The hotel that looks like an old farmhouse where celebrities eat breakfast with the owners
From the outside you would think it was an old farmhouse with all the country charm and classic facade. But don’t let its humble appearance fool you, because it’s actually a new build that’s full of surprises: particularly the fact that it’s become something of a celebrity hotspot hotel over the years.
In the pretty village of St Brides Major, just over a mile from Ogmore Beach, you can see why St Bridgets has become a magnet for tourists and celebrities alike. Not only do the owners close the other rooms to bookings when they know a celebrity is staying, but they also have breakfast with them and sometimes go out for dinner with their special guests in the area.
As you tour, you’ll notice the warmth of the building. It definitely has the cozy atmosphere you want on a country holiday, just like an old farmhouse that has stood for centuries.
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But what else is it about this place that keeps these high-quality people coming back? For the latest Bridgend news, sign up to our newsletter here
First, the hotel’s remote location is very attractive if you’re a celebrity looking for a digital detox. And it seems retreating from the spotlight isn’t just about staying away from the stage or screens. Chris, who owns the house with his wife Julie, claims he learned to keep a secret while gardening for Tom Jones: “When I worked for Tom Jones I learned to keep things to myself, when I was cutting his garden for him. “For two years the people around me have taught me to be private and we don’t share when well-known people come here because why should they have to deal with the hassle?”
Speaking to WalesOnline, Chris resisted mentioning the name of one of his regular come-to-stay celebrities. “I can’t say who comes here, but we’ve had some very big names. I would say 90% of celebrities who stay here come back. We try to include them in the things we do together as a family, but also let them enjoy the peace and quiet. Julie makes all the jams herself, and everyone who stays usually goes home with one. They have access to our fields outside, and we end up eating with them quite a lot.” Join our WhatsApp news community here.
Chris Davies and Julie David-Davies invite their whole family to Sunday dinner every week (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Chris and Julie’s family kitchen where they welcome their guests for dinner. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The garden room, which is part of the quirky farmhouse complex(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Chris and Julie have lived in St Brides, near Bridgend, all their lives and have 14 family members at their table for Sunday dinner every week. When I walked in a few weeks ago without knowing anything about their hotel and was there to question them about something completely different (the 20mph speed limit for which the village was a pilot area), I almost felt like an old friend greeted – so they were expecting to see me there or something.
It wasn’t me, and neither were they, but I wanted to learn more about their business and what makes them tick. “It actually feels like you’re walking into someone’s house, in a good way,” I remarked, and Chris replied, “Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming when you realize there are nice people there in this world, and that is a privilege for.” To offer that and to be considered a real human being. Lots of well-known people stay with us. But what we do is treat everyone like a celebrity and everyone who walks through that door will have everything they need. “
I can imagine that many guests will come here to experience country life and home comforts. And call me antisocial, but when I go out the last thing I want to do is usually make small talk with anyone. Julie and Chris were so welcoming, but I remember thinking I could have chatted with them all day. The secret of why they drew famous faces began to emerge, as it seemed clear that they were intent on encouraging real human connection without seeming intrusive.
Chris and Julie(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Chris and Julie in their vegetable garden(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
There are three bedrooms in the hotel, each named after a local story or place: Dunraven, Tusker and Sker. Although they never intended to run a business, it was a labor of love. You know when you meet someone and there’s something about them that immediately makes you want more? Julie and Chris exuded this welcoming energy that made it impossible not to ask them what motivated them to get involved in the hospitality industry.
Chris explained: “We have always wanted to build our own house. But we had difficulty getting planning permission here, so we applied to set up a company and got a yes. Since then we have never looked back. And.” We replicated this homely feeling after visiting a bed and breakfast in Ireland and meeting a man who was part of the Heritage Trust. And he did exactly the same thing: we came to his house, he only had three rooms and it was beautifully decorated, just like ours. He made breakfast and then he came and ate with us and chatted and we became friends.”
Even though the hotel was only built five years ago, it has tons of details inside that give it that classic farmhouse feel. There are stone spiral staircases carved right into the walls, little “secret doors,” and each room is decorated with beautiful art that the couple has collected over the years.
The house is located on the local priest’s former field, where he kept his horse and grew vegetables. The old stone shed on the right as you come up the drive was the old vicarage stable which housed the vicar’s horse and Chris and Julie still use the vegetable garden today.
I took a look at all the rooms, all of which had plenty of space and beautiful views. They all looked very clean and comfortable, but they don’t make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells or tiptoeing around decorations that look like they’re about to fall over. Everything in the hotel is brand new, but still pleasantly traditional. From the wooden drawers and bed frame to the floral curtains, there is an element of simplicity that immediately puts you at ease.
The garden behind St. Bridgets Farmhouse(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
A look into one of the bedrooms in St Bridget’s farmhouse (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
One of the cozy hotel rooms in St. Bridgets(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The area around the house is extensive and has also been used for carnivals, weddings and more recently as filming locations for films. And each room is equipped with a private bathroom and shower, a complimentary drink of homemade liquor, a refreshment tray with tea, coffee, cookies and spring water, bathrobes, a television, a hairdryer and the all-important WiFi password. Chris added: “We maintain high standards. We’re not always fully booked because we don’t advertise other than being on Visit Wales. There are only three rooms in the house, which we think is enough because that’s what we can give.” We give our full attention to people who stay there. We have both lived in St Brides for 60 years and know the area and can tell you about it. We just like being nice. We’re on the right side of the floor.”
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