If a home by the water is your dream but you don't fancy becoming the skipper of your own canal barge or the budget doesn't stretch to a luxury yacht, then a charming home on a riverbank might be a pleasing option.
And if space and character are also on the new home 'wish list' then maybe this Pembrokeshire pad called The Big House can win your heart, if you have the buying budget to secure it.
Not only has this dream home got an uninterrupted and sweeping view over the river Cleddau and the rural landscape beyond, but there's somewhere to moor your boat too.
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The Big House also has direct access to the water when you want to take the boat out for a spin, or more like a gentle meander through the rolling and remarkable Pembrokeshire countryside via the big bends and twists of the river.
Back at base, the house looks directly out onto the unspoilt foreshore of the river on the fringes of the village of Hook, so if you can't be bothered to go boating, just sit back and relax in the rear garden and absorb the beauty of the home's incredible location without moving a muscle or potentially getting your feet wet.
As you step out onto the garden terrace, the panoramic view takes your breath away. And there's so much detail to see as well as the sweeping backdrop. Take a front row seat and watch the river wildlife population entertain you while the water ebbs and flows from high to low tide and back again.
Try otter spotting, check out the fish population, birds swoop, soar and sing, and see the insects hurrying about their daily business from dawn to dusk. And with the sun setting it's time to enjoy star-gazing and listening to the wildlife night-time activities while the moonlight dances on the water. Feeling relaxed yet?
And while you enjoy daily alfresco dining on the patio, don't forget to shout 'ahoy there!' to any passing vessels as they potter along the river around the bend that this handsome house occupies.
They, or you in your boat, could be going upstream to Haverfordwest or downstream towards Pembroke Dock and the sea, passing through the gorgeous National Trust owned Cleddau Woodlands.
If you are feeling more energetic than just floating along in your boat, there's plenty of opportunity to go canoeing and paddle boarding thanks to your watery neighbour. Or stay on dry land and wander along the riverbank immersing yourself within the beauty of the landscape.
The appetite will be raging after a day out embedded in the landscape, so it's back to The Big House that offers a big view outside, but also a big amount of space inside for sociable days with family and friends.
The ground floor of this attractive, double-fronted 1800s period property can offer a classic farmhouse kitchen at the front, with rural views down the quiet and private country lane that leads to, and finishes at, this delightful home.
There's a huge fireplace that happily welcomes a large range cooker (currently decommissioned but could be renovated or replaced), kitchen table and chairs for relaxed family meals, and a good range of Shaker-style units with ample storage.
Off the kitchen the house gets even more practical as this is where you will find a handy boot room and shower room, ideal for human and dog cleaning if some of the muddy riverbank makes it back home with you.
The whole width of the back of the house is dedicated to socialising and enjoying that view through large sash windows and a glass door out to the garden patio via the lounge.
The two reception rooms are linked via double doors that can open to create one large sociable space or be closed to create two separate, and more intimate, cosy spaces. This warm and welcoming ambience is promoted further by a roaring log burner in the lounge fireplace.
Wander upstairs and there are three bedrooms that can boast a mesmerising waterside view, including the master bedroom that can also add an ensuite to its features.
There's a family bathroom on this level too, and all bedrooms are a good size double with the smallest currently being used as a home office. Understandably, the office is in a bedroom at the front of the house, away from the distraction of that river and rural vista.
The house is an inviting and comfortable family home with space to enjoy and connect or offer some quiet time away from the busy spaces. A new owner can move in and put down roots while putting their own interior design stamp on The Big House with maybe their big decor ideas.
Outside, as well as the front and rear gardens, The Big House comes with a bonus - The Little House.
This detached building is a converted studio annex that sits to the side of the property and has been created from half of the stone-built outbuilding that historically served as an office for the coal barges that once lumbered down the river.
As well as providing self-contained accommodation for the main house, the agent selling this property bundle has a suggestion; The Little House could also form the perfect base for a larger conversion to include the neighbouring workshop for those looking for a larger annex or a holiday let, all subject to planning consent.
The Big House and The Little House are for sale for offers over £850,000 with estate agent Country Living Group, call them on 01437 616101 to find out more. And if you want to find out more about a range of dream homes, renovations and interiors, join our Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter for a twice weekly update.
