A quirky romantic retreat, surrounded by spectacular Welsh landscapes for epic walks, wild swims and horse riding
Space & setting.
This eclectic cottage is the cosiest of hideaways, a traditional 19thC stone barn set on a 70-acre non-working farm overlooking Brecon Beacons National Park. Walks from the front door lead up through ancient oak woodlands and past tumbling waterfalls, before you reach the top where views stretch forever; a patchwork of copper, brown and emerald, interspersed by the craggy Cambrian Mountains. Drives through the nearby valleys are even better, past deep rivers and heather-strewn hillsides: breathtaking and you’re unlikely to see another soul.
Trundle back down and into the village pub for a pint, where you’ll be greeted as friends. Then it’s back to your cottage, to revel in its gorgeously quirky décor. The stained glass windows, salvaged by the previous artist owner. The exposed wooden beams. The peacock-blue Chesterfield and the rolltop bathtub with a ledge for wine glasses. The owners restored and renovated every inch of this cottage on their own, teaching themselves how to plumb, tile and do electrics as they went. They’re an inspiring and lovely couple, and this place is very special.
Getting here: you can train to Llandovery, from where the owners will collect you, but you’ll likely want to drive here and have a car/bikes to explore.
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Sustainability.
The owners are hugely conscious about their impact on the planet. They have a Green electricity tariff, which means that all energy comes from renewable sources, and a full recycling programme. The log burner is fuelled by their own woodland, and during 2019 they planted 130 trees, which will each sequester 15 tonnes of carbon over their lifetime as part of their aim to achieve net zero as a business. Water is pure, filtered Welsh spring water, from deep within the mountains, and the farm’s traditional hay meadows are a rich habitat for wildlife. Two of them have been included on a Welsh Government pilot project with the South and West Wales wildlife trust, which will inform future sustainable farm schemes. Most unusually, the sumptuous eco duvet is made of fibres from recycled plastic bottles, which feels as good as feathers, but has half the resource impact of microfiber duvets.
Surrounds.
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Surrounds -
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- There are 70 private acres to explore. Hike up the farm’s hill for incredible views and a hidden valley of waterfalls, which you’ll have all to yourself. The crystal-clear mountain stream, The Gwenlais, runs right through the farm.
- You’re 3 miles from the border of Brecon Beacon National Park, with its stunning scenery. And while there are quite a few visitors, the nearby Fans are quieter than Pen Y Fan.
- The owners can arrange a multitude of wild adventures: summit walks for sunrise, swimming in waterfalls, foraging, forest bathing and epic horse riding.
- Bring bikes and whiz down the red route at Cwm Rhaeadr,or try two of the most-famous bike trails in Wales – the Brecon Beacons Gap and the Doethie Valley.
- Take a dip in the River Towy; there’s a glorious wild swimming spot.
- This is a Dark Skies area with blankets of stars and you can see the Milky Way from your doorstep on a clear night.
- Drive through the wilds of the Cambrian Mountains, stopping off to visit the most remote chapel in Wales and explore the Victorian reservoirs of the spellbinding Elan Valley.
- Two of Wales’ best gardens are nearby: the Botanic Gardens of Wales and Aberglasney, and there are a couple of brilliant foodie havens in between for lunch: Y Polyn or Wrights Food Emporium.
Specifics.
- Cottage set on a 70-acre non-working farm
- Part of a courtyard of traditional buildings, and there are 2 other cottages on site. Private Garden.
- Mezzanine area with kingsize bed
- Baby welcome, please bring a cot
- Downstairs bathroom with double-ended slipper bath and shower attachment; luxe local toiletries
- Living area with woodburner, books and board games. Free WiFi
- Well-equipped kitchen with gas hob and electric oven; basic ingredients provided
- Meal hampers on request
- The owners live on-site
- Closest pub (2 miles); drive to shops and restaurants (3 miles)
- One dog welcome (must be at least a year old)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night or 3 night min stay
- Remember to pack: a torch, maps for the Brecon Beacons and Cambrian Mountains if you’re keen walkers
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A 30% deposit, then balance taken 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations made before balance taken can be refunded in full.
After this date the booking is non refundable in the event of cancellation. Resells / date changes at owner’s discretion.
See our full booking Ts & Cs here.
FAQs.
Yes – you’re welcome to bring a dog over a year old (£25/stay)
There’s incredible walking in the Cambrian Mountains, and the owners can recommend unique experiences with local artists, wild swimmers, foragers, riding stables and stargazers. Including a piggy spa day and a sheep-herding experience… Details will be sent after booking.
In: 4pm / Out: 10am
Yes several. Towy Bridge Inn is just up the valley, especially great in summer. Open weekends only.
Castle Coaching Inn is open every day, serving excellent home-cooked food at lunchtime and evenings.
If you’re arriving on a Friday or Saturday we’d recommend pre-ordering a supper kit from Wrights Food in Llanarthe — delicious, mostly organic — to collect on your way through.
Yes a babe in arms is welcome. Please BYO travel cot.
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