Penlan Cottage is superbly located high up in the Black Mountains, lending it spectacular views up and down the valley. Perfect for week-long holidays or romantic short breaks, this self-catering holiday cottage in Wales sits in the grounds of a magnificently restored Grade 2-listed medieval farmhouse, surrounded by enchanting gardens and 150 acres of farmland and woods. You can walk straight up to the top of the mountain from the front door, through ancient bluebell woods thick with the sound of birdsong. The cottage sleeps a couple in an extremely comfortable double bed, plus a couple of children in an adjoining twin room. Each room has an ensuite. CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO BOOK ONLINE. Alternatively, click here to email us with your booking requirements.

The cottage is one of the restored farm buildings on this beautiful farmstead. There are lovely walks from the front door: paths from the cottage lead straight up onto the open mountainside, with bluebell woods, banks of wild orchids and numerous streams. This is unbeatable walking country: the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park begins right on the doorstep. And, surprisingly, this idyllic spot is only 4 miles from excellent shops and good places to eat. Children will love the animals here - the two Highland cattle, the pig, the chickens, the cats and the ducks.

Stylish self-catering cottage right up in the Black Mountains near Abergavenny.

Penlan is a sweet, stylishly restored little 2-bedroomed self-catering cottage for four (or 3, plus an infant up to 2-years old in a cot). The open-plan living-room comprises a neat, well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable sitting-room with a wood burning stove, flag-stoned floor, and French doors out to a garden with its own large private terrace and charming duck pond (complete with friendly ducks).

The terrace makes the most of the amazing view, which stretches across lyrically undulating farmland across to the mountains the other side of the valley. This makes a perfect year-round viewing-point to enjoy the countryside: soak up the sun in the summer and spot the buzzards and red kites wheeling above, or watch the ducks sliding comically across the icy pond in the winter, with the snow-topped mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.

The main bedroom is off the living area and has its own bathroom (with loo), then through to a twin bedroom with its own ensuite shower room (with loo). The latter is best for children (as a door connects it to the master bedroom), but perfectly possible for a couple, as there is a separate external entrance. Both rooms are very comfortable and charmingly decorated, with lime-washed walls, lovely old wood, good pictures and useful cupboards.

Many interesting excursions can be made from Penlan – straight from the front door with a picnic and up onto the Black Mountains, or further afield either west into the Brecon Beacons National Park, or eastwards towards Grosmont and Monmouth, where dramatic and fascinating Norman border castles police the border between England and Wales. White Castle, Grosmont, and Raglan are among the best. Beautiful churches and abbeys, such as nearby Partrishow and Llanthony are must-sees, as is Hay-on-Wye, the world centre for second-hand bookshops.

Restaurants in this foodie part of the world (known as the Dordogne of Britain) are plentiful and excellent: top chef Stephen Terry’s The Hardwick is a must for a special meal, and there are quantities of good pubs serving good pub fare, real ales and local ciders (see the section on Dining). Otherwise, stay in and relax, cook your own meals from good local ingredients, and allow the peace and quiet of this romantic holiday cottage to re-energise you.

The nitty gritty

• Two bathrooms: one with bath, hand basin and loo; one with shower, hand basin and loo
• Very stylishly decorated and furnished
• Big gas hob and electric oven
• Fridge
• Microwave
• TV
• DVD player
• Electric heating
• Woodburning stove (logs included)
• Bedlinen and towels
• Top-of-the-range double mattress
• Barbecue & garden furniture
• All basics included (such as soap, loo paper and cleaning materials)
• Welcome pack
• Ample parking
• Take advice in bad weather
• Bike storage
• Cot and highchair on request
• Access to a laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer
• Sorry, no dogs
• Limited mobile reception

Pricing & Availability

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 short 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.

Comments from the visitors book at Penlan

'We had an amazing time at the cottage. We came by night and found it incredibly beautiful in the morning.' Miki and Dafna, London

'Pip and Graham were exceptionally welcoming, and the cottage was very well equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. The location was breathtakingly beautiful - perfect for the quiet Christmas escape we were looking for.' Rachel

'What a lovely break we had in Penlan Cottage. Although the temperature didn't rise above - 5C for the whole of our stay, the cottage was warm and comfortable, with fantastic views over the valley. The duck pond was completely frozen so the ducks had to ice-skate!' Martha and Mark

'We have had a wonderful long weekend. The cottage is bursting with character, and what a beautiful setting.' Paul and Bernie

'Penlan cottage is a delight and the views amazing. Fantastic pubs all within a stones throw and fabulous walks.' Mark and Emma.

'This is the most idyllic cottage we have ever stayed in. The trampoline and the animals have made it very special for Rhoslyn and Dylan, who would love to live here full-time! Thank you for your hospitality and for showing us around your little paradise. Amazing marmalade. We'll be back!' Elona, Gavin, Rhoslyn and Dylan, London.