The Folly, situated on the southern slopes of the Black Mountains, is an innovative two-bedroomed stone barn conversion with a beautiful view. The visitor is cleverly drawn inside by a curved glass wall which reflects and bounces around the already plentiful light, while gently dividing the space. The renowned local architect, Katherine Jones, had a remit to use natural, ecologically sound materials wherever possible, including sheep’s wool insulation, pigmented clay plaster, casein based paints, and lots of local oak for the flooring and bespoke joinery. Now a great place for a holiday or short break for 1 -2 couples (plus an infant and up to 2 well-behaved dogs), it has a wonderfully relaxed, bohemian feel. Scroll down to see all pictures. CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO BOOK ONLINE. Alternatively, click here to email us with your booking requirements.

The resulting living space is airy, light and inspiring, while being very well insulated and warm. There are some unusual pieces which really catch the eye, such as the suspended wood-burning stove, and the beautiful radiators, which are as much like sculptures as sources of heat. The warm, earthy colours, the eclectic paintings and objects, and the high standard of comfort all make The Folly an original, arty and welcoming place to stay. The view - in an area of amazing views - is an outstanding south-easterly panorama over a wide valley, facing the Skirrid and the Blorenge mountains. The atmospheric Carpenter's Arms at Walterstone, a 10-15 minute walk away, is a real gem and has excellent beer and serves hearty pub food. Reviewed thus: "One of the country's great treasures. This has been in a single family for generations. Vera runs a terrific establishment. Superb in every way. Breconshire beers straight from the barrel.” Click here for other independent reviews.  

The Folly, being on one floor, has easy wheelchair access, and comprises two extremely comfortable bedrooms (one double and one twin) with their own bathrooms (both with shower and bath), a big open-plan kitchen-cum-living area, and a second semi- glazed room, which provides a comfortable place to sit and contemplate the view, as well as being an artist’s studio. The studio is ideal for artists or writers, having excellent natural and artificial light, with a large desk and table and full-sized easels available to use. The kitchen is well-equipped, and has an oil-fired modern Alpha range.

There is a choice of three outside sitting-areas - one a well-sheltered sun-trap on the terrace, another for hotter times under a well-shaped tree surrounded by flowers, and a small wooden balcony looking out onto the wonderful view. A barbecue and garden furniture are provided. And a wild area of grass, mown through with paths, is great for children and dogs to let off steam.

The nitty gritty:

• Unlimited use of tennis court
• Easy wheelchair access
• Double bed in master bedroom has top quality Vi-sprung mattress
• Each bedroom has its own bathroom (with both shower and bath)
• Up to 2 well-behaved dogs welcome. Please note the owners have dogs which, though friendly, may greet you outside from time to time (parents of small children be aware)
• Oil-fired modern Alpha cooking range
• Fridge
• Dishwasher
• Utility room with washer/dryer and freezer
• TV with DVD-player
• CD-player/radio
• Cot and high chair provided
• Garden furniture
• Wood burner (logs supplied)
• Bedlinen and towels
• Good pub a short walk away
• Please note that there is a 200m private track which, though in good condition, may be unsuitable for some very low-slung cars. Visitors to take advice in bad weather

Things to do around The Folly

There are lots of walks straight from the doorstep. Offa’s Dyke path is approximately 2 miles away on top of Hatterall Hill, which is the gateway to walking in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Lovely churches and Norman castles are everywhere, and Hay-on-Wye is a must for book-lovers and antique-hunters. The Mappa Mundi in Hereford Cathedral is one of the most important historical relics in the world; and Cardiff with its museums, lovely Victorian shopping arcades and redeveloped Bay area is well worth a visit.

This area is a foodie’s delight, being well populated with top class eateries, from the renowned Walnut Tree , and Stephen Terry’s restaurant, The Hardwick (of The Great British Menu fame), to top notch pubs and superb hotels - try the Gliffaes Hotel near Crickhowell or The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny for a tea to remember.  The local pub is the well known Carpenters Arms at Walterstone, just a short walk away, and provides good robust pub food and a wonderful old fashioned atmosphere in which to sample the local ales. Visit award winning local suppliers such as Black Mountain Smokery (smoked salmon, trout, duck and chicken), Rawlings the Butcher (a huge variety of sausages, superb bacon and Welsh Black beef) or recent very successful enterprises such as Rowlestone Icecream a couple of miles down the road.  The Longtown Post Office is 12 minutes away and stocks an amazing range of local produce, including Neal’s Yard cheese and fresh veggies.

Pricing & Availability

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 shorter weekend will be priced down accordingly. Move the cursor over a date and prices will appear, and click for 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.

From the Visitors Book at the The Folly

"A lovely cottage with plenty of rustic charm and home comforts.  Tim and Bryony have been most hospitable.  Thanks!"  Alison & Adam,  Blackpool. July 2009

"A beautiful cottage with lovely and unusual touches , gorgeous views! Fantastic place for our honeymoon - we both loved it, as did our daughter. Thank you!"  Siaron and Dave ,  Cardiff. July 2009

"An extremely homely and welcoming Folly.  We loved the tranquility and incredible bird-life; house martins, bull finches, buzzards, robins etc.  The welcome bacon in the fridge was the best we've ever tasted.  Thank you for everything." Gary & Miriam ,  Slough. August 2009

"A fantastic house, garden and setting.  it's been so comfortable and relaxing it's been hard to get out and about.  The attention to detail has been much appreciated.  We now wish we 'd booked another week."  Trisha and John,  Manchester. August 2009.