This is one of the very best luxury barns in the Welsh Borders.
Firstly, it's really easy to get to, no endless winding roads and scrabbling for directions, simply head towards the border town of Hay on Wye, cross the River Wye and pootle along to the next village and you'll be just about at the door, so perfect when you're coming together as a group from all directions...even sat nav can find it!
Clearly a labour of love, the barn has been meticulously restored over recent years, using the best of local craftsmanship and taking into consideration every guest comfort. The result is a stylish mix of country charm (vintage welsh blankets, hand carved oak beams, wood burning stove) and practical modern (well equipped kitchen, ipod dock and large dining spaces), making it a simply great large family rental.
Perfect for those holidays where a mix of characters and personalities come together to celebrate in style. The barn, whilst sleeping 12, can easily be stretched to sleep up to 32, with the addition of other properties in the collection which are located on the same medieval farmstead...all discreetly arranged to respect privacy should you only be renting the one barn!
As you turn into the driveway you'll be happy to note the table tennis, under cover by the generous log store, park up, marvel at the views of the Black Mountains which roll away from the River Wye down below and step inside. The ground floor has a good amount of storage, designed for stashing muddy boots, coats and dog baskets (dogs are very welcome at the barn, should there be more than two, please just have a quick chat with the S&L team and we'll do our utmost to accommodate them).
The kitchen is very large, bright and airy, with a wall filled with french windows, maximising the daylight, with a breakfast table that looks out across the lawn towards the hills beyond. There are a number of caterers locally who could help with the cooking at the house should you have a special meal planned. Please contact the owner for recommendations. The kitchen works well as a professional workspace and equally as a family hub, with breakfast bar as well as large farmhouse style table.
Step through into the large oak beamed living space, with a dining table seating up to twenty, on comfortable seats...important for those long catch up meals with mates! The sitting room area, is one of our favourites in the cottage collection, with high, oak beamed ceilings, large oak and glass barn doors, a wood burning stove, piano and books to browse, it's a room that's a pleasure to be in whatever time of day. Up above on the mezzanine is a second soft seating area, it works as either a family tv room, playroom for younger children, or quieter retreat from the crowd.
Six bedrooms in total, each with beautiful oak beams, toasty Welsh blankets and served by five bathrooms and a cloakroom. Two of the bedrooms are on the ground floor, which makes the barn suitable for guests who may have difficulty with full flights of stairs, however please note that there are some steps down to the kitchen and dining area. Bedding and towels are of course included and there is a cot and high chair available for a tiny guest. The Master bedroom deserves its own mention, with four poster bed, heaps of space and its own bathroom....definitely the "bill payers" or "birthday girl/boys" bedroom in our book!
For active guests, the Brecon Beacons National Park is the playground on the doorstep, with dramatic hills to climb, ponies to trek, canoes to hire, gorge walking and high ropes all available nearby. For more relaxed days, Hay on Wye is well worth a visit, easily accessed by bike (bike hire also available locally), it's just a mile and half away and filled with book shops, good pubs and independent stores.