Guests say
Guests have enjoyed the Gatehouse's cosy charm, spaciousness, and beautiful gardens. The hot tub is a highlight, providing relaxation amidst the tranquil setting of Mid Wales. The local pub offers convenience and good food, enhancing the stay. The property's location is appreciated for its proximity to scenic walks and attractions like Hay-on-Wye. While some guests mentioned minor maintenance issues, the overall experience is one of comfort and enjoyment, with the host, Wendy, receiving praise for her warm welcome and helpfulness.
The cottage receives top marks for cleanliness, with multiple reviews praising its spotless condition. The hot tub, in particular, is noted for being well-maintained and clean.
The location is highly regarded for its scenic countryside, proximity to local attractions, and the convenience of a friendly pub across the road. Its position in a quiet village adds to the peaceful experience, although some guests noted the surrounding roads are smaller and can be a consideration for those with mobility issues.
Comfort is a strong point, with guests finding the beds particularly comfortable and the living areas spacious. The secure garden and cosy wood burner add to the overall comfort of the cottage.
Facilities are generally well-received, especially the hot tub and wood burner. However, some guests suggested improvements such as better kitchen equipment and more stable ironing facilities. The lack of control over heating was a concern for a few, impacting this score.
While the reviews reflect a positive experience with the host's helpfulness and the provision of tourism information, there is no mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches that could be guaranteed for future guests. Therefore, a score cannot be provided for this category.
About this property
This historic, detached artisan cottage nestles in the heart of the popular village of Painscastle in Mid Wales. This lovely cottage with a hot tub is in the heart of the village and is ideal for families or a small group of friends looking to enjoy the border countryside, being within easy reach of historic towns, fabulous days out and various activities. Situated close to the literary town of Hay-on-Wye, and surrounded by the beautiful Welsh Marches and border countryside, this delightful cottage is set over two floors. There are four comfortable bedrooms and a bathroom, with an additional family shower room on the ground floor. There is a well-equipped kitchen leading to two comfy seating areas, one with a dining area and glass apex looking out across the cottage garden. There is a separate cosy sitting room where you can relax in front of a further woodburner and relax watching the TV. Outside, you can sit on the patio, surrounded by the slightly raised cottage garden, enjoying a hearty breakfast before heading off to explore the surrounding countryside and historic towns. On your return you can enjoy the evening sun on the upper patio where you can unwind in the hot tub which is situated under cover in an open-fronted barn adjoining the seating area (Please note (no children under the age of 4 allowed in the hot tub). Painscastle boasts a welcoming, dog-friendly pub and is surrounded by the beautiful undulating border countryside of the Welsh Marches, which opens up to Begwns Moor and Monks Pond, giving you a chance to soak up the panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons National Park. You are ideally placed to visit the quaint town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its myriad of bookshops, boutique- style shopping and annual literary festival. Visit the Royal Welsh Showground, which hosts a variety of events, making this cottage a perfect base for those looking for peace and quiet after a busy day at the showground. The area offers numerous outdoor activities with pony trekking close by together with six golf courses, including Kington which boasts that it is the highest course in England. For more activities travel to Llangorse Lake, where you will find water skiing, pedalos, pike fishing and rowing boats. There are fabulous walking and cycle routes on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) and the Black Mountains. Slightly further afield, to the north, you will find the popular market town of Rhayader, gateway to the stunning Elan Valley, with its majestic Victorian dams and the nearby Red Kite Feeding Centre. Knighton, on the edge of the Shropshire Hills, is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, situated on Offas Dyke, and ideal for walking swathes of the Marches. This pretty cottage is a perfect base for families or friends looking to enjoy time together in a beautiful part of the country.
The pretty village of Painscastle lies just five and a half miles from the famous town of Hay-on-Wye, and takes its name from its ancient fortress, where today only large earthworks remain. Standing only three miles from the England/Wales border, the village boasts a charming real ale inn serving good food, and is surrounded by scenic countryside.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x double, 2 x single.
Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Ground floor shower room with shower, basin and WC.
Open plan living area with kitchen, breakfast area, dining area and sitting area with woodburner.
Sitting room with woodburner.
Utility.
Oil central heating with woodburners.
Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, and DVD.
WIFI can be intermittent Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburners included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot, highchair and stairgate.
Off road parking for 4 cars.
Front gravelled garden.
Enclosed lawned garden with patio, furniture and BBQ.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Extra dogs, a charge of £20/dog applies.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4.5 miles, pub 2 mins walk.
Please note check in time for this property is 4pm and check out 10am due to hot tub change over.
Nearby points of interest
- Hay Festival
- Wyeside Arts Centre
- Kington Museum
- The National Cycle Museum
- Llandrindod Wells Heritage Trail
- Motte at Builth Castle
- Hergest Croft Gardens
- Llandrindod Wells Lake Park
- Hergest Ridge
Reviews (69)
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Katie
So many walks from the door, in all directions - then back to rest the legs in the hot tub afterwards. And the bonus of an amazing pub opposite. It was closed mon and Tues but open the rest of the week. We will be back!
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Hannah
We felt right at home and the hot tub was added fun/luxury. Wendy was very helpful and sorted some bits for us whole we were there.
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Janet
Nice pub across the road. Hay on Wye close by.