AGOLDEN opportunity has arisen in a picturesque Welsh village made famous by the Romans' hunt for precious metals.

The Dolaucothi Arms, set in the beautiful Cothi Valley, is being let by the National Trust Carmarthenshire for the first time, having stood vacant awaiting this refurbishment project for many years.

Dating back to the 15th century, the detached former coaching inn is situated in picture- perfect Pumsaint, just a few minutes' travel from Dolaucothi Goldmines.

"The Dolaucothi Arms has been part of village life for hundreds of years and people are very fond of it," said National Trust property manager Jacqui Kedward. "It's part of the Dolaucothi estate that came to us in 1941.

"It's certainly a unique property. For example, the inn comes with four-and-a-half miles of double bank fishing for brown trout. We also spot the occasional sewin and salmon late and early in the season, depending on the amount of water available in the Rivers Cothi and Twrch."

The inn has been fully refurbished and boasts two bars and a restaurant, as well as four en-suite letting bedrooms and a two-bed private flat. But there are also pitches for five touring caravans, extensive gardens and a car park.

"These different types of accommodation are important because visitors to the area can have very different holiday plans," said Jacqui. "There are lots of tourist attractions in this part of Wales and people want to make the most of their time here. The Dolaucothi Arms benefits from being located on this busy tourist and commercial route; it's just eight miles from Lampeter, 13 miles from Llandovery and 15 miles from Llandeilo."

Among the best of the local attractions is Dolaucothi Goldmines, a little piece of history perfectly preserved within the wooded hillsides above the Cothi Valley.

"The goldmines have a powerful history and it is impossible to hear the name Dolaucothi without thinking of them," said Jacqui. "They were first mined by the Romans. Evidence of that work is still visible today.

"Mining continued throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and ended in 1938. The National Trust often has events which revisit these periods in Dolaucothi's history, such as panning for gold or touring the Roman adits.

"And there are some wonderful walks on offer."

The National Trust is committed to preserving special places for ever, for everyone. However, it depends on the income it generates from its rental properties, and could not deliver its core objectives without the support of its thousands of tenants and volunteers.

"The letting of the Dolaucothi Arms is a chance for somebody to be part of something really special," said Jacqui. "Of course it's a commercial opportunity but we feel it's much more than that — it's the chance to be part of the extraordinary and developing story of the region. It's an exciting prospect."

The property is available free of tie on a 10-year lease. Tenders must be received by March 1. Viewings are by appointment only.

For further details and to receive a tender pack contact Isobel Thomas, Inner Courtyard, Newton House, Llandeilo SA19 6RT or call 01558 825133 or 07876 390485 for more information.