Notes from the host
17th Century Quirky Home with Castle Views
Set in the heart of the National Park within the peaceful hamlet of Tretower, this detached 17th century home has recently been lovingly restored and beautifully finished with heirlooms, antiques, oil paintings and market finds. It offers a great base for family and friends to relax on leather chesterfields by the woodburing stove, around the huge kitchen table or tucked under welsh blankets around the massive outdoor fire-pit. This is not your bland, beige, boring, tired holiday home. This home has style, panache, glamour and quirk coming out of every nook and cranny. More recently a gorgeous Wood Fired Hot Tub was added in September 2023 which has been enormously popular with our guests of all ages.
The home is set within mature gardens with views of Tretower Court and Castle, a creation of Sir Roger Vaughan. Step back in time as you step through the bootroom door and onto the flagstone floor. To the right there’s a quirky cloak room with Thomas Crapper WC, butler sink and vibrant wallpaper. Relax in the lounge with its 17th-century stone fireplace, leather Chesterfields and velvet recliners surrounded by heirlooms, antiques and oil paintings. Enjoy the heat of the wood burner whilst watching a film on the Smart TV. To the rear of the house, the locally handmade shaker kitchen is well-equipped with a Smeg induction range, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, coffee machine and washing machine. Enjoy meals seated on antique chairs at the large oak refectory table with French low lights and Welsh pew covered in vintage tapestry cushions. The 17th century spiral stone castle staircase leads you to the dark oak-boarded first floor. Here four bedrooms are all beautifully finished with coloured Art Deco sanitary ware collected by Clair over a three year period . To the front of the cottage there’s the 'William Morris Room' with King size bed and a shower room homing the blue art deco suite. Also, the 'Rose Room' with yellow art deco sink, bunk beds and an Antique painted rose single bed. To the rear of the cottage there’s the 'Laura Ashley Room', a twin bedroom with green art deco sink and views to the hills. Lastly, there's the 'Duck Room' with double bed, pink art deco sink and views to the hills. The family bathroom decorated with oil paintings homes the antique free-standing double-ended zinc and copper bath enjoying castle views. There's also a separate shower and a WC. A quirky hidden gem upstairs is the Sheep Toilet with green Art Deco suite. There’s a small lounge area to relax in on the first floor. Perfect for teenagers or toddlers this has an extra TV, filled bookcase and games for children. The cottage comes with a detached fully-contained annex, perfect for two, known as 'The Cwtch' (Welsh for cuddle). Here twin beds can be made into a king on request at the time of booking. The Cwtch has a beautiful shower room, TV, small kitchenette with a fridge and kettle. Also, a breakfast bar to enjoy coffee with views to the fields, castle and sheep.
You are surrounded by gardens with stunning views, there are several seating areas within the gardens, catching the sun all day and an area with a BBQ and a massive fire pit. Loved by teenagers, the Cottage has an outdoor table tennis table and outdoor dartboard. Outside the boot room door there is a dog/bike/toddler hot and cold spray tap for washing down anything and anyone after a muddy day out. There is ample off-road parking and secure storage for bikes. And last but not least, let's not forget the men's favourite outside facility fondly called 'The Loo with a View'.
Please do follow me on instagram (tysinsir) for more photographs of the fabulous interiors of this cottage and clips of activities and life in Wales.
The house has a Welcome Pack with recommendations for all sort of days out and food places to eat but to follow are just a few.
The peaceful hamlet of Tretower sits at the foot of the Back Mountains just off the Usk Valley, the perfect place for a holiday with friends and family making the most of the outdoors. In April 2022 the eagerly awaited 'Ybwytybach' restaurant will open within the historic buildings of the Ancient Court of Tretower (do check instagram). Try Llangorse Activity Centre (7 miles) with its climbing wall and Cantref Adventure Farm (13 miles), both with pony trekking centres. Hire a kayak and paddle along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal, or walk along the River Wye and the River Usk. The Henry Vaughan Walk along The Brinore Tram Road winds through the scenic and historic Talybont valley, or you can climb a number of footpaths up to the Beacons. Immerse yourselves in Welsh cultural history with a visit to one of the many historic houses, gardens and castles. Crickhowell, Abergavenny, Brecon and Hay-on-Wye are all less than 17 miles away and perfect for a day trip of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. There are too many pubs to mention. Your holiday can be as busy or as relaxed as you wish with activities to suit all ages and a gorgeous unique house in a stunning location to return to at the end of the day.
C
Hosted byClair Matthews
