Croeso/Welcome to

Geneva Uchaf

Su'mae/Hello from West Wales! We’re Martyn and Karon, and this is the online scrapbook of our slightly chaotic, always memorable life. Over the last few years we’ve been busy building a house, settling into village life, exploring the countryside, and collecting stories we probably shouldn’t admit to. Think of this site as a cosy place to peek into our adventures — from muddy boots and DIY triumphs to sunny days out and everything in between. Grab a cuppa and come along for the journey!

Geneva Uchaf on the day of purchase

“Uchaf” is a Welsh word meaning upper or highest, often used in place names to indicate the higher of two farms, houses, or locations. The name Geneva Uchaf reflects the property’s position in the landscape — the upper part of Geneva — connecting it to the traditional Welsh naming heritage of the area.

This weathered cottage, believed to date back to the 1700s, once stood at the heart of life here at Geneva Uchaf. Its rough stone walls and tin roof sheltered generations, and for many locals it was more than just a home — it was the village shop. Neighbours still share memories of walking here as children, clutching a few coins to buy their sweets from the cottage door. Sadly, the building had become structurally unsafe and was demolished in the mid-1960s. Though the cottage is long gone, the stories and affection attached to it remain woven into the history of the land we now call home.

This 1888 Ordnance Survey map provides a fascinating glimpse into the early history of Geneva Uchaf. The cottage is clearly marked, positioned right on the edge of the property beside the road — exactly where local memories place it. Even in the late 19th century, the building was an established feature of the area, serving as a familiar landmark for those who lived and travelled through this rural landscape. Seeing it recorded on an official map adds a tangible connection to the people who once lived, worked, and shopped here, long before the modern chapter of Geneva Uchaf began.

This image overlays the historic photograph of the original cottage onto a modern-day view of Geneva Uchaf, creating a powerful visual bridge between two very different eras. By aligning the cottage exactly where it once stood, the overlay reveals how the landscape has changed — and in some ways, how it hasn’t. The old stone structure appears to sit gently within the present scene, reminding us of the people who lived here, the shop that once served local families, and the history rooted in this land. It’s a striking way to see the past come alive within the place we now call home.

Past and Present Combined

1888 Ordnance Survey Map

The Old Cottage at Geneva Uchaf