Johnson Cottage is a homely idyll tucked away in the lovely village of Brockweir, just 20 minutes from the M4, in the heart of the Wye Valley. This beautiful 2-bedroomed cottage is perfectly situated on a footpath that wanders to the banks of the River Wye, and with one of the village's brooks babbling past the front door.

Please note, Johnson Cottage can't be booked online at present. Please get in touch to enquire about availability.

Brockweir lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, situated between the historic Welsh Border Towns of Monmouth and Chepstow, and on the edge of the Forest of Dean - a short riverside walk away from Tintern and its famous Abbey. With the Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path running either side of the Brockweir Bridge - just moments away - you are perfectly placed for walking some of the most scenic routes in the UK. Johnson Cottage is perfect for a romantic hideaway with riverside meadows and picnics within a few steps of the front door, or as a haven for friends and family to relax after a day of exploring or adventuring on and around the Wye.

Johnson Cottage is the quintessential old village cottage that dates back over 200 years (with the original wax-sealed deeds unusually still in existence). Recently refurbished it has retained its charming original features whilst having modern amenities. It's situated behind the old Brockweir Country Inn in an unspoilt old village with a strong community spirit and a rich history where you will find the atmosphere very friendly, quiet and convivial - Brockweir is a truly unique place to get away from it all.

You are very close to the tranquil banks of the Wye - just make your way on the path over the brook, past the famous neighbouring Moravian Church to enjoy the riverside meadows and idyllic views of Brockweir Bridge and the stunning Wye Valley countryside.

Luxury Welsh Self Catering Accommodation

The cottage sleeps up to four adults in 2 x king, or 1 x king and 1 x twin beds upon request.

A romantic setting on the Wye for couples - Intimate enough for those seeking a romantic getaway, engagement celebration, honeymoon, anniversary, Valentine break or as a surprise for your loved one - talk to us about your requirements and the packages we have available to make your stay unforgettable.

Adventures in the Wye Valley for families and/or friends - Again, 2 x king or 1 x king and 1 x twin rooms can be provided upon request. Children are welcome and a travel cot, highchair and steriliser can be provided along with an extra fold out bed if required (for an extra £25, regardless of length of stay).

Through the front door, you will be welcomed by a spacious beamed living and dining area retaining all its original and rustic features. It enjoys pockets of natural light from the windows and stairs and is transformed into a romantic and homely atmosphere with subtle lamps, which is a feature carried on throughout the cottage. With solid oak floors and rugs, and a woodburner set in an original fireplace with exposed stone walls and a cosy sofa area - its perfect for snuggling up on those cold winter nights or when the summer evenings start to cool. A generous basket of wood is provided and we will make up a fire ready for you to light on the evening of your arrival. Enjoy the warmth and glow of the real wood fire and feel the full ambience of the cottage come to life as the warmth spreads throughout. Alternatively, the cottage also has Economy 7 storage heaters in all rooms. A TV, DVD player and CD player is also provided along with a generous amount of board games, DVDs, CDs and books (including local information and guides) are provided for your enjoyment.

The cottage kitchen is well equipped with an electric hob and cooker, microwave, washing machine, fridge freezer, toaster and dishwasher. All mod cons are provided plus larder essentials including tea, coffee, milk, sugar, salt, pepper, olive oil, washing up liquid, soaps, and all crockery and kitchen and dining linen. We also provide a picnic set and blanket in a large whicker basket so you can enjoy a riverside picnic.

An intimate walled courtyard sitting area is accessed through the french windows where you are surrounded by pot plants, herbs and hanging baskets all year round. An ideal setting for that chilly early morning breakfast coffee to plan your day or a late night glass of wine to finish off a summers evening.

Upstairs, the two bedrooms include a spacious and airy main double bedroom with a view over lush walled country gardens, the footpath and across to the hills above Brockweir. It retains beamed features along with original stone window sills and surroundings. The second bedroom is just as charming and is slightly smaller with a small stone fireplace feature and original exposed stone wall. This enjoys the same views and can be made-up as 2 small singles (2'6" - children's size) or 1 kingsize to suit your requirements. Both rooms have modern yet sympathetic furnishings, and feature sumptuous duck-down duvets and pillows and Egyptian cotton sheets that will sleep you in indulgent comfort. Take a moment to watch the horses from the local rescue centre on the hill and the birds flying around the trees and eaves of surrounding buildings, and enjoy the tranquility of the quiet countryside as the evening fades.

Relax with a well-earned soak in the lovely traditional style bath - always a favourite. Fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers await you!

Eating out in the Wye Valley around Tintern, Chepstow and Monmouth

Close by:
Lynne and Richard at the Brockweir Country Inn (01291 689548) give you a warm welcome and friendly chat. Enjoy the real ales and hearty pub fair in the nooks and crannies of the old pub or in the sunny beer garden where all are welcome. There is the superb Brockweir Village Shop selling fresh local produce and goods with a tea room and internet access just up the hill from the main village. Abbey Mill Coffee Shop and Tea Room in the middle of Tintern offers generously portioned light meals and lunches with outdoor seating for nice weather.

Less than 10 minutes away by car:
Tucked away in the small village of Whitebrook is the The Crown, one of only two Michelin starred restaurants in Wales. Under Head Chef of 4 years James Sommerin, the Crown offers 'the total dining experience' described as ' fine modern dining with classical french disciplines', sourcing much of the produce used locally. It has also been voted by Johanson as having one of the top three wine lists in Britain (2006). Lunch or Dinner is definitely to be lingered over.

The Ostrich is towards Monmouth, just in the Forest of Dean, set in the centre of the picturesque village of Newland opposite the church. The pub is renowned for its delicious home made dishes, catering to a wide variety of tastes which also includes a vegetarian menu. Ingredients are sourced locally and every thing is prepared freshly on the premises. It also prides itself on its range of Real ales with up to eight on tap at any one time. A warm welcome from the Landlady is always extended whether eating on the patios or in the beautiful walled gardens or snuggling up in the bar and restaurant next to the real fire with fine food or a pint of ale. It has won an array of accolades and is a lively and convivial place for both locals and visitors alike.

Chepstow (15 min's):
For a change of pace a drive to Chepstow is where you will find the stylish and lively Mythos Greek Bar and Restaurant. Upstairs is the restaurant serving delicious greek foods, encouraging a shared dining experience, and downstairs is a lively bar serving wines, cocktails and champagne until the early hours. There are other late night bars along the same street.

Mamma Mia is a reasonably prices busy italian offering delicious meals with attentive service who will cater to your parties needs.

Additionally, there are more bars and restaurants close to the river.

Monmouth (20 min's):
For an award winning curry visit the Misbah Tandoori in Monmouth 20 minutes away. This family run restaurant is a regular in the Good Curry Guide Top 100 Indian Restaurants and offers the finest Bangladeshi cuisine cooked in the traditional way. Only the finest ingredients are sourced and everything is cooked fresh to order.

Pizza Express on the main street in Monmouth is a great place for a wide variety of delicious pizzas and a glass of wine, and to learn more about Monmouth with its locally inspired decor.

Monmouth boasts a number of delicious cafes and eateries ideal for lunch such as The Whole Earth in White Swan Court which has a healthy and organic inspired menu. The Thyme Out Coffee Shop (above Salt and Pepper Cook Shop in the main street) offers wonderful coffee, breakfast, lunch or try the yummy cakes at afternoon tea. Sit out on the sun terrace when weather permits and see your food being freshly prepared! Try to resist the shopping, including the great Cook Shop (Salt and Pepper), the Courtyard Clothes Shop (two floors of on trend designer ladies fashions for all ages and occasions) and pop next door to the Gift Shop - this treasure chest of a shop has a gift for everyone.

The Malsters down a side street by St Mary's Church offers cafetières of Coffee, paninis, sandwiches and homemade soups and is attached and indeed a side line to the main business of the day - bread making and other baked fair. Wigmores or 'Wiggies' has been Monmouth's favourite local bakery for the past 100 years and still uses the same traditional fermentation cycle keeping the art of bread making very much alive.

To take home? Make sure you bring your basket!
If you want to take something home to cook buy your 'Wiggies' loaf and head up Church Street to Le Gourmet a local independent butcher. Proprietor Duncan Wills is a favourite with locals and his fine quality meat is sourced locally from named breeds and farms. He stocks homemade pork pies and is famous for his faggots, all made on the premises. The shop also has an array of delicatessen items that will delight your tastebuds.

Just across the street visit the local Greengrocer Munday and Jones and pick up seasonal local fresh fruit and veg and organic fair, all weighed and wrapped by Phil Munday in the traditional way. Buy local milk, butter, cream and any other essentials along with local honey, preserves, pickles and more exotic cooking ingredients. Both Phil and Duncan are local legends for their friendly banter and promoting real healthy foods and traditional shopping habits - stand back and watch the hustle and bustle of the customers - the quality speaks for itself!

Then head downtown to Fingal-Rock, local wine merchant and deli who - "sidestep the mass market monsters and offer better quality at reasonable prices." Guaranteed to "positively excite the palate."

Activities in the Wye Valley near Brockweir

A short walk down river is the Tintern Old Station with a small museum (in a train carriage!), tea room and lovely outdoor seating area. You can walk through the woods to Tintern and its abbey in around 30 minutes from your front door, enjoying sightseeing and lunch, and returning on the other side of the river in a lovely circular walk (which takes in the Old Station).

It is a short drive to the old market towns of Chepstow, with its impressive cliff-top castle and Monmouth, both of which offer plenty of shopping opportunities. There are myriad activities in the areas from traditional country pursuits include fishing, shooting, pony trekking and walking to the more sporting or adventurous experience - cycling, canoeing, rock climbing, quad biking, potholing and golfing. Or just shut away the world and spend time together.

Pricing & Availability

From £450 to £675 for week-long lets; from £260 for short breaks. Johnson Cottage can't be booked online at present. Please get in touch to enquire about availability. Ask about our special winter offer from now until February 12th 2010 - choose any available 3-night weekend (Fri-Mon) for £225 or 4-night week break (Mon-Fri) for £275. Get in touch for more info and availability for these or week long stays. (Please note, does not include Christmas/New Year weeks).

Customer Comments

"A beautiful cottage for a few days away in the picturesque Wye Valley - just what we were looking for. We too found the flowers, wine and food wonderful surprises which added much to our holiday - especially the delicious cooked breakfast, super sausages. Your books and music were very much appreciated. Thanks for a great break." MARION, GRAHAM & BOYS, SURREY

"We've had a wonderfully relaxing time in your beautiful cottage. You supplied everything we needed and the flowers, wine, robes and slippers were a lovely touch. Thankyou. You have yourselves a little gem in a beautiful location and in a lovely part of the world. This was the first holiday we have taken with our dog and the walking was brilliant. We really can’t wait to come back again. Thanks so much for sharing your cottage with us. Your attention to detail made the week all the more relaxing and enjoyable." [Subsequent email] NIGEL, KAREN, DANIEL & PIPPA (THE DOG!), MANCHESTER

" The cottage was delightful, and wanting for nothing. We felt we must comment on the bed, which was the most comfortable we have slept in, for a long time, and we struggled to get out of it, most mornings." JO & CRAIGE, MIDDLESEX

"Thank you for your lovely cottage, we have had a very relaxing break." LIZ & GARETH

"Thank you so much for letting us use your beautiful cottage. We have had a fantastic weekend - pure relaxation! The cottage is perfectly based to explore the wonderful countryside. Many thanks." CARRIE & ADAM

"Wow, what a treat this cottage is. We wanted a few days of rest, relaxation and romance and couldn't have dreamed up a better place for it! The attention to detail makes this place really special, along with your eclectic and great taste in books, movies and music. Thanks for creating such a haven in the Wye Valley which we have fallen in love with. We will definately be back and recommending this place to all our friends. Many thanks." MICHELLE & JAMIE

"Thank you for a wonderful stay in a beautiful cottage, comfy, spacious - brilliant. Will certainly recommend to our friends." VERONICA & SUE, DERBYSHIRE

"We were very pleased when we walked in the cottage. It really is beautiful. It was so thoughtful to leave the provisions. The towels, dressing gowns, slippers makes it feel very homely. The break has been so relaxing, the scenery fantastic and the cottage is perfect! Many thanks." EMMA & CLIFF, HERTFORDSHIRE