Schoolmaster's Cottage - Self-catering cottage in rural Wales

Built in 1877 and recently lovingly restored, this charming example of a Victorian headmaster’s house sleeps up to four (plus 2 infants in cots) – and has a view to beat all views. This 4- star cottage sits on the shoulder of the Graig mountain, in the middle of lovely unspoilt Monmouthshire farmland, with an outlook onto an astonishing hillscape, extending from the Brecon Beacons in the west to the Malverns in the east, and the Black Mountains in between. It has a wonderful garden with plenty of grassy space for family games, and sitting-out areas for drinks or meals outside. CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO BOOK ONLINE. Alternatively, click here to email us with your booking requirements.

The cottage is superbly equipped for adults, children and babies. The garden is lovely and big, with plenty of places to sit out and enjoy the sun during the day or the fantastic sunsets in the evening. This is the cottage for trenchermen: the caretakers, who live in the next-door former school house, are keen cooks, so supply freshly baked bread, Welsh cakes and preserves as part of their welcome pack. They also offer modestly priced informal supper food, as well as more formal cuisine, ready to heat up from fridge or freezer.

The ground floor comprises a sitting-room, a dining-room, a garden-room, a kitchen and a shower-room (with downstairs loo) , with all the conveniences in place – a TV with DVD and a huge selection of DVDs, guide books and local information, games, a washer-dryer, high-chairs, toys and other baby equipment, a fridge, a freezer, an oven with hob, a dishwasher, microwave and all cleaning basics. Upstairs, the two bedrooms are very comfortably furnished, and the lovely high-ceilinged bathroom has a bath with hand-held shower, an old-fashioned loo, properly nice towels and luxury toiletries. One of the bedrooms has a super-king divan bed which can be converted to 2 singles on request; the other has a standard double bed.

Once batteries have been recharged by a good tea of freshly baked Welsh cakes or scones, there are plenty of excellent walks up the Graig mountain or in the countryside around, including the nearby famous Offa's Dyke. There are lots of things to see and do in the area – castles, churches, lovely country towns such as Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, Hay-on-Wye and Abergavenny, farmers' markets, good restaurants and pubs, outdoor activities (such as golf, riding, cycling, gliding, paragliding, climbing and pot-holing), and important wildlife reserves are in striking distance. Steam railways, cycle tracks and play barns will entertain children - or just look over the fence to see baby lambs in spring.

Changeovers are normally Mondays and Fridays (enquire about other days). Weekends are set-priced from Friday 4pm to either Sunday evening or Monday 10.30am; so you can stay 1, 2 or 3 nights for the weekend price. If there are only 2 nights available, this short weekend will be priced down accordingly. Move the cursor over a date and prices will appear, and click to get a quote. You can book online, or contact us by email and we can do it for you: caroline@blackmountains.biz or telephone 01873 890190.

Path in spacious garden of Schoolmaster's Welsh holiday cottage

From the visitors book at Schoolmasters Cottage

'Very honoured to have christened this lovely cottage. Thanks for the great welcome and especially for all the child friendly touches.' The Offer family.

'What a fantastic cottage - perfect location, wonderful welcome. Our lasagne and garlic bread provided by Kathy was second to none, so much so that we ordered some to take home with us. We will be back next year.' The Williams family

'Thanks very much for your hospitality. We had a very enjoyable and peaceful stay.' Sue and Joseph, New Zealand

'Overwelming welcome with so much attention to detail. Fresh flowers everywhere, stunning views, don't think we want to leave ever. Thank you so much and we to will be back!!!' R, R&J, The Netherlands.

'Thank you for a wonderful stay. All the little touches are great, the dinners were really fantastic and a lovely touch. We hope to return again soon.' The Simpson family.

'A superb and tranquil cottage, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Thank you.' Mike and Sally, Lincolnshire.

'A special thank you to the caretakers of the cottage who made sure we were very welcome, and were always on hand to help with any queries we had. Five-star treatment.' Steve, Jane and Elouise.

' we have had a wonderful relaxing week in this lovely environment, welcomed by perfect hostesses. Lovely food in the area, but Kathy's marvellous home-cooked menu can match it easily.' Paul and Monica.

'What a magical place. Thank you for a wonderful break with so many thoughtful touches to welcome us.' Jo and James.