Black Rock Holiday Cottage accommodation Llanthony, Brecon Beacons, Wales

A pretty woodland retreat with a lovely established garden in the Llanthony Valley near Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye. This romantic holiday cottage in the middle of the woods is a perfect place for total escapism. It is comfortable and well-equipped but retains a lovely cottagey feel. There is superb walking straight from the door, and Llanthony with its ruined priory (and a pub in its vaults) is a short drive or walk up the valley. Sleeps 1-2 couples (plus up to 2 well-behaved dogs).

'Hansel and Gretel's cottage - but without the wicked witch!'
Black Rock Cottage has attracted this remark on more than one occasion since the present owner bought the cottage in the mid-1990s. Then, there was no electricity, and water was fed into the cottage from a spring high up on the slopes of the Black Mountains. It sits in a clearing in the middle of Forestry Commission woodland, one mile from the hamlet of Llanthony. In the spring of 2005 the cottage was fully refurbished and brought up to date, making it an ideal retreat from the 21st century. This gorgeous self-catering cottage offers perfect isolation: wild walks amid beautiful scenery directly from the back door, but luxurious and cosy inside - the ideal place in which to relax and wind down away from city life.

Black Rock Cottage is approached via a good gravel track through the forest The comfortable country kitchen is spacious and well-equipped with all mod-cons essential for a relaxing holiday for 4 (or a couple). There is an oil-fired Rayburn, as well as a top-quality gas cooker, microwave, dishwasher and a good-sized farmhouse table. The entire cottage offers real comfort combined with simple country elegance. It has oil-fired central heating throughout, but for those who enjoy a real fire, the woodburning stove in the sitting-room provides a cosy atmosphere in which to relax and read, play some of the games provided or enjoy the digital satellite TV/DVD. French windows open out into the pretty terraced garden which is full of interesting flora and fauna

Upstairs, the two surprisingly spacious bedrooms (one including a power shower), sleep two couples in superb comfort. Steam away the stress in the very well-appointed bathroom or blast the past away under the rigours of another power shower. Beautiful white cotton bedlinen, fluffy towels and bath robes are all provided. Babies are welcome, as a cot and high-chair are available. Downstairs, there is a useful cloakroom area providing washer/dryer, clothes airer and loo, and a back door to the garden where the barbecue is kept.

The cost of staying at Black Rock Cottage is all-inclusive. Firewood is provided, as is the cost of electricity and heating. There is no mobile phone reception at the cottage, but there is a telephone from which local calls can be made. The private water supply is provided by the borehole. Well-behaved dogs welcome (downstairs only).

Llanthony is an excellent place from which to explore the Welsh borders, The Black Mountains and The Marches. Offa's Dyke footpath runs along the ridge on the opposite side of the valley and the famous Cistercian Llanthony Abbey is nearby. There are many walks in and around the area, and pony-trekking from either Court Farm or Trevelog Farm. There are plenty of interesting things to see and do, as well as many excellent pubs and restaurants to enjoy. Slightly further afield but well within striking distance for a good day out are Cardiff, with its rapidly expanding and exciting Bay area, Hereford, for its cathedral and the Mappa Mundi, and Ludlow, with its good food shops and handsome town houses. The Gower Penninsula with its wonderful beaches is not too far for a day trip, as well as the many beauty spots of South Wales. This lovely self-catering retreat has been awarded 4 stars from the Welsh Tourist Board. Short breaks are available - so if you want to spend a weekend or a few days in the Black Mountains in a luxury cottage in Wales then you have come to the perfect place!

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From the visitors book at Black Rock Cottage

'I had a lovely time and made an amazingly strong and long-lasting den in the forest. Lovely house - definitely coming back.' Sam (aged 8).

'We have had a fantastic time, yet again. Brilliant climbs, wonderful sleeps.' Debbie and Lewis.

'Absolutely everything one could wish for, and then some. Fabulous beds, beautiful linens, bathrobes, wine and breakfast essentials. Superb kitchen, glorious garden - 5 stars!' Kathy and Andrew, London.

'Our first visit to Black Rock Cottage and I am sure many more to follow. Such a warm and welcoming cottage and the perfect place for recharging one's batteries.' The Crosbies.