four-legged friend with you! The Forge is very child and dog friendly and there is plenty of room for everyone! Dogs have their very own hamper containing a rug, treats, shampoo, bags and their very own first aid box in case of accidents on the rocks or sea! We also cater for walkers, cyclists and surfers who can leave their cycles, surfboards and walking apparel safely locked away.
There is also definitely no shortage of places to eat out – the local pub run by villagers is just two doors away and the International Restaurant ‘Frolics’ is across the road from the pub. On the circular coastal route there are eight places to eat out and all are child and dog friendly!
Further away we have the historic towns of Cowbridge and Llantwit Major with their independent shops, and the popular Designer Outlet Centre, north of Bridgend. Cardiff the capital, is only 30 minutes away and can be easily reached by train if you want to leave the car at home.
St Fagans, the Welsh Folk Museum (which will take you the whole of a day to explore) near Cardiff is entirely free, Techniquest and the Amelia Farm Trust are great for day events for the children – and all less than 30 minutes away.
There is a local community Church in Ogmore by Sea (Evangelical) and in St Brides Major (Church in Wales) as well as the beautiful and historic Priory Church in Ewenny, ten minutes away, which has services each Sunday at 9.30 am. We even have our own little church in Southerndown which holds its service at 3pm on a Wednesday. All are welcome!
Facilities
The stairway in ‘The Forge’ leads to the first floor which houses a large open plan dining, recreational and kitchen area. This room faces the fields and beach and has an inspiring view! There is a games corner here to occupy the children whilst you just stare into space! Next door is a small study perfect for a quiet time and for planning your trips. There are also games/activities here for younger children. Open the Velux windows and breathe in the really fresh sea air!
Along the corridor is a family bathroom (shower) and next to this a laundry area containing a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board. Downstairs are two bedrooms, the Stable bedroom has two 4 feet beds whilst the Forge bedroom, which is accessed by Patio doors from outside, has a King bed, bunk beds and a lounge area, with a sofa, smart TV and an ensuite (including shower). The entire accommodation is therefore suitable for a maximum of four adults and two children.
Outside there is a hot tub, patio area with rattan seating and parasol; a raised area which has wooden seating for four people to relax with a fire pit; another has a rocking seat surrounded by candles to reflect into the night. There is a table and four chairs for formal dining if you prefer to eat outdoors. There is also a barbecue available. There is a large artificial turf area which has its own boat, trunk of games and costumes for the children and a bench seating area so children can play and eat to their delight – this also contains a sand pit. There is also a large park seat in this area for adults to enjoy the view whilst their children play.
Access to ‘The Forge’ is through two sets of double gates for safety.
‘The Forge’ has now been graded as a 4* Holiday Let by Visit Wales. We have also been given 2 Welcome Awards for providing specialist accommodation for families and for dogs.
Additional Photos
Click to enlarge
Costs
Costs for 2024-5 (per week, but 3-6 nights are also available). Maximum occupancy 4 Adults, 2 children (up to 14) and 2 dogs
These prices may vary depending on individual circumstances and our current availability. Discount may be offered to Clergy and Christian Workers.
Please contact us – all information is confidential.
| Month | Season | Tariff |
| Low Season November – February
(Christmas and New Year weeks) |
Low Season | £770
£1200 |
| March- June, September & October
Easter Week |
Mid-Season |
£910
£1200 |
| July & August | High Season | £1500 |
| The Forge as a retreat |
‘The Forge’ is available for individual and small group Christian retreats (minimum stay three nights, maximum number of party 4 adults). The price of these will be based on the number of nights, number of participants and the reason for booking. If booked in low season these will be substantially lower than the above rates
Please contact us so we can make an individual break for you.
Energy Provision: Energy, towels and bedding are included in the above charges.
Energy, towels and bedding are included in the above charges.Availability
Available all year round.
Arrival and Departure times:
4.00 pm arrival time, 10.00 am departure time. These are not fixed and we will text you as soon as The Forge is available so you can arrive earlier if you wish to. You are welcome to arrive early and park your car in the courtyard to explore or go for something to eat if we are not quite ready for you. If The Forge is free the day you leave you are welcome to stay until 12.00 noon.
Booking arrangements:
These are flexible so please contact us with your wishes and we will try to accommodate you.
Pets:
Up to two house trained dogs are welcomed but need to be caged if left unattended in the house.
Contact Details
To make a booking, contact the owner:
Dr Barbara Prosser
Tel 07788 241662 or 01656 880002
Email: theforgeatthefarm@gmail.com