Blaencwm, Brecon

Brecon Beacons. Sleeps up to 6

Blaencwm is the ultimate retreat to enjoy the wilderness of The Black Mountains and Hay on Wye. Set in a secluded valley and way off the beaten track and certainly no immediate neighbours. After a walk come back to enjoy the wood fired Hot Tub.

Take a break from everyday life and book a visit to Blaencwm. This remote 16th century stone farmhouse nestles in a spectacular location beneath Hay Bluff and Lord Hereford's Knob, 5 miles from Hay-on-Wye. Encircled by the magnificent Black Mountains and with a never-ending list of outdoor activities to do locally, Blaencwm allows you to truly get away from it all. On your return from the outdoors, Blaencwm's wonderful beams, open fires, cosy Aga, a ping pong table - which is great fun and a fabulous wood-fired hot tub will welcome you home. This farmhouse really does have it all.

Luxurious farmhouse accommodation

Set over 3 floors Blaencwm sleeps 8 guests in 3 beautiful bedrooms.

The front door brings you in on the ground floor but the more commonly used back door takes you into the property on the 1st floor where the principle reception rooms are located.

There are two bedrooms on the ground floor and a bathroom.

Bedroom 1: A large double bedroom with luxury linen and deep feather down filled duvets and a shared bath/shower room.

Bedroom 2: The second bedroom is a spacious double bedroom with an extra single bed in it.

The bathroom has a walk-in shower, handbasin and toilet both with complimentary toiletaries from REN skincare.

A steep staircase takes you to a lovely kitchen and utility room.

The kitchen has everything you could want - a beautiful blue double oven Aga, a hob, microwave, large fridge and freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer and masses of storage space. The Sitting/Diningroom is the oldest part of this perior farmhouse with wonderful ancient beams and a big open stone fireplace. With large comfy sofas and chairs, TV with Freeview and the dining area has a table and chairs a warm and cosy place to relax and put your feet up.

At the other end of the house is the spacious drawing room with another large stone fireplace and the most glorious views up and down the valley. This room has the added bonus of a pool table and a ping pong table - always a firm favourite and great fun for all the family.

A further flight of steps takes you up to the top floor of the house with its stunning "cruck" frame beams and some fairly low, beamed ceilings with the Master bedroom.

Master Bedroom 3: This bedroom has a fine King Size sleigh bed, luxury linen and feather down filled duvets - utter luxury. The en suite bathroom with a roll-top bath, shower, handbasin and toilet and comlimentary toiletaries from Ren skincare. This bedroom also has a single bed that can be made up if required.

Useful information

Refundable bond of £250 (paid with the balance).

A fabulous character-laden property with luxurious extras

This unique farmhouse is blessed with a combination of character and luxury. Some of the highlights include the flagstone and ancient oak floors, enormous oak "cruck" beams, the spiral stone staircase, open fireplaces, a roll-top bath and an Aga. The house has been beautifully decorated in Farrow & Ball colours and natural lime washes and much of the furniture is antique, yet the many contemporary touches mean that Blaen Cwm is a very comfortable home and incredibly cosy on a winter's day in the hills. Underfloor heating throughout, large walk-in showers, a well-equipped kitchen and Wi-Fi provide all the home comforts that any visitor could ask for.

Picture perfect inside and out

Outside, the farmhouse is equally well appointed.

With absoluely no noise pollution, light pollution and very litle mobile network coverage (although it is possible to use the WIFI on some phones).

Set in its own grounds amidst miles of open countryside, Blaencwm even has its own stream running through the garden and leading to your own secret waterfall - pretty enough for any TV advertisement and perfect for bathing in during hot weather - the dogs love it too. This old farmhouse is simply delightful, with roses and climbing plants around the door, large stone terraces at the front with garden furniture and a BBQ and a further stone terrace behind the house taking full advantage of the numerous sun traps.

The cottage has a sheep proof garden of about an acre. The lawns are cut regularly.

An outdoor enthusiast's paradise

For those looking for an active holiday this location offers a huge choice of outdoor activities and sports. With some of the best cycle routes in the region you'll be spoilt for choice. The incredible Gospel Pass is on your doorstep allowing direct routes into the Llanthony Valley, Offa's Dyke Path, the National Cycle Route 42 and the farmhouse is also near the site where the Three Rivers Ride passes from England into Wales. Many of these routes double as excellent horse riding or hill walking tracks and the views from almost any point will take your breath away.

Further activities such as hang gliding, shooting, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge-walking, rafting, pot-holing, golf, off-road driving, paint-balling, orienteering and quad-biking can all be arranged on discussion with the owner.

Panoramic views and complete solitude

The private access road to this remote property can become difficult to pass in severe weather conditions but upon reaching the traditional stone farmhouse you will not be disappointed. Phenomenal views as far as the eye can see and in every direction will leave you desperate to explore the mountains further. The complete seclusion around Blaen Cwm means that it is a haven for a vast array of wildlife. This would be a fabulous base for those looking for peace or a place to write or paint - an ideal retreat of any kind.

Set amidst an atmospheric and dramatic landscape

Blaen Cwm sits right in the heart of a very special landscape. The 12th century cleric Giraldus Cambrensis commented on the area's "hushed atmosphere" and this is still noticeable today with strange acoustics due to the closeness of the hills on all sides. The uniquely spiritual atmosphere here has drawn artists, monks, writers and mystics to make this area their home for many hundreds of years. The Gospel Pass itself has been a way through the Vale of Erywas since the time of Iron Age Man and taking the route through the mountains yourself you are stuck by how little the area must have changed since those times.

Take the short trip down to Llanthony Priory one of the earliest monasteries founded in Britain. Entry is free but take a little money and treat yourself to a pint or glass of something cool from the bar at the hotel situated on site and sit in the peaceful and atmospheric grounds of this 13th century ruin.

Discover Hay-on-Wye

If all the solitude is getting to you, or perhaps you've simply run low on supplies head the 5 miles into Hay-on-Wye. The 'Town of Books' is fascinating, the shops there will not only provide for all your practical needs but also offer hours of browsing. There are boutique clothes shops, antique dealers, retailer's catering for crafts and interiors amongst many other things. There are some excellent pubs and restaurants and the most wonderful, old-fashioned sweetie shop!

Hay-on-Wye 4 miles, Hereford 25 miles.

Learn more about Hay-on-Wye

If you would like to speak to someone who has visited this property please ask for: Elizabeth, Carolyn, Ceri, Lucy or Joanna

More details, photos & booking info