The Forge, a beautiful former blacksmith's dwelling in rural Monmouthshire, has been perfectly restored into a really comfortable holiday cottage for up to 3 couples, but at the same time retains the many original features which give this authentic building so much charm. It is set in a lovely enclosed, private garden with beautiful views, a formal herb parterre, and a big lawn bordered by old-fashioned roses and a wild meadow - perfect for running around and letting off steam. About seven miles from the market town of Abergavenny, The Forge is set in unspoilt countryside on the edge of the sleepy hamlet of Llangattock Lingoed. The village has its own excellent pub, The Hunter's Moon, and the beautifully restored 13th century church of St. Cadoc.

This proper Welsh longhouse, dating from as far back as the 13th Century, has a plethora of authentic features: ancient beams, two perfectly preserved wooden screens to divide the downstairs rooms, a great stone fireplace, flag-stone floors, mullion windows, a stone stair-case, and the original blacksmith's forge. There are three bedrooms, one double up a ladder staircase, one double downstairs, and a magnificent master bedroom extending almost the full length of the house with a lovely view of St. Cadoc's church and the Skirrid Fawr mountain behind. The bathroom has a loo, a wash hand basin and a cast-iron roll-top Victorian bath with a power shower over it; the sweet country kitchen has an electric hob, a Rayburn for slow-cooking, a microwave, a fridge, a freezer, a Belfast sink, and a good-sized oak dining table and chairs. The sitting-room is at the heart of the house, and is a wonderful place to sit and relax in front of the great big open fire.

There are plenty of things to see and do in the area - country towns, Norman castles, churches, markets, fabulous restaurants and pubs, outdoor pursuits (such as golf, riding, cycling, paragliding, climbing, pot-holing, fishing, shooting), and the many wildlife reserves. Offa's Dyke runs through Llangattock Lingoed, so it's not surprising that many people visit this part of Wales to enjoy the wonderful walking country that it is. There is plenty of useful information in the cottage to help you plan your days. Or, as so many people do, just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, venturing out occasionally to enjoy the very friendly pub a short stroll away.

The nitty-gritty:

• Additional sofa-bed available
• Goose-down duvet in master-bedroom
• Bedlinen, towels, toiletries and bath robes
• Electricity and oil-fired central heating included
• A basket of logs included (more can be bought from the owner)
• Fridge
• Freezer
• Electric hob and Rayburn
• Pets welcome
• Microwave
• Cot and high-chair
• No washing machine, but owner can do washes for guests
• Mobile reception

Pricing & Availability

Weekends are set-priced from Friday 4pm to either Sunday evening or Monday 10.30am; so you can stay for 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 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.

Customer Comments

"Katie, Joe and I had a lovely time. Our stay in the Forge leaves us with happy memories and the garden is truly wonderful." Gareth June 2009