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Counting House

Talybont-on-Usk, near Brecon, Mid Wales
Sleeps 3
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
3 star
Waterside Views
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Quirky
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Decorated for Christmas
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Country houses
12 more

At a glance

  • Quirky and historic property packed with rustic features
  • Enjoy your morning coffee with panoramic views over the Usk Valley where Ospreys are nesting for the first time since 1824
  • A short 0.25-mile walk along the canal will bring you to Talybont-on-Usk with its choice of pubs and popular cafe
Property code: OC-BN102

Sleeping three guests across two bedrooms, this Grade II listed cottage once played a key part in local trade history having acted as the toll point for the limestone and slate being transported down from the mountains. Choose from an array of exciting trails leading directly from your doorstep or stroll along the towpath of the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal to reach the pretty village, which boasts two welcoming pubs to tempt the hungry traveller.

Beneath the stone and timber exterior is a cosy and inviting haven, carefully finished with comfortable furniture and bright, fresh decor. Laid out in a reverse-level fashion, the first floor is home to the kitchen, sitting/dining room and bathroom with shower and WC, and the original very steep, stone, carpeted winding steps, with a metal banister rail and a rope banister, lead down to the two bedrooms. Rustic details such as oak beams, arched windows, and white-washed stone walls feature throughout, especially in the living area, which is kept pleasingly warm with a crackling wood burner. Prepare delicious meals in the cheerful kitchen, gathering around the dining table or  dine on the wooden terrace which overlooks the canal. Refresh yourself with an invigorating shower in the bathroom before descending to the pretty bedrooms. The single has French doors leading to a gravelled terrace, and the double bedroom is accessed via a pine-arched door interlinking the two rooms.

Either terrace is perfect for relaxing with a morning coffee or hearty breakfast as you take in the views, or watch the narrowboats pass by on the adjacent canal.

Please note due to the very steep steps that lead to the bedroom, this property would not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues. The bottom garden / gravelled terrace is unsuitable for small children as there is a sheer drop down the canal bank of 20 feet.

 

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 double and 1 single
  • 1 shower room with WC
  • Electric oven, fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave
  • Small welcome pack included
  • Wood burner – fuel provided
  • TV and radio
  • Wi-Fi included
  • Outside terraced area
  • Off-road parking for 1 car
  • Regret no children under 12 years old due to the terrace with a steep wall and bank down to the canal
  • Shop within 0.25 miles
  • 2 pubs within 0.25 miles but booking recommended as opening hours may vary day to day
  • The bedrooms are accessed down exceptionally steep narrow steps - these are ""listed"" so cannot be changed and anyone using these steps must take particular care
  • Please note that the the double bedroom is accessed via the single bedroom separated by a wooden arched door
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Avril Hitchman

This property is personally managed by Avril.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 26 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 stars4.7
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 stars4.6
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by David 7th June 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Lovely location An absolutely beautiful location. Just for information (June 2026) the listing photos are not accurate, they need updating. Some furnishings are still in situ, but it looks very different to the photos on the website. It has a darker tired feel, and some of the lovely quirkiness features mentioned and seen on the website are notRead more there. The property needs some TLC, bits of plaster coming off the walls, cream wall paint on some of the woodwork. If we had seen updated photos we would not have booked. That said, the location is stunning! Beautiful canal steeped in history as is the Counting House. Hide

Reviewed by Carol 6th May 2026

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

The cottage was comfortable, although we found the stairs rather steep. A lovely view from the deck and excellent access to the canal walks.

Reviewed by Elaine 13th April 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Cosy and comfortable cottage. Great location for walks from the house. Plenty to do in the area. Even in March we used the sunny balcony a couple of times.

Reviewed by Jon 11th April 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A really charming and quirky little cottage in a brilliant canalside setting. It feels very unique and full of character. There are two good pubs serving food just a short, easy walk away. Its ideal for a walking holiday in the Brecon Beacons, with routes straight from the door and easy access to Pen y Fan. A great base in a lovely location.

Reviewed by Matthew 6th March 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Paul 1st March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Christine 17th December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Counting House is a delightful, warm cottage with plenty of character, ideally situated for walking. The views on two sides are wonderful, making it ideal for night sky viewing when weather permits. The cottage is well-equipped; the decor and furnishings all of a very high standard - extremely comfy bed :) We would definitely return.

Reviewed by Susan 14th November 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A quirky yet cosy cottage on the bank of the canal with lovely views. Comfy furniture and a log burner with plenty of wood which we enjoyed very much during the cold spell. Ideally located for walking and exploring the Brecon Beacons and surrounds. It had everything we needed for a super week stay in November. We had a wonderful stay.

Reviewed by Rosemary 24th October 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Vanessa 17th October 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Really great spot for exploring the Brecon canal and surrounding areas. 2 local pubs and village store / cafe serving food. Nearby viewing area for Ospreys..present between April and September.. Cottage quirky and good value. We really enjoyed our stay.

Reviewed by Kerry 29th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Mark 1st August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very clean, comfy, well located cottage for walks or for nearby attractions

Reviewed by Carol 11th July 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This is a lovely cottage with such an interesting history as the counting house. The views from the cottage are amazing, we had great weather and enjoyed sitting on the verandah or in the garden just enjoying the view over the countryside. The village is just a short walk along the canal path where there are 2 great pubs and a good village shop andRead more cafe. Lots of walking and cycling routes in the area to be explored. We highly recommend this cottage in this lovely village. Hide

Reviewed by Christine 4th July 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Francesca 20th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Jacky 30th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Heather 18th April 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

The cottage is lovely, in an amazing location right on the canal, within easy walking distance to a very good village shop and cafe (the breakfast sandwich was amazing!). There are two great pubs literally 5 minutes walk away. The stairs are very steep but manageable if you have no mobility issues, as there is a handrail. It was lovely just sittingRead more on the balcony watching the boats go by. Hide

Reviewed by Emily 14th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Beautiful and cosy little cottage, amazing views and very comfortable. We didnt have the weather for it, but the balcony decking area is beautiful to sit out and watch the boats and admire the view which is stunning. Bedrooms are lovely and cosy, felt like home from home.

Reviewed by Angela 28th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The counting house is a lovely place to stay. The views are amazing and the place itself is very clean and really well equipped Just for information and not a complaint is that the stairs are steep and the enclosed area outside the bedroom does have a drop the other side of the very small wall. I would not suggest it for children or dogs that need Read moreto be on leads Hide

Reviewed by Stephen 23rd December 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Charlotte 14th November 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Stunning views. Spotlessly clean and very well equipped. Would love to stay in the summer to make use of the outdoor area but a lovely cosy cottage for a winter stay

Reviewed by Alison 1st November 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a fabulous time at The Counting House. Cosy cottage in a great location with good walking right on your doorstop. Handy little village shop and pubs all within easy walk. Well equipped kitchen and log burner to relax in front of. Will definitely return.

Reviewed by Graham 25th October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

LOVELY PLACE TO STAY

Reviewed by Barbara 11th October 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Mary 8th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Rebecca 17th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a fantastic stay at the counting house. It was cosy and had fantastic views. It was a fantastic base to explore the brecon beacons and the canal was easily accessible from the house too. We will definitely be back and hopefully soon!

24 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.