Barn in Mid Wales

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.