Tucked away in the heart of the Llanthony Valley, just a hop across the lane from the ancient Llanthony Priory, and beneath the 8th Century natural border, Offa's Dyke, this traditional Welsh Long House really was a Smithy in its time, now sensitively converted, it takes you back to a time forgotten. Thick stone walls, oak beams and flagstone floors, with a large rambling acre of country garden skirted by the River Honddu bubbling past.
The vibe is rustic and the theme very much about the slowing of time, enjoying every minute in a deeply peaceful escape. If it's family time playing board games, a tune on the piano and evenings relaxing by the fire after a day on the hill, then this is for you...there is no television or wi-fi, so this is very much an escape from the modern world.
The walking is fabulous, directly from the door and straight up onto the hill, there's a slope on either side, (benefits of being in a valley), so plenty of paths for at least a week of exploring and definitely pack a pair of binos as the wild birds hovering over head are impressive, from everyday Buzzards, to Peregrine Falcons and protected Red Kites, it's an honour to be up there on the hill amongst them....and if you don't spot any birds you'll definitely spot a few wild ponies gently grazing up there.
Inside the cottage you'll find a traditional Welsh kitchen, with Welsh dresser filled with china, farm house table laid for tea and a pretty view over the large grounds, complete with both river & mountain virtually in the back garden and lots of fruit trees which you're very welcome to harvest.
Back inside there is a large sitting room, which as well as housing a huge open fire, also has an ancient grand piano, with sheets of music, for pianists to play. Stacked with games and books, soft seating and total peace, it's rustic and relaxing in the extreme.
Upstairs there are three cosy bedrooms, looking out across the garden or up towards the mountains. The size of the bedrooms is well suited to a family stay and each is furnished in a traditional cottage style, complete with antiques and original oak beams. There's an upstairs bathroom, with cast iron bath tub and an outside downstairs shower room which quirkily is reached via the rear garden, something you're more likely to see in Bali than Wales, but perfect for a blasting hot shower after a day on the hill!