A stream in the grounds
Anyone for table tennis or darts in the games room?
Find the statues in the garden
View from the edge of the property
Picturesque in the snow
View from the property
A short walk to the waterfall
Church of St. Mary the Virgin is nearby
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3 / 32  A stream in the grounds
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19 / 32  Anyone for table tennis or darts in the games room?
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22 / 32  Find the statues in the garden
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25 / 32  View from the edge of the property
26 / 32  Picturesque in the snow
27 / 32  View from the property
28 / 32  A short walk to the waterfall
29 / 32  Church of St. Mary the Virgin is nearby
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Pen-y-maes

Capel-y-Ffin, Mid Wales
Sleeps 5
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs allowed 2
4
star
Open fire / wood burner
Games / Play facilities
Fishing on site / nearby
Green
Family friendly
Quirky
Off the beaten track
High up on a Hill
Parking on site / nearby
Decorated for Christmas
Towels included
Travel cot available
Highchair available
13 more

At a glance

  • A charming off-grid, stone farmhouse set deep in the foothills of the Black Mountains
  • Exposed wooden beams and warming wood burners add further character to this detached property
  • Get competitive with your friends in the games room playing table tennis
Property code: 93362

This is a truly remote location where guests can experience life off-grid, within the comfort of a rustic and dog-friendly stone farmhouse. Surrounded by the rugged scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park guests can take advantage of the well-waymarked footpaths which guide you directly up onto the ridges of the Black Mountains. From here, you can explore the Mynydd Du Forest, The Grwyne Fawr Reservoir, and further down the valley, Llanthony Priory (3.5 miles). Enjoy the surrounding hills on horseback from the Grange Trekking Centre or follow the walking trails directly from the grounds of the property, along to the Tympa and Hay Bluff. By car, you can follow the mountain pass to Hay Bluff where you can enjoy breathtaking views across the countryside before you continue your journey down towards the vibrant market town of Hay-on-Wye (8 miles). This town sits on the banks of the River Wye where you can hire a canoe to explore the beautiful river scenery. Hay -on-Wye has a castle, the famous annual literary festival and is often referred to as the town of books. It’s also brimming with local produce, culture and arts and crafts.

Access to the farmhouse is via a gated farm track that can be bumpy and transit-type vans, especially those with rear wheel drive, may struggle. It is heartily recommended that you bring groceries with you as supermarket delivery vans cannot easily access the steep, narrow drive and have been known to get stuck thus preventing access. The nearest shop is 8 miles away. Tea and coffee is provided and the cupboards contain a few other useful basics. On arrival, the views back down into the Vale of Ewyas. The detached property is surrounded by rugged stone walls and mature trees offering pockets of space for you to explore. This is truly an off-grid experience with solar energy and a spring water supply. You’ll enter via a heavy wooden door into a stone porchway with ample space for muddy boots and coats. The main body of the living area is open-plan, full of character and rustic charm, and picture windows offer simple views and natural light. An eclectic selection of furnishings finishes the space. Guests can relax together in front of the wood burner, and whilst there is no TV or mobile phone reception, there is a screen monitor with a great selection of DVDs to choose from. There is WiFi at Pen-Y-Maes although the connection may not always be reliable. For dining, there is a generously sized table and chairs where you can get together to enjoy a hearty meal. The kitchen runs along the rear of the vast open-plan space and is in the old farmhouse part of the property, offering everything you may need for your stay. From here, you can access the converted cowshed and milking parlour with vaulted ceilings, a table tennis table, darts and other games.  No central heating so warm clothes are a must in colder weather.  However, the 2 wood burners on the ground floor and well insulated rooms enable the house to warm up fairly well. A staircase offers access to the first floor where guests have the choice of three bedrooms set within the eaves. A double room with mountain views, a further double room with stunning views, and a single room that is perfect for a child. Completing this floor is the spacious shower room with underfloor heating. Outside is an attached outbuilding with a utility area with a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board. You may also securely store your bikes in here.
Outside, the gardens have an open aspect to the adjoining farmland and walking trails, a small walled area with seating and table, a secluded pond area with seating, a pretty stream running through the gardens at the back of the house, great views to the front of the property, and other areas you are free to explore.
  • 3 bedrooms – 2 doubles, 1 single
  • 1 shower room with WC, additional WC in the utility room
  • Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher
  • Utility room with washing machine and dryer
  • 2 wood burners providing heating for the ground floor (logs included)
  • No central heating in the bedrooms although good insulation and wood burners enable the house to warm up fairly well
  • Under heated blankets are available
  • Underfloor heating in the shower room
  • Games room with table tennis, darts and board games
  • Open-aspect gardens with table and chairs and pond area (young children to be supervised at all times)
  • WiFi although the connection may not always be reliable. Regret no cellular mobile phone reception
  • Secure bike storage space available in the utility room
  • Private parking for up to 2 cars
  • Shop 8 miles, pub 3.5 miles -We recommended that you bring groceries with you as supermarket delivery vans cannot easily access the steep, narrow drive and have been known to get stuck. The nearest shop is 8 miles away. Tea and coffee is provided and the cupboards contain a few other useful basics.
  • The majority of electricity is produced via solar panels, and the private water supply is provided by a natural spring which, so far, has never run dry
  • Dogs are to be kept on a lead at all times on the grounds
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • 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
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Avril Hitchman

This property joined our collection in 2023 and is managed by Avril.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 21 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
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Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Nigel, 21st September 2024

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

Characterful old house tastefully decorated, in the most picturesque location, ideal for cosy family holidays whatever the weather, and rewarding walks in every direction.

Reviewed by Clare, 31st August 2024

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

Amazing! Pen-y-maes is a beautiful cottage in a beautiful location. It is so well set up that it feels more like a home than a holiday cottage. We did not move the car for the first week as there are some fabulous walks from the door and the garden is so lovely, you do not actually want to head out! When it rained we alternated between sitting by tRead morehe log burner and playing table tennis. We had a brilliant holiday and even got a glimpse of the Northern Lights due to the dark skies. Thanks! Hide

Reviewed by Mark, 23rd August 2024

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

A lovely week spent in Pen y Maes. Well looked after. I'd recommend staying here.

Reviewed by Hollie, 17th August 2024

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The cottage is exceptional. The area is very isolated and required a 30 minute drive down a single country track to access.

Reviewed by Abby, 9th August 2024

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

The location was just so beautiful, and your house was so great to be in.We hope to stay at Pen y maes again sometime. Llanthony Valley and the surrounding area is such a special place .

Reviewed by Josie, 2nd August 2024

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

Pen-y-Maes is very special - it has so much character (difficult for the photos to do that justice) and a beautiful garden with wonderful views. We really enjoyed walking to the waterfall and babbling streams (a short walk) where we would hang out with a picnic and a book. We also enjoyed the road to Hay-on-Wye, and pottering about this wonderful tRead moreown with its many offerings. Would highly recommend. Hide

Reviewed by Claire, 26th July 2024

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

This is a wonderful, quiet and remote farmhouse in a beautiful location. It is spacious, comfortable and very well-equipped. It is a relaxing place to spend time in, from the eclectic vintage art on the walls to the many seating areas in the garden. The table tennis and darts board were well used! Close by, there are many spectacular - and steep - Read morewalks and Hay-on-Wye is a scenic drive away. The cellar bar at Llanthony Priory a few miles down the road is special too. Hide

Reviewed by Bill, 19th July 2024

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

We had a really great few days here. Very well equipped kitchen and comfy bed with walks in all directions. Beautiful.

Reviewed by Monika, 7th July 2024

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

This has been one of the best properties we have stayed in! It had the most amazing views, everything you need (it is literally a home away from home) and even more: electric blankets, a beautiful wood burning stove and delicous water from the spring. The area was truly stunning with lovely walks straight from the cottage and great places to visit Read morenearby. Also, we were very fortunate as WiFi has just been installed. We are feeling genuinely refreshed! Thank you! Hide

Reviewed by Alice, 21st June 2024

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

We really enjoyed our stay. So peaceful and off the beaten track but an easy enough drive to nearby towns. The views were amazing with some great walks right out the front door. The place had every thing we needed - was very well kitted out and we enjoyed the added games and ping pong table. Would recommend and we hope to stay again.

Reviewed by Gemma, 14th June 2024

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

A wonderful, secluded, comfortable, cottage with such a quaint garden and right on a footpath. What more could you wish for?

Reviewed by Marguerite, 1st June 2024

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

This is a lovely cottage - spacious, well equipped, ideally situated. In addition, there were nice touches like fresh ground coffee, fire already laid, very clear instructions.

Reviewed by Mary, 10th May 2024

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

Incredible location and very well equipped and comfortable cottage. We will definitely stay there again.

Reviewed by Julie, 3rd May 2024

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

We had a wonderful stay, the cottage is spacious and well equipped with a lovely garden to play and relax in. Fabulous location and great walks, we would love to return!

Reviewed by Nigel, 5th April 2024

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

Lovely cottage/barn conversion in the midst of the Black forest hills, Well equipped with all you need for a pleasant stay, and plenty warm enough with the fire burning. When we stayed in early April '24, it rained a lot, so wellies and boots were a must, but you can walk from the cottage when it stops, and there's books, pingpong, and darts if it Read moredoesn't. Really enjoyed the cottage and the stay, will definitely return.. Hide

Reviewed by Richard, 29th March 2024

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

Location is great. Lovely view, especially first thing. Electric blankets really popular Walks from the house were fun Would highly recommended a week here

Reviewed by Lucy, 9th February 2024

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

Beautiful location and lovely cottage. Great to leave the digital world behind. Cosy lounge and fire, well equipped kitchen and lovely garden. Electric blankets were a great addition for February and the underfloor heated bathroom and deluge shower made it! Ping pong table a great addition. Would definitely love to come back!

Reviewed by Josh, 26th January 2024

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

Reviewed by Richard, 29th December 2023

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

Beautifully kept cottage in a beautiful location. We are coming back!!! Owners are so lovely and all of their instructions were so clear and helpful (like avoiding certain routes because of weather based obstacles). Cannot recommend more highly.

Reviewed by Lucy, 17th December 2023

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

Perfect family holiday. Full of thoughtful touches to make you comfortable. Beautiful location and decoration. Loved all the eco stuff. We loved the stream and the waterfall.

Reviewed by Adrian, 16th November 2023

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

We really enjoyed our stay. The location is fantastic with quick access onto moorland and sweeping views across the valley from the cottage. We loved the warm rustic style of the interior of the house with well designed old furniture that was in keeping with the age of the building. All too often holiday cottages are beautiful buildings decked out Read morein hedious tastless furniture. We also loved the art on the walls that was in keeping with local artists. We would definately stay again! Hide

19 more
A stream in the grounds
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Location

Static 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.

1/3 Deposit

Take advantage of our deposit scheme when booking 9 weeks or more in advance.