A few miles from Newport, this accessible lighthouse at the junction of the Severn and Usk estuaries has views far out into the Bristol Channel. Built in 1821 on an island where the Severn and Usk run into the sea it has a unique design. Not taIl like most lighthouses, and considerably bigger in circumference, all accommodation is within the building itself. Rooms are wedge-shaped and the stone spiral staircase in the centre is found above a collecting well. In 1922 the lighthouse was decommissioned and for a short while it became a private house but soon fell into disrepair. Some of the surrounding sea was reclaimed and the island became connected to the mainland.
The current owners bought it in 1987 and, following a two-year restoration project to make it habitable once again have turned it into a quirky bed and breakfast property that guests can enjoy today. On one side the sea is the loudest sound, especially when the tide (the second fastest in the world) comes racing in to the foot of the building, while on the other side you only hear the occasional mooing cow. The view is fantastic and the winter sunsets amazing.