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Large en-suite master bedroom with beautiful views
Cosy, quirky wood-fired sauna in the garden
Views to rest the eyes on
Bluebells spread out in the woods in spring
Dining in the dark in the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve
Early morning mists enfold the valley
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11 / 22  Large en-suite master bedroom with beautiful views
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15 / 22  Cosy, quirky wood-fired sauna in the garden
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19 / 22  Views to rest the eyes on
20 / 22  Bluebells spread out in the woods in spring
21 / 22  Dining in the dark in the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve
22 / 22  Early morning mists enfold the valley

Blackthorn Cottage

Crickhowell (3mls NE), Brecon Beacons

Check availability & Book

Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
pets Dogs welcome 2
grade 4 star
Open fire / woodburner
Internet access
Fishing onsite / nearby
Romantic
Green
Spa Facilities
Quirky
Off the beaten track
High up on a Hill
Rustic
Fire Pit
Eco Friendly
Apartment
Towels included
Travel cot available
15 more

At a glance

  • A wonderfully unique off-grid artists retreat set in an isolated location
  • Unrivalled views across the Black Mountains
  • Relax in the lovely log-fired sauna
Overview
Property code: 48082

A magical off-grid retreat in the heart of the Black Mountains, complete with log fired sauna & sublime natural surroundings. Bird filled gardens, breathtaking views, woodburner and hill walks right from the door.

Head up the track, whizz past the sheep and marvel at the views as you uncover this simple stone cottage in the very heart of the hills. A much loved family home for many a year, now throwing open its doors in the spirit of sharing, this oasis of calm will leave you captivated and you’ll find the walking second to none.

One of the very first eco-houses in Wales, the garden windmill gently whirs for electricity, the natural spring supplies the water and log fired stoves ensure you're toasty….there’s even a log fired sauna to enjoy! There is central heating and satellite wi-fi too…even a telly & dvd, all cleverly fed from off grid sources.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, the huge log stove dominates the hearth, with handy gas hob for simple suppers and inspiring views down the valley from the dining table, or nip out on to the terrace for jaw dropping night skies. The sitting room comes complete with another cosy log burner and a single bed with pull out trundle, making it perfect for either lazing with those you love, or converting into a bedroom.

The master bedroom is beautifully dressed with luxurious linen, has a fun tub bath and en-suite, plus more of those great views! Head back down stairs to find a handy desk area, perfect for those needing to study and then step outside into a Swallows & Amazons escape, blissful views, a garden designed for childhood dens and adventures, or simply sitting back and popping another of the local butchers yummy sausages on the barbecue!

Read more Code: 48082

  • 1 bedroom – king-size, plus 1 additional single bed in the lounge ( with pull-out trundle)
  • 2 bathrooms – 1 en-suite shower room with WC, and 1 en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC
  • Wood-fired range stove, gas hob, small gas oven and grill, fridge, freezer and washing machine
  • Wood burner
  • TV, Bluetooth speakers
  • Cot and highchair available on request
  • Terrace area and garden, plus guests can explore the private on-site woodland and glade
  • Children need to be supervised with external steps and steep drops in the garden and terrace area
  • Dry storage available for bikes
  • Shared wood-fired sauna with Hammam towels and outdoor shower (shared with neighbouring cottage)
  • Parking for 2 cars
  • Shops, pubs and restaurants 3 miles
  • Sleeps 2 + 2
  • Please note that this is an eco-retreat, so we ask that you avoid excess water usage and turn off taps when not in use, and turn off lights when leaving rooms empty to avoid burning diesel unnecessarily
  • The cottage is accessed via a steep concreted track, which is best tackled in first gear to the top
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week

Photos

Large en-suite master bedroom with beautiful views
Show 10 more

Avril Hitchman

This property is personally managed by Avril.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 21 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 stars4.3
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 stars4
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.3 starsOverall comfort 4.3 starsOverall comfort 4.3 starsOverall comfort 4.3 starsOverall comfort 4.3 stars4.3
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Penelope 21st April 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This is a super, interesting place to stay. It has a lovely position, surrounded by beautiful woodland and charming lanes to explore, as well as direct access above the house onto the beacons way. The outside terrace has incredible views and the house and area are very quiet, apart from bird song.

Reviewed by Helen 3rd April 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

We had an absolutely lovely stay in Blackthorn Cottage. The sense of peace and the building's character as both a traditional Welsh cottage and a place of artistic creation were much appreciated. The sauna was a plus. We also very much appreciated the fact that the owners allowed us to transfer our booking after my husband broke his hip. Overall I Read morewould gladly go back and would definitely recommend the cottage. Hide

Reviewed by Tussie 24th March 2023

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Glorious location, particularly when the sun is shining. Wales at its best. Unique place to get away from it all. No distractions. Sauna is a bonus, but a bit of a challenge to sit and relax in.

Reviewed by Kath 16th February 2023

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

We would have loved a SMALL electric kettle. I know it goes against the off grid ethos but even the gas hob was slow to boil the kettle for a cup of tea in the morning. It is a balance at the end of the day ie. running the gas hob for a longer period of time v small efficient electric kettle powered by wind. I know which decision I'd come to.

Reviewed by Sarah 28th October 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We loved this cottage. Pretty remote and off grid was exactly what we wanted and we definitely found it here. It was the perfect base for us to explore the Brecon Beacons and cosy enough for a day indoors when the weather was truly awful! The views were stunning and the sauna was an added bonus. The whole place was an absolute delight.

Reviewed by Alf 19th August 2022

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Pamela 17th June 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Absolutely beautiful relaxing get away from it romantic location.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 27th May 2022

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

A lovely old cottage with heaps of character and amazing views. The perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern working life. Just perfect.

Reviewed by Andrew 21st March 2022

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

We loved our stay at Blackthorn & with the perfect weather of 7 days of full sunshine! It was the perfect spot giving easy access to superb walks high & low. The eco friendly power and water supplies worked perfectly. Spent lots of time out on the terrace enjoying its lovely views with our own BBQ. So very peaceful with no road / vehicle noise exceRead morept birds (particularly owls) and sheep - the occasional plane overhead. The spaces, art and books spread around gave the place a very special vibe. Hide

Reviewed by Nicki 20th February 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Hannah 24th January 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Perfect escapism with stunning views and comfortable cottage. The wood tuning sauna was such a treat too.

Reviewed by Jenny 17th January 2022

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Absolutely incredible location, photos don't even do it justice! You could spend days here without getting in a car - stunning views and sunsets and so close to great walks. Such a sweet cottage, really cosy and quirky with an amazing outside seating area, we loved it so much!! Great sauna although the cold shower didn't work but improvised with buRead moreckets of water! Would definitely come back Hide

Reviewed by Tim 8th November 2021

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Afsha 5th November 2021

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Hazel 8th October 2021

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We had a brilliant holiday at Blackthorn Cottage, the views are amazing, the cottage is well equipped and warm, quiet and cosy. A prefect place to unwind.

Reviewed by Kate 6th August 2021

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by James 23rd July 2021

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Our family of 5 (2 adults, 2 kids, 1 border terrier) had a wonderful stay at Blackthorn Cottage. The setting is simply stunning - remote and with views to die for! The cottage itself is equally wonderful. Full of character, tastefully decorated and we especially loved the querky layout - lots of small steps and levels. The little office area was a Read morebonus and the kids loved playing/drawing there. Our dog loved the gardens and we all enjoyed being able to walk straight into the woods. Hide

Reviewed by John 9th July 2021

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This place is stunning. We purposefully chose it because of picture of terrace and views.. and we werent disappointed. No tv or screen time for a week as could while away the hours taking in the view, the birds etc. Due to the pandemic not been to our fav summer destinations of Italy France and Spain and blackthorn was certainly a match for those TRead moreuscan hills. We loved the attention to be eco-friendly and made us appreciate the place even more. Wish we couldve stayed longer. Thank you. Hide

Reviewed by Lindsey 5th July 2021

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

A wonderfully idyllic getaway, the cottage and views were amazing

Reviewed by Peter 18th June 2021

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The cottage is in a fabulous location, well appointed with plenty of walking from the door, Somewhere to truly unwind.

Reviewed by Jacqueline 11th June 2021

Guest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 stars

Stunning environment absolutely beautiful .the view from the house is just awesome .a lovely cottage but very poorly equipped kitchen.. not maintained or cleaned properly which let it down completely. No TV which wasnt a problem for us and very little phone signal . Comfortable bed Not very child friendly due to drop from veranda and high stone steRead moreps . But we loved every minute due to the environment and if the kitchen was maintained would certainly go again. Hide

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LOCATION

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Sugar & Loaf is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Sugar & Loaf | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.