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Large en-suite master bedroom with beautiful views
Cosy, quirky wood-fired sauna in the garden
Views to rest the eyes on
Bluebells spread out in the woods in spring
Dining in the dark in the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve
Early morning mists enfold the valley
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11 / 22  Large en-suite master bedroom with beautiful views
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15 / 22  Cosy, quirky wood-fired sauna in the garden
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19 / 22  Views to rest the eyes on
20 / 22  Bluebells spread out in the woods in spring
21 / 22  Dining in the dark in the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve
22 / 22  Early morning mists enfold the valley

Blackthorn Cottage

Crickhowell (3mls NE), Brecon Beacons
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Enclosed garden / patio
Open fire / wood burner
Internet access
Fishing on site / nearby
Romantic
Green
Spa Facilities
Quirky
Off the beaten track
High up on a Hill
Rustic
Fire Pit
Eco Friendly
Parking on site / nearby
Apartment
Towels included
Travel cot available
17 more

At a glance

  • A wonderfully unique off-grid artists retreat set in an isolated location
  • Unrivalled views across the Black Mountains
  • Relax in the lovely log-fired sauna
Property code: 48082

A beautiful stone-roofed, off-grid, artistic hideaway in the heart of the hills. Perched high on the slopes of the Black Mountains in the midst of the Brecon Beacons National Park, enjoy the views and night skies from the terrace, or stride out for endless trails through bluebell woods and ancient meadows.

Crickhowell is ten minutes’ drive away with local traders, a handy mountaineering shop, pubs and plenty of coffee shops. Abergavenny, of Food Festival fame is ten minutes in the other direction, a thriving market town forming the heart of Wales foodie revolution. Cathedral towns of Brecon and Hereford are also within easy reach, as well as Wales Industrial Heritage sites in Blaenavon. Nearby attractions include beautiful walks directly into the Black Mountains and Sugar Loaf Mountain, cycle hire available with National cycle routes and mountain biking centres throughout the area. Pony trekking throughout the nearby Llanthony Valley, fishing on the River Usk, canoeing on the River Wye and high wire and zip wire adventures at Llangorse Lake.

The heart of this much-loved family home is the kitchen, with wood-fired range, gas hob, small gas oven and grill, fridge and freezer. Historic stone steps lead up to the vaulted sitting room which doubles as an extra bedroom . It has two arm chairs and a single bed (with pull out trundle) along with the wood burner (first basket of logs included), TV.  There is also a wide selection of books and some games available. A washing machine is available in the small utility area off the lounge. Upstairs is the master bedroom with king-size bed, full size bath and plentiful cupboard space. There is also a bath and shower room with WC. Head back down the stairs to the study area, with desk and incredible views out to the surrounding countryside.

Outside is the stunning terrace area with garden furniture and BBQ, woodland, and also the wind turbine and solar panels, the natural spring, and log stores. There is a rustic wood fired sauna, which is shared with the sister property Hillside Barn which can be found lower down the hillside and is completely separate and private to Blackthorn.

Please note that the property is Off-Grid and it is particularly well-suited for guests interested in reducing their environmental footprint and using resources sparingly. The water is from the spring, power from wind and sun, heat from logs, and the Wi-Fi is (unlimited) 4G. Fossil fuel support (for when eco-equilibrium proves challenging) is present in the form of a diesel generator and oil-fired central heating.

  • 1 bedroom – king-size, plus 1 additional single bed in the lounge ( with pull-out trundle)
  • 2 bathrooms – 1 en-suite shower room with WC, and 1 en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC
  • Wood-fired range stove, gas hob, small gas oven and grill, fridge, freezer and washing machine
  • Wood burner
  • TV, Bluetooth speakers
  • Cot and highchair available on request
  • Terrace area and garden, plus guests can explore the private on-site woodland and glade
  • Children need to be supervised with external steps and steep drops in the garden and terrace area
  • Dry storage available for bikes
  • Shared wood-fired sauna with Hammam towels and outdoor shower (shared with neighbouring cottage)
  • Parking for 2 cars
  • Shops, pubs and restaurants 3 miles
  • Sleeps 2 + 2
  • Please note that this is an eco-retreat, so we ask that you avoid excess water usage and turn off taps when not in use, and turn off lights when leaving rooms empty to avoid burning diesel unnecessarily
  • The cottage is accessed via a steep concreted track, which is best tackled in first gear to the top
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Avril Hitchman

This property is personally managed by Avril.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 14 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 stars4.9
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.4 starsOverall equipment 4.4 starsOverall equipment 4.4 starsOverall equipment 4.4 starsOverall equipment 4.4 stars4.4
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Iain 7th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Blackthorn has to be one of the most unique & beautiful properties in the whole of Wales. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay; the highlights being the forest walks behind the property; the rustic yet comfy feel & the level of privacy. Our dogs also enjoyed their stay, although it should be noted that the gardens are not enclosed & not entirely safe forRead more unsupervised pooches. Minor criticism would be the lack of drying facilities- we scoured the cottage for a clothes maiden but could not find one? Hide

Reviewed by Mariya 28th June 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by kevin 21st June 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Stunning location If you like peace and quiet, isolation, excellent walks and stunning views it cannot be beaten

Reviewed by Steve 10th May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Fantastic location and the cottage was renovated but kept that rustic feel. Lovely to sit in the garden mornings and evenings and then walks straight from the end of the woods.

Reviewed by Claudia 30th November 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A very lovely place with stunning views. Well equipped and cosy when heating on and fires lit. Gorgeous nature and wildlife around. Comfy bed and bath and sauna is a winner. Absolutely do not arrive in the dark as lighting currently very minimal on way to the property.

Reviewed by Neil 20th October 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Book this place for that extremely comfortable off grid eco living. It's abundant in beauty and tranquility and suits small families. As 'staycations' go, we feel like we hit the jackpot here. A sauna, woodland, woodfired Aga (gas back up), the tap water is spring water! Our skin, hair, wellbeing and calmness post stay speaks volumes. We will be reRead morebooking for sure! Hide

Reviewed by Derek 29th September 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Fantastic property with everything we could need. Location was amazing and just next to a footpath which was great for the dogs. Brilliant escape from it all property but with everything you could need. Would highly recommend.

Reviewed by Pamela 14th August 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This cottage was delightfully divinely perfect! An off grid cottage with all the modern amenities,a beautifully balanced space! The view sunk into my being leaving me feel refreshed and revitalised! Oh and cannot write this review without mentioning the bathtub in the bathroom! Thank you to whomever decided on that! We live in an off grid hut...so Read morethis place made me feel I was in luxurious heaven! We met a guy who worked on the land who was so helpful and friendly. We felt welcomed! Hide

Reviewed by Helen 14th July 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We just absolutely loved everything about this place. So soulful, and have come home thoroughly relaxed. The house is a beautiful reflection of the wonderful landscape it sits in. A real retreat that we hope to return too.

Reviewed by Penelope 21st April 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This is a super, interesting place to stay. It has a lovely position, surrounded by beautiful woodland and charming lanes to explore, as well as direct access above the house onto the beacons way. The outside terrace has incredible views and the house and area are very quiet, apart from bird song.

Reviewed by Helen 3rd April 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

We had an absolutely lovely stay in Blackthorn Cottage. The sense of peace and the building's character as both a traditional Welsh cottage and a place of artistic creation were much appreciated. The sauna was a plus. We also very much appreciated the fact that the owners allowed us to transfer our booking after my husband broke his hip. Overall I Read morewould gladly go back and would definitely recommend the cottage. Hide

Reviewed by Tussie 24th March 2023

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Glorious location, particularly when the sun is shining. Wales at its best. Unique place to get away from it all. No distractions. Sauna is a bonus, but a bit of a challenge to sit and relax in.

Reviewed by Kath 16th February 2023

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

We would have loved a SMALL electric kettle. I know it goes against the off grid ethos but even the gas hob was slow to boil the kettle for a cup of tea in the morning. It is a balance at the end of the day ie. running the gas hob for a longer period of time v small efficient electric kettle powered by wind. I know which decision I'd come to.

Reviewed by Sarah 28th October 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We loved this cottage. Pretty remote and off grid was exactly what we wanted and we definitely found it here. It was the perfect base for us to explore the Brecon Beacons and cosy enough for a day indoors when the weather was truly awful! The views were stunning and the sauna was an added bonus. The whole place was an absolute delight.

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Large en-suite master bedroom with beautiful views
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Wales Cottage Company is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Wales Cottage Company | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.