Sian Evans, the renowned Welsh singer and songwriter best known for her role as the lead vocalist of the band Kosheen, operates an Airbnb at Sea View, located on Market Lane in Laugharne. This charming property offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty and rich cultural history of Laugharne while staying in a home connected to a notable figure in the contemporary music scene. (Image: John Myers)
You may not be able to recall the title of the song, but it’s almost certain you’ve heard it. In 2011, it made its debut at the top of the UK singles chart and the UK dance chart, and its music video has since amassed a staggering 37million views on YouTube.
However, the vocalist behind this massive hit – Louder by DJ Fresh – chose to step back from the limelight and is now enjoying an idyllic life in a tranquil town, trading her microphone and guitar for a spatula and frying pan as she runs a bed and breakfast from her dream home. Sian Evans, the lead singer and songwriter of electronic pop rock band Kosheen, first tasted major success with their debut single, Hide U, from their platinum-selling album Resist in 2001. Her career reached new heights when she collaborated with DJ Fresh on the 2011 smash hit Louder.
During her search for the perfect home, she stumbled upon Sea View, a beautiful detached Georgian property (Image: John Myers)
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But when the Covid-19 pandemic prompted many to reassess their lives and careers, Sian took the opportunity to consider a secondary profession that could supplement her income from songwriting and performing. She decided to leave England and return to her roots in Wales.
During her search for the perfect home, she stumbled upon Sea View, a beautiful detached Georgian property tucked away in the winding lanes of Laugharne, Carmarthenshire. This stunning house was once the residence of renowned poet and author Dylan Thomas and his wife, Caitlin, reports the Mirror.
Sian opened up to WalesOnline, revealing: “It was a hell of a move for me because I didn’t know a soul here. And it was a brave move because it’s a big old house and it wasn’t what I was looking for. I was looking for some land so I could grow my own vegetables and produce. The initial move was because of the pandemic and not knowing where my performing career would become buoyant again so I decided to move here, start a new life and business here, maybe let out a few rooms, and it has taken off really beautifully.”
Even on a dull day the view across the estuary towards the sea and Gower peninsula is mesmerising (Image: John Myers)
Now nearly three years into her venture, Sian reflects on her experience: “Hospitality and performance are the same energy. When people come to my shows I want them to leave feeling replenished and energised and having had a good time. It’s not about the performer, it’s about the audience and what they take away from it, and it’s the same with the BandB. I want guests to eat well, sleep well and genuinely unpack their lives and enjoy this environment in Laugharne that I’ve come to absolutely love.”
Having seamlessly transitioned from singing to cooking and back, Sian juggles her European tour with her band and hosting music workshops at her home.
She quips about her bustling schedule: “The gigs have come back, and they’ve come back with a vengeance, thick and fast. So now, some days I don’t know if I’ve got a frying pan or a microphone in my hand. I’m dropping my bags in the hallway and starting a fry-up!”.
From the moment Sian crossed the threshold of Sea View, she was utterly enchanted (Image: John Myers)
From the moment Sian crossed the threshold of Sea View, she was utterly enchanted, even feeling a rush of exhilaration that left her light-headed. She finds the house truly comes alive when bustling with people and resonating with music, laughter, and conversation.
She enthuses: “I love it. I run a breathwork retreat here, I’ve done singing workshops and lessons here, and my grandfather’s piano is very well-employed here, including breakfast guests playing it after breakfast.
“This house, even in the silence it rings with music, creativity and the odd, past argument. You can feel there’s a lot has gone on in this house, I never feel alone here.”
Upon moving in, Sian found little need for alterations (Image: John Myers)
She finds the house truly comes alive when bustling with people and resonating with music, laughter, and conversation (Image: John Myers)
Sian also hosts an annual Christmas bash for the locals as a gesture of goodwill, saying: “It’s absolutely teeming with people here, they go through the buffet like locusts and it’s just so lovely to have that energy in the house again, for it to be ringing again, full of singing again, and I think this house loves that, I don’t think it was feeling happy when I moved here because it has been empty for such a long time.”
Upon moving in, Sian found little need for alterations, merely adding her personal touch with furniture and art: “The previous owner had a fantastic eye for design… and it’s so in keeping with the Georgian vibe.”
Throughout her home, Sian proudly displays cherished items collected from her travels, each imbued with deep meaning, including a stunning wall showcasing an array of gold and platinum discs.
Throughout her home, Sian proudly displays cherished items collected from her travels (Image: John Myers)
She explains: “Guests don’t generally make the music connection, I’ve got a few of my discs on the wall. I’m quite sheepish about my achievements really, they have been in boxes for years but now they’re on the wall and people notice them and they’re like, ‘Oh, I know that song’ or ‘I know that band’ and I say ‘Well, that’s me’ and they go, ‘NO!’ because, you know, I’m standing there in my pinnie!”.
At times, Sian takes a moment to soak in the beauty of Sea View and can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude and disbelief at her good fortune.
Reflecting on her recent new start, she says: “Take a deep breath and just do it. If it doesn’t work you can do something else. My whole life has completely changed for the better. Every morning I wake up and breathe fresh air, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”