Ty Hwnt & The Smithy

Ty Hwnt & the Smithy are in the Llanthony Valley, which is generally considered to be the gem of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Here we have two properties offering an 'away from it all' break.

The Smithy is a Traditional Homes Renovation Award winning mediaeval cottage set in an acre of 'wild garden' skirted by the river Honddu. Part of a hamlet of 4 houses with walking from the doorstep and within 3 minutes of the ruined 11th century Augustinian Priory. A haven for artists and ornithologists.

Ty Hwnt, featured in Country Living is a remote farmhouse set high on the hillside in the eye of the sun.

Both properties sleep 6, have log fires and are welcoming to return to after a day walking, pony trekking or browsing in the second hand bookshops at Hay on Wye.

There are many castles and churches well worth a visit asi is the Welsh Folk Museum and World Heritage Site at Blaenavon, lively martkets, lovely gardens and wonderful walks.

There are two inns within walking distance, one of which is in the cellar of Llanthony Priory. Llanthony is a short distance from the famous Walnut Tree restaurant, various castles and a working coal mine. This is a very special part of Wales; the sheltering hills of Abergavenny forming a chain linking the Black Mountains with the Breacon Beacons. Here you will find the peace and tranquillity with the opportunity for many outdoor pursuits, such as superb hill walking, pony trekking, bird watching, fishing and painting

Award winning medieval cottage and forge. The Smithy has beamed pitched ceilings, floors of polished wood and flagstones, with under floor heating. Comfortable sofas and open hearths enhance this lovingly and imaginatively restored house. The property was the winner of the Traditional/Period Living Renovation Award.

The cottage has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 6 plus a cot. Entrance is into a country kitchen/diner equipped with microwave/conventional oven, gas hob, fridge, freezer, refectory table and chairs, large dresser and window overlooking the garden. The sitting room is delightful, both elegant and cosy and has a beautiful bottle-kiln chimney, with a large open hearth. No TV, by visitors’ choice, but a good selection of games and books and a beautiful piano (for use by pianists only please). Stairs from this room lead to the first floor, the bedrooms are attractively furnished, the furnishings and linen enhance the character of the bedrooms. There are two twin rooms (one with brass beds) and one double bedroom with washbasin. Bedding and linen are provided. Bathroom and toilet. The cottage, set in one acre, has a very attractive cottage/wildlife garden with several seating areas, one by the river, which skirts the paddock, another under a covered patio. There is a small stretch of trout fishing on the river Honddu and plenty of space for children to play, boules pitch and barbecue. A haven for artists and ornithologists (with over 33 species sighted in the garden).

Set in four acres,Ty Hwnt offers peace, no sound other than the bleating of sheep and bird song. It is haven for artists, ornithologists, writers and those just wanting complete relaxation. The next-door farm (½ mile away) offers pony trekking, free-range eggs and goat’s milk.

The farm has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 6 plus a cot and child’s bed. The thick stone walls, polished floors, low doorways, patchwork and paintings all give a homely air. It is set on a southerly slope with spectacular views of the Llanthony Valley. Open plan kitchen/dining room, elm table and chairs, sofa, elm kitchen units, Rayburn plus electric cooker and separate hob, washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge. Sitting room has fireplace with stone lintel, large open fire with wood burning stove, beams, desk, sofa and easy chairs. There is a second small sitting room with leather sofa, antique pine furniture and a feature stone fireplace. No TV by visitor choice. There is a selection of family games, books and radio. A downstairs bathroom with bath, hand basin and toilet. There is also an additional upstairs toilet and hand basin.

A steep staircase leads to the first floor and to one double bedroom, one twin bedroom and a third bedroom with a single bed and a child’s crib bed (suitable for up to 6 years of age), off this room there is the under eaves room with a single bed. The bedrooms are charmingly furnished, bedding and linen are provided. Electricity is on a token meter (first £5 is free).

Pets downstairs only please.

Outside is a flagstone patio with stone table and seats, a large lawn with fruit trees, a small stretch of trout fishing on the river Honddu and a safe brook for young children.

Lovingly restored properties in a superb location ideal for groups of walkers, cyclists and trekkers. Enjoy the castles and culture of Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley