The Hafod |
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- Situated in the dramatic Black Mountains
- Stupendous views and the best hill walking
- Hay-on-Wye within easy reach
- Superb barn conversion
- Underfloor heating and top-of-the-range woodburner
- 1/4 hour walk to local pub
- Sleeps 2 to 4 (plus an infant)
- The Hafod welcomes 2 good dogs (£15 per dog)
The Hafod is dramatically situated near Hay-on-Wye on a small Welsh farm-holding of 50 acres of pasture, woodland and river meadows. High up in the beautiful Black Mountains, the views from this extremely comfortable self-catering holiday cottage are magical and life-enhancing. This is a rare thing: a masterly barn conversion which has been beautifully designed, authentically restored and stylishly furnished. Sleeps up to 2 couples (plus a child, 2 infants, and up to 2 good dogs).
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Set on a farm in a beautiful, tranquil location, this lovely holiday cottage in Wales has direct access up to the mountain and Offa’s Dyke path. Just fifteen minutes from Hay-on Wye, The Hafod is perfectly placed for exploring, walking or riding. The farm surrounding the property is part of an environmentally friendly Countryside Management Scheme: a mixture of mature woodland, newly planted broadleaf woodland, ancient pasture-land and hedgerows, providing a haven for wildlife. The farmhouse is a traditional 15th century longhouse, which the owners occupy. The Hafod next door is quite separate and private.
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The Hafod was originally a shelter for sheep and cattle, and has been beautifully converted to make a comfortable and calming place to stay. Local oak has been used in the impressive oak roof timbers, the oak panelled screen and floor boards of the galleried bedroom, and the walls have been lime-plastered. Large glass doors let in natural light and fabulous views up to the top of the valley; and the original “arrow slit” windows are intact, framing enticing slices of view across the valley. The Hafod, with its huge sitting/dining area, richly decorated master bedroom (the former stable) with ensuite luxury shower-room and loo, galleried bedroom (with double bed and a single bed), kitchen, and separate downstairs luxury shower-room with loo, sleeps 2 couples (plus one, and 2 infants in travel cots).
The downstairs area comprises a large sitting-room and dining area, open to the barn roof, giving a feeling of peace and space. There are comfortable sofas and chairs, antique furniture, and a powerful wood-burning stove in the sitting area. A beautiful oak dining table seats eight people. Solid oak floorboards are laid with lovely Turkish rugs, and the room is very effectively warmed by underfloor heating.
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The newly fitted kitchen is open to the main sitting/dining area, and has Travertine stone flooring, a Welsh oak dresser, gas hob with electric oven, fridge, and roomy kitchen units. All the basics are provided so that you don’t have to bring them with you – washing-up liquid, cloths, tea-towels, oven-gloves, cleaning-stuff, bin bags, washing powder etc.
The downstairs shower room is utterly luxurious with Travertine stone on the floor, underfloor heating, power shower, hand basin and loo – and its own view up to the top of the valley. The first floor galleried bedroom is accessed via a lovely steep stone staircase and has a double bed with luxurious bedlinen. A single bed can also be provided. Outside the main glass doors is a terraced area with barbecue, garden furniture and a view to die for. Guests are welcome to walk and explore the farm's woodland and fields, and the meadows by the river are a perfect place to picnic.
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The farm’s original cobbled stable, now incorporated into the barn as the master bedroom, has been sympathetically converted, retaining its authentic character, with the original oak roof timbers and oak posts for storing tack. Now painted in a warm earthy lime wash, it has a pretty antique brass four-poster double bed, some comfortable chairs and a table, and underfloor heating. A single bed can be provided if required. A fabulous luxury en-suite shower room with hand basin and loo completes the picture.
Things to do IN AND around The black Mountains
The Black Mountains have so much to offer visitors, from all the obvious outdoor pursuits to beautiful country churches, abbeys and castles. The Hafod is a particularly special Welsh holiday cottage near Hay-on-Wye, with its bookshops and antique shops - ideal for visiting the Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival. The barn is perfectly placed for riding and horse trekking and the owners can help to organise this. You can even walk to a trekking centre across the fields. There are also great restaurants in the area.
The nitty gritty
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Availability, pricing & how to book
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 - prices shown are for use of the main bedroom. You can book online, or contact us by email and we can do it for you: caroline@blackmountains.biz or telephone 01873 890190.
Location map
From the visitors book at The Hafod
"The barn is perfect - somehow both luxurious and 'natural' at the same time." Ruthie and Jonny
"...the perfect holiday. A lovely, peaceful place to stay in." Vanessa and Paul
"Great welcome and fantastic location. Beautifully decorated and very well equipped." Christina and Kevin
"A beautiful barn, great location." Lynda, Carl and Emily
"A fanstastic barn in a beautiful location, the perfect place for James' (5 1/2 months) first holiday." Mike, Erin and James
"I don't want to leave!" Catherine
"...A wonderful few days in the loveliest place." Christopher