Esgair Berfedd has been lovingly restored and designed by the same hand, Jeannette Pritchard, who also interior styled the much acclaimed boutique New White Lion Hotel in nearby Llandovery. The same premium style and 'comfortable sophistication' is demonstrated throughout Esgair Berfedd and its furnishings creating a wonderful spoiling experience and giving you more than a few ideas when you return home! Jeannette was also recently commissioned by HRH The Prince of Wales to provide illustrations and design for his new Welsh residence close to Llandovery.
Cottage accommodation
Sleeps 7, 4 bedrooms. 'Voted in The Observer's top 50 UK holiday homes 2009'. A superb stylish and well equipped country kitchen with a 5 ring gas hob with large oven, large upright fridge with half freezer, dishwasher, Belfast sink, washing machine, a pine kitchen table and chairs. The dining room has an elegant beamed ceiling, dining table and chairs and a featured Victorian fireplace. A spacious sitting room with comfortable sofa, lovely old leather armchairs and several Moroccan rugs, cushions, lamps, interesting pictures and prints; a very large stone ingle-nook fireplace with a woodburning stove, complete with the original bread-oven and a heavy oak lintel beam. There is a small TV, DVD, video and videos for rainy days, as there is no reception. A DOWNSTAIRS shower-room/wet-room, beautifully tiled with a smooth pebble floor, shower, handbasin and toilet.
Up a flight of the original farmhouse wooden stairs to the first floor
Bedroom 1: a pretty bedroom with a single bed covered with traditional Welsh quilt cover.
Bedroom 2: has twin beds again with traditional Welsh quilts and a sofa perfect for admiring the wonderful views over the valley;
Bedroom 3: has a double bed and also boasts a sofa in the window for the majestic views.
There is a family bathroom with a hand held shower over the bath, handbasin and toilet.
Up a further flight of stairs to the attic
Bedroom 4: a stunning Moroccan double bedroom with bath and handbasin in the eaves of the farmhouse. A beautiful bed covered with Moroccan fabrics and rugs around the beams. Please be aware that they are low in this bedroom so may not be suitable for someone who is very tall as you have to duck to avoid the beams. The bath and handbasin are featured with Moroccan fretwork casing with attractive filigree lights behind. Perhaps the most stunning feature of this unique room is the free-standing bath, cleverly situated to allow you to enjoy the wonderful views up the valley while you are having a well deserved soak. The antique chaise lounge helps make this a most relaxing and romantic room.
Useful information
Location, Location, Location
The location of this unique 200 year old farmhouse is wonderful for anyone who is looking for complete peace and solitude; a perfect place to be able to just walk out of the door, watch the masses of wildlife going about their daily business, mountain bike or ride completely undisturbed all day. The farmhouse overlooks the valley and is four miles from the nearest main road and reached down winding country lanes and up through the forest. Babel is the nearest hamlet.
History
The farmhouse has written on a stone plaque over the door "Built in 1806 at the expense of Sam Griffiths", whose descendants still live in the valley today. The house and barns were originally a farm but until fairly recently the house belonged to the Forestry - now the trees all around have been felled and the house has once again magnificent views across the valley. Inside the cottage many of the old features have been retained. The old oak floor boards, beamed ceiling, large fireplace, bread oven etc. The house now has electricity but this is only very recent. The present style of the house I would say is stylish antique with a touch of Retro. It is an incredible experience to hear your own voice echo three ways down the valley on a still night from the garden's edge. A truly superb location for walking directly from the house and an absolute wealth of wildlife at the door with red kite overhead - on the way home we saw eight red kite before we even reached Sennybridge. Over the years several famous people have found secret hideaways in this wonderful valley to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday living including the composer of the Welsh anthem 'O Guide Me Thou Great Redeemer' William Williams (1717-1791, father-in-law of Sam Griffiths). The small but interesting market town of Llandovery is approximately 6 miles, this being the closest place for shopping with several pubs, restaurants, a very good Heritage Centre, crafts shops and antique shops. Llandovery also has a railway station on the scenic Heart of Wales Line.
As one guest remarked recently "you won't ever want to leave this special place". Please note there is a £100 surcharge for the Wales GB Rally.
'Voted in The Observer's top 50 UK holiday homes 2009'
Llandovery 6 miles. Brecon 10 miles.
Learn more about Llandovery and Brecon here.
Book your escape to Esgair Berfedd online or, 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 or Caroline
