Wake up to 180 degree views of the Golden Valley from your window at this unique, and incredibly peaceful property situated 1000ft above sea level. This old drover's cottage has been sympathetically refurbished and retains wonderful flagstone floors, huge beams and simple but chic lime-washed walls. The narrow slit windows, original bread oven and cosy open wood-burning stove all add to the charm of this rustic idyll. Situated 500m, and out of view of the owner's picturesque farmyard, visitors can meet the organically reared animals, and enjoy the surrounding land. With no roads or other buildings in sight, The Old Man offers walking from the door, fantastic wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, and is just 3 miles from Hay-on-Wye. The whole area offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, but visitors will also love the choice of quality restaurants and pubs as well as the boutiques, antiques and bookshops of Hay. The Old Man sleeps 4 in 2 double bedrooms.
Character accommodation
The large country style kitchen/dining room at The Old Man has been converted from the hay barn end of the house and is spacious, light and airy, keeping the lovely narrow slit windows and beautiful original flagstone floor. There is an oil-fired Stanley cooker, electric hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, Belfast sink and refectory table and chairs. At the other end of the room is a CD-radio and comfortable sofa from which to enjoy the superb views across the Golden Valley through the French doors. The dining area leads through to a cosy lounge with a wonderful open fireplace, beautiful old oak beams, a feature bread oven, deep casement windows with wide sills, a comfortable sofa, chairs, SKY TV and a DVD player. There are also plenty of books and information leaflets to help plan your stay. A doorway from the sitting room leads into a spacious utility/boot room, with access to the patio and a washing machine, tumble dryer, deep freeze and adjoining cloak room with basin and toilet.
A flight of handmade, oak stairs lead up from the kitchen/diner to
Bedroom 1: the large master bedroom with a comfortable double bed, French style quilt and cushions and wonderful views across the valley towards the Wye. Natural wooden floorboards with beautiful rugs enhance the bedroom and its spaciousness. Off the master bedroom, a small hallway leads to
Bedroom 2: twin bedroom, a large airing cupboard and the bathroom with an excellent separate power shower, a bath, handbasin and toilet.
Useful information
Secluded location
The cottage is nestled just off an old drover's path between farmland and common ground and some 500m from the owner's picturesque farmyard. At 1000ft above sea level, The Old Man enjoys fabulous views of Clee Hill, Long Mynd and the Begwyns and boasts a small meadow and orchard area. With no roads or buildings in sight, this is a spectacularly private location with the comfort of the owner's farm just out of view.
A bird watcher's paradise
The Old Man sits amidst open countryside between farmland and 150 acres of designated nature reserve leading to a wealth of wild life and plant life. Badgers regularly visit the garden but it's the bird life that really excites the guests. From Sparrow-hawks and Kestrels to Green Woodpeckers and Pied Flycatchers, visitors have spotted a huge variety on the bird feeder and around the cottage.
Enjoy life on the farm
The Old Man sits approximately 500 meters up a green lane from the farm yard. Llan-y-coed (meaning chapel in the woods) is a small organic farm whose owner's are passionate about providing an environment that allows guests to connect with nature. Time your visit around lambing and visit the 'maternity ward' for the Welsh Black sheep or enjoy the free range chickens and ducks that patrol the farmyard. There is so much space here and no roads or buildings in sight.
Wonderful walking
Situated on an ancient drover's path which winds its way through 150 acres of common land scattered with grazing sheep, The Old Man offers many walks straight from the door. Explore the nature reserve, woodland, wetlands, and farmland on your doorstep or head further afield. The Begwyns, Black Mountains, Hay Bluff and the Gospel Pass are all within a short drive and offer a wide range of walking experiences and incredible views.
An outdoor activity hotspot
For those looking for an active holiday this location offers a huge choice of outdoor activities and sports. With some of the best cycle routes in the region you'll be spoilt for choice. The incredible Gospel Pass is just a few miles away allowing direct routes into the Llanthony Valley, Offa's Dyke Path, the National Cycle Route 42 and The Old Man is also near the site where the Three Rivers Ride passes from England into Wales. Many of these routes double as excellent horse riding or hill walking tracks and the views from almost any point will take your breath away.
With the River Wye not far away water babies can enjoy canoeing and fishing. Further activities such as hang gliding, shooting, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge-walking, rafting, pot-holing, golf, off-road driving, paint-balling, orienteering and quad-biking can all be arranged locally - this is a real hotspot for outdoor activities.
Discover Hay-on-Wye
If all the solitude is getting to you, or perhaps you've simply run low on supplies head the 3 miles into Hay-on-Wye. The 'Town of Books' is fascinating, the shops there will not only provide for all your practical needs but also offer hours of browsing. There are boutique clothes shops, antique dealers, retailer's catering for crafts and interiors amongst many other things. There are some excellent pubs and restaurants and the most wonderful, old-fashioned sweetie shop!
Hay-on-Wye 3 miles, Hereford 17 miles, Brecon 18 miles.
Learn more about Hay-on-Wye here.
Make your booking online now and enjoy life on the farm at The Old Man, 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, Emma, Carolyn and Ceri
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