Sitting in the Black Mountains in the Olchon Valley, this gorgeous 17th-century cottage is the perfect place to soak up beautiful country views with your loved ones. Sleeping six people over four bedrooms and welcoming two canine companions, it’s the ideal remote, rural hideaway for families or groups of friends who want to spend their days hiking Offa’s Dyke Path or exploring Hay-on-Wye, and their evenings stargazing or warming their toes by the cottage’s glowing wood burner.
Step inside and you’ll find a quaint porch where you can take a seat on one of the stone shelves and remove your boots. This is a great place to store your outdoor gear. Head through to the bespoke farmhouse-style kitchen and whip up some dinner for your loved ones. Enjoy your meal at the kitchen table, or make your way to the lounge/diner (there is a change of level with some small steps) and gather everyone around the table to eat. Alternatively, head out to the south-facing garden, fire up the BBQ and treat yourself to an al fresco dinner while you enjoy the views. After dinner, crack open a bottle of wine and wait for the stars to come out, or head back to the lounge/diner to catch up on your favourite TV shows by the wood burner. A selection of books and games provides perfect holiday entertainment. When the day is done, climb the steep cottage stairs and you’ll find four lovely bedrooms to choose from.
Spend a wonderful afternoon at Longtown Castle (3.5 miles), which dates back to the mid-12th century. Or head out for a hike up Black Hill (6 miles). A circular 5-mile walking route begins in the car park at Black Hill and takes in amazing views of the Olchon Valley. Alternatively, head to Ty Gwynn Cider (10 miles) for a tasting.