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Blackthorn Cottage

Llanbedr, near Crickhowell, Mid Wales
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 2
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Quirky
Romantic
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Spa facilities
Country houses
Fire pit
12 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, rustic, hand built sauna
Property code: OC-48082

A beautiful 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 twenty minutes’ drive away with local traders, a handy mountaineering shop, pubs and plenty of coffee shops. Abergavenny, of Food Festival fame is twenty 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) and TV.  There is also a wide selection of books and some games available. Off the sitting room here is an annexe with a washing machine, shower and WC.Upstairs is the master bedroom with king-size bed, full size bath and plentiful cupboard space. 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 also a rustic, wood fired sauna.

Please note, this property is off-grid and particularly well suited for guests interested in reducing their carbon footprint and using resources sparingly. This property's eco credentials include solar and wind power, and water from a nearby spring. Fossil fuel support in the form of a diesel generator and oil-fired central heating can be used when sustainable sources aren't feasible.

  • 1 bedroom – king-size, plus 1 additional single bed in the lounge ( with an additional 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 (first basket of logs included with an honesty box provided should you need additional logs)
  • 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
  • Wood-fired sauna with Hammam towels and outdoor shower
  • Parking for 2 cars at the house with additional parking for another by the car port
  • Shops, pubs and restaurants 3 miles
  • Sleeps 2 + 2
  • Please note, the owners 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
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Avril Hitchman

This property is personally managed by Avril.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 10 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 stars4.5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Ian 31st May 2026

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

Wonderful cottage (though actually quite large), amazing views, incredibly quiet and peaceful. Suggest getting there in daylight unless you are very competent on steep tracks and narrow lanes. Wonderful attention to interior design detail with interesting materials and inspiring workmanship. Welcome-pack and gifts (cake, Welsh-cakes, butter, milk, Read moregarden flower etc.) all lovely touches and appreciated. Certain minor inconveniences on account of being off-grid but a very small price to pay for such a lovely place. Fantastic art-works everywhere and brilliant library. Would love to return and would definitely recommend. Hide

Reviewed by Louise 10th May 2026

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

This cottage is full of rustic charm. The location is fantastic. If you want peace, birdsong and nature, its perfect. If youre looking for convenience and pristine modern amenities it is not for you. We have been twice and love it. A place to totally switch off. Highly recommended. We will definitely be back

Reviewed by Charles 21st March 2026

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

Lovely cottage and wonderful location. Enjoyed all the artworks and the characterful and homely feel.

Reviewed by Kathy 13th December 2025

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

Lovely peaceful location, great for trail running and hiking. We enjoyed cooking on the range and the homemade sauna was delightful. Be aware that supermarkets cannot deliver to this side of the valley.

Reviewed by Ian 5th July 2025

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

Reviewed by Claire 26th April 2025

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

Reviewed by Joe 4th April 2025

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

This is without doubt one of the best cottages I have ever stayed in. A very harmonious restoration of an old building that has been rescued from dereliction, in about the perfect location for anyone who appreciates mountain views, dark skies, and wonderfully 'sensuround' birdsong.

Reviewed by Peter 6th December 2024

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

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

8 more
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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.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | 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.