The dream home that has its own private island

All the best homes have a shed at the bottom of the garden: somewhere to get away from the pressures of life (and often the family).

But a house now on the market in Wales has the ultimate in private retreats: its own island, complete with castellated folly.

Trefri Hall, perched above the Dovey Estuary in Wales, started life in the fifteenth century as a fisherman's hovel, but was extended significantly four hundred years later.

"Today the house is a much loved family home which combines beautifully presented and comfortable living space ideal for both every-day living and larger scale entertaining," says Belinda Hutchinson-Smith of agents Strutt and Parker.

It now boasts three reception rooms, six bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as several outbuildings, including a home office that doubles as a party room, and a separate two-bedroom cottage.

There's a marble fireplace in the drawing room and other period features including an oak staircase and oak-panelled study, as well as high, moulded ceilings. More recent improvements include the installation of a bespoke kitchen with four-oven Aga and underfloor heating in all four bathrooms.

The master bathroom has been recently fitted out with a large shower and slipper bath positioned to enjoy the sweeping estuary views.

A large conservatory stretches along the south side of the house to make the most of the views.

But the real selling point for the house is what's outside. A small rocky island comes as part of the grounds, attached to the garden by a narrow bridge, and featuring a tiny castle-like folly amongst the trees. There's also a small private beach accessible at low tide from several points in the garden and a productive kitchen garden and orchard.

"Trefri Hall stands on what has to be one of the most beautiful sites on the Welsh coast," says Hutchinson-Smith.

"Built on a rocky promontory on the water's edge of the breath-taking Dovey Estuary, it enjoys magnificent views out to the Cardigan Bay and south to the Dyfed Hills."

Trefri Hall is on the market for £1.75 million.