This is a wonderful, spacious and very recently renovated 17th century large stone farmhouse. It is set in a working hill farm in the stunning Valley that runs from Hay-on-Wye through Craswall to Ewyas Harold and Abergavenny. The Vision, made famous in Bruce Chatwin's "On the Black Hill" is just across the Valley. The source of the River Monnow rises here on the boundary between Herefordshire and Brecknockshire, England and Wales. There is wonderful walking surrounding The Birches, well off the beaten track, following in the steps of The Drovers who used to pass this way; there is also The Cats Back and of course Offa's Dyke Path. A couple of miles up this narrow picturesque valley is The Bulls Head in the small hamlet of Craswall - in the 2001 census there were 147 people living in the parish. The Bulls Head is a unique pub that has resisted the change in time, you enter a small gate and walk down the cobbled path, in a low doorway to a warm room with flag stone floors, a woodburning stove and a hatch behind which is the bar. This pub really is worth a visit, whether for a meal or a drink or a coffee in the sunny garden. A mile up the valley from the farmhouse is Craswall Priory
Cottage facilities
This magnificent stone farmhouse, has been in the same family for over 100 years, and has now been restored by the next generation of the family, making it a stunning house and location in which to stay in this very special remote valley. There is now underfloor heating, central heating and double glazed windows throughout ensuring the house is always warm and dry. This is also a perfect place if visitors would like to bring their own horses with stables available on discussion with the owner. Miles of stunning uninterrupted riding over The Black Mountains and beyond is perfect for keen riders.
The house is entered by an ancient door and a wide entrance hall.
The kitchen is new but very much in keeping with oak units, a double oven electric cooker with hob, microwave, dishwasher, an under counter fridge, second fridge and a freezer in the utility room, a breakfast bar with stools. There is a featured old bread oven, slate floors and great oak beams.
The adjoining utility room with the stable door leading out to the court yard has a washing machine and the central heating boiler, second fridge and freezer.
A downstairs cloakroom with a shower, handbasin and toilet.
The dining room has a large side board, long dining table and chairs.
The sitting room is large with stone slab floors and a welcoming woodburning stove, lovely rugs, big comfortable sofas and chairs. TV with Freeview.
There is a reception/office room with chez lounge and a large board giving the visitor all the local information needed, recommending places to eat and to visit.
Up a flight of traditional wooden stairs to a family bathroom with a bath and a shower over, handbasin and toilet.
Bedroom 1: The master bedroom has a king size bed with a Victorian Fireplace - not now in use.
Bedroom 2: A bedroom with a double
Bedroom 3: A bedroom with twin beds
Bedroom 4: A bedroom with twin beds
Useful information
Area steeped in History
Craswall Priory, the only Grandmontine house in England with substantial remains, is a unique site where the complete unconserved remains of a small medieval priory are now exposed to view for the first time in three quarters of a century.
It is a subordinate of the Abbey of Normandy. There is also easy access for walkers to Lord Herefords Knob and The National Cycle Trail passes along the valley.
Outdoor activities
There are all types of outdoor pursuits locally including; pony trekking and riding, mountain biking, golfing, hang gliding off Hay Bluff, canoeing on The River Wye and even a Llama Farm in Ewyas Harold offering Llama Treks.
Hay on Wye 3.5 miles, Abergavenny 16 Miles and Hereford 20 miles.
Learn more about Hay-on-Wye
Book The Birches Farmhouse and look forward to your stay in this wonderful area. Alternatively you can book by calling our office on 01874 676446.
If you would like to speak to someone who has visited this property please ask for:
Elizabeth, Emma, Sophie and Caroline
