Category Archives: Gower

Rotherslade beach hut

Rare beach hut lot to go under hammer at Dawsons’ auction

Dawsons is delighted to be handling a beach hut at Rotherslade which is to go up for auction in June  with a guide price of £20,000. 

It is situated on one of Gower’s most popular beaches and is just a shot walk away from Langland Bay, which itself is famous for its row of beach huts overlooking the beach. 

The timber-constructed hut is privately owned and it is rare that something like this comes on to the market. 

Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, said: “Unique is a word that is overused, but this is a slice of history. The pitches in Langland started to be built in the 1860s, and were built up in the 1920s. 

“But they really came into their own in the 1950s, when families would go down to the beach huts to enjoy a day at the seaside. 

“I can’t remember the last time one of these came onto the market, and I believe the owner has no family to pass it down to. 

“I am sure there will be interest from all over the UK, with perhaps the greatest interest from people living in or with a connection to Swansea or South Wales. 

“We are hopeful with the reserve, but it will get what it will get. I’m sure the bidding will be busy.” 

The beach hut will go under the hammer at Dawsons’ next auction at the Marriott Hotel, Swansea on Wednesday, June 13. 

Shepherds in Parkmill

Dawsons appointed agents to sell Famous Gower landmark business

One of Gower’s most famous businesses is up for sale – Shepherds in Parkmill, which was founded in 1896.

The landmark village shop and five holiday cottages are on the market with Dawsons for £1,200,000. For an investor that would produce a gross accommodation income of approximately £70,000 per annum along with the famous Shepherd’s store, coffee shop and car park to the front.

The village shop began more than 120 years ago as an outpost frequented by locals and travellers. As day-tripping became more popular on Gower Shepherds became well known as a stopping-off-point for families with cars and Sunday school groups.

Shepherds Shop
Shepherds Shop

The existing shop operates on the site of the original premises. The original shop was demolished in the early 1930s and the current building constructed in eight weeks at a cost of £600.

The shop was later run by Don Shepherd, Glamorgan’s legendary bowler and his family.

Many people write fondly of Shepherds, and indeed, the late Sir Harry Secombe wrote of his “courting” exploits in and around Parkmill.

The shop has always been famous for its ice-cream, and countless doctors have prescribed a visit to Shepherds to children suffering from all sorts of ailments – from tonsillitis to glandular fever as its ice cream was so full of goodness.

Shepherds Cafe
Shepherds Cafe

In 1996, when Shepherds was 99 years old, the family retired, and the business was sold to Nick and Emma Hopkins, who, 23 years on, are also now planning their retirement.

“We too were taken to Shepherds as a treat by our own parents as children and had a great deal of love and respect for the place,” said Nick and Emma.

“We have tried to retain as much community spirit within the shop whilst making gradual improvements.  We renovated the shop in 1997, extended the range of ice-cream, built the new cafe extension in 1998, and added the cottage accommodation in 2007.

“We’ve been flat out ever since.  It’s been 10 years now and we’re welcoming new guests and seeing familiar faces return year after year.

“The cottages and apartment are constantly being upgraded and our attention to detail remains as keen as ever. We’re delighted to have received a Guest Review Award 2017 from Booking.com following positive customer feedback and aim to continue to strive to make our guests’ holiday as comfortable as possible.

“It’s now time to pass the baton on to someone else who will love it as we have.

“Our passion for Three Cliffs has grown over the years and we have never taken for granted its breathtaking beauty – we’re now looking forward to spending more quality time at the Bay.”

Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, added: “We are delighted to be associated with such a well-known Gower business and I am sure this is going to generate a lot of interest from near and far.”

Interior of one of Shepherds' cottages
Interior of one of Shepherds’ cottages
Dawsons staff's charity abseil at Port Eynon

Dawsons staff tackle 200ft Port Eynon cliff face for Wales Air Ambulance

A group of intrepid Dawsons staff have taken part in a charity abseil to raise much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

The team from the sales, auction and lettings staff took to abseiling down a 200 foot cliff at Port Eynon on Gower. They then climbed back up around the cliff edge with the aim of raising around £1000.00 via their Just Giving page.

Jo Summerfield, Director of Sales at Dawsons, said; “At Dawsons we are keen to help local charities throughout the year, fundraising where we can.  Wales Air Ambulance is a fantastic charity saving lives daily in Wales and transporting those in need to hospitals all over the country.

“As the Wales Air Ambulance charity runs purely on donations we were keen to raise as much as possible. Special thanks also to Naomi Webborn who heads our marketing team that collectively got this great charity event off the ground.

“We were all a little scared getting over the cliff face but once we were over, enjoyed every minute. I can’t wait to see what our marketing team come up with next time.”

Naomi Webborn of Dawsons lettings department, said: “A fantastic time was had by all. In fact, it was a great team bonding session with the added bonus of raising the much need funds to keep the ambulance flying year on year.

“A big thank you goes to all those who sponsored us, and a special thank you to the Wales Air Ambulance media team who came to cheer us on at the cliff top along with Stephen and Sam of Dynamic Rock who kept us safe.”

Shorelands in Penmaen, Gower

Dawsons Auction lot: Shorelands in Penmaen, Gower

Here’s a sneak preview of one of Dawsons’ lots ahead of our next auction at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, October 4 at 3pm.

The video is of an impressive lot: Shorelands situated in Penmaen, Gower with a guide price of £450,000. The property, which is a three-bedroom detached, benefits from stunning views across from Three Cliffs Bay to Oxwich Bay.

Dawsons believe the true market value of the property is between £600,000 to £650,000.