Manorbier, Wales

LE DAK A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY Some properties are defined entirely by the house that sits on them; others are defined by something far rarer to find: an exceptional position, extraordinary views and the potential to create something truly special. The Dak sits firmly in the latter category, offering a rare opportunity for a private buyer, an architect or a developer to acquire a remarkable coastal site where the setting itself is undoubtedly its greatest asset. Occupying an extraordinary position on the Pembrokeshire coast, The Dak maintains an increasingly rare relationship with the sea and the surrounding landscape. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes directly through the estate, while private steps lead down to a secluded beach below. A spacious external area surrounds the property, combining lawns with more natural terrain that has been allowed to blend into the coastal landscape, while behind the house, largely concealed beneath established planting, lie terraces that rise to the boundary. The current residence has a fascinating and unconventional history that dates back over a century. Originally built in the 1920s from a surplus military hut brought from Carew, elements of this very first structure can still be identified in the property today. The other half formerly sat higher up, near what is now the surfers car park at the top of the drive, forming a property once known as Tranquility, which disappeared many years ago. Over the decades The Dak evolved organically, with various additions and alterations reflecting the different chapters of its life. An external balcony was integrated into the interior, the cellar became part of the dwellings in development, and successive owners adapted the building to its eras use. A collection of historical photographs and postcards documents this transition over the years, creating a wonderful visual testament to how this unusual coastal property has evolved and grown. Hospitality has long been part of The Daks story. Former owners ran the property as both a café and a holiday destination, and when the current family acquired it in 1987, the café continued to operate until 1992. The cellar even had an unexpected commercial chapter, once housing a loudspeaker business, while one end of the property was successfully used as separate holiday accommodation for many years. Its layout could therefore offer future potential to a buyer wishing to explore a similar use again, subject to the necessary consents and requirements. The dramatic setting of The Dak has also attracted the attention of the film and television industry. The film Basil, starring Christian Slater, was partially shot locally, with the property used as a base of operations for the crew. It was later considered as a possible location for The Pembrokeshire Murders, further illustrating the cinematic quality of a setting shaped by the sea, the landscape, the weather, and changing coastal light. Yet perhaps the best explanation for what makes this place so special is daily life at The Dak. With the Pembrokeshire Coast Path crossing the estate, generations of walkers have brought many conversations and connections over the years, while the private steps to the beach create a bond with the coast that few properties can offer. The grounds themselves change beautifully with the seasons. In late spring and early summer, the scent of clematis fills the evening air, while the established New Zealand flax produces striking orange flowers that seem to glow against the coastal sunset. The flax also serves a practical purpose, forming a solid natural windbreak that provides substantial shelter from Atlantic weather. Despite the drama of its coastal position, The Dak often feels surprisingly protected, even when the village itself is more exposed. When the weather changes, the character of the scenery evolves with it. Storms can be observed from the comfort of the house as the sea transforms below, while