Amid fifty acres of medieval pasture and woodland in the stunning Llanthony Valley between Abergavenny and Hay on Wye, this authentic Mongolian Yurt (or Ger) sits completely on its own in a secluded riverside meadow, with the surrounding mountains creating a glorious backdrop. If you are looking for a wonderfully comfortable 'back to nature' experience in all weather conditions, with the chance to catch your breath, gaze at the inky-black starlit sky, hear the soothing sound of a rushing mountain river, and enjoy the peace and quiet and pure, clean air of the Black Mountains, then the Mongolian Yurt is the place for you. The woodburning stove heats the yurt rapidly to a cosy warmth even in cold weather. Sleeps a couple in a double bed (plus 2 children on futons). Up to 2 well-behaved dogs welcome. CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO BOOK ONLINE. Alternatively, click here to email us with your booking requirements.

This beautiful authentic antique yurt was made by Mongolian craftsmen to their own native specification - so it is suitable for the challenging conditions of the Mongolian highlands. Its handmade wooden lattice walls are assembled with yak-hide ties and tied together with yak hair ropes. The roof crown, crown supports, roof poles and wooden doors are painted and decorated with traditional designs, giving an authentic and romantic feel. A layer of thick yak felt over the frame means that you are warm in cool weather and cool in hot weather. The natural canvas cover keeps out the rain and the traditionally decorated cotton outer cover prevents the UV rays from damaging the canvas. An efficient little woodburning stove sits in the middle of the space with its stove pipe poking out of the top. Candle-lit lanterns give the interior a cosy, romantic glow. Rich oriental kilims and Persian rugs lie on the raised wooden floor and the beds are made up with crisp cotton sheets and duvets. The yurt is surprisingly roomy, and all but the tallest people can stand inside with headroom to spare.

Outside the Yurt, a large fire pit can be lit to warm your evenings, and there is a barbecue for cooking outside. However, the Shepherd's Hut provides a sheltered mini kitchen at one end (with gas hob, sink and kitchen essentials) and a gas-heated shower at the other. A separate compost loo (yes, this is pleasant to use!) is set at a convenient but discreet distance away (loo paper, sawdust or shredded paper supplied - all clearly explained on site). Chairs and a table can be used inside or outside the yurt, and there is a table and benches for alfresco eating. The river Honddu, a mere 30 yards away, is lovely for cooling off on hot days, as there is a billabong deep enough to plunge into. The river, and the woods round about, are great for children's adventures - but parents, please supervise small children.

The nitty gritty:

• The yurt sleeps a couple in a double bed. Up to 2 children can be accommodated on futons, but you will need to bring bedding for them.
• Bedding provided for the double bed, but please bring your own towels (and bedding for children if required)
• Shepherd's hut provides cooking and washing facilities and a good hot shower
• Pots, pans, plates, cutlery, mugs, glasses, tea-lights, citronella tea-lights, citronella lamp oil, torches, matches, washing-up liquid, tea towels, rubbish bags and loo paper all provided
• Natural terracotta and sand fridge
• Compost loo in corner of field (private and pleasant to use)
• A field shelter is provided for keeping bikes, BBQ fuel etc dry
• A starter quantity of logs is provided. There is a saw and sawing horse inside the field shelter if you would like to saw yourself more firewood at no extra cost. Or there are ready-cut extra logs (£7 per basket)
• Up to 2 very well-behaved dogs welcome (be aware there are sheep, ponies and chickens in the vicinity), but must not be allowed inside the yurt if muddy and must NOT be left on their own inside the yurt
• River swimming (small children will need to be supervised as the river is fast-flowing, especially after rain in the hills).
• Large meadow perfect for outside games and for children and dogs to let off steam
• Pub at Llanthony Priory is just a short distance away (a 1/4 hour walk)
• Fabulous walking onto the mountain tops straight from the Yurt
• Close to the famous 'book town' Hay-on-Wye

Set in the breathtakingly beautiful Llanthony Valley in the eastern reaches of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the yurt is situated a mile from the hamlet of Llanthony, with its ruined 12th century priory with a delightful pub in the vaults below. A small river field gate leads to where you park, then a secret path tucked by the river takes you to your private yurt field and riverside setting (1 minute's walk from your car).

Around the Mongolian Yurt

Walks around are wonderful: Offa's Dyke is close and the views from the mountain tops are stupendous. Walk straight up behind the yurt to Hatterell Ridge for a true taste of the Black Mountains. There is riding locally, and the famous town of Hay-on-Wye is a short drive away. Restaurants and pubs are excellent (see Dining Out), and the area has a profusion of pretty churches and Norman castles. All sorts of outside activities are available in the Brecon Beacons National Park - walking, riding, gliding, paragliding, climbing, pot-holing, biking etc. It is also a bird-watcher's paradise. Llwyn-on, the farm, on which the yurt is situated, is part of an environmentally friendly Countryside Management Scheme. The owners' ethos is to work with nature, to enjoy the beauty of the land and to make the environment their priority.

Pricing & Availability

Changeovers are Mondays and Fridays. Weekends are set-priced from Friday 4.30pm to either Sunday evening or Monday 10.30am, so you can stay 1, 2 or 3 nights for the weekend price. Mid-week breaks are from Monday 4.30pm to Friday 10.30am. Week-long bookings are from Monday to Monday or Friday to Friday. 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.

'A wonderful and romantic honeymoon in a beautiful and idyllic setting.' Andrew and Lucy, July 2009

'A suprise birthday present, and the most romantic place we have ever stayed.  The peace; the solitude: at times it felt that we were the only two people in the world!! Will definitely return.' Fee and Charlie, July 2009

'Absolutely wonderful.  Spent most of the two days fantasising about making it our permanent home.  Will be back for sure.' Emily and Chris, August 2009

'Our luxury camping weekend turned out even better than we hoped!  This is a beautiful setting in a beautiful valley.  We could happily have stayed for months.  The shepherd's hut, particularly, is a delight.' Paola and David, August 2009