Coed Barn, luxurious self-catering in the Black Mountains of Wales
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Coed Barn is the only one of my Welsh retreats which is self-catering. Not everybody wants to be waited on hand and foot. For those individuals who desire privacy and value self-sufficiency, then this luxurious contemporary barn conversion nestled in the foothills of the Black Mountains is the answer.
After driving up a remote 500 metre farm track and navigating around some sheep, we arrived at our destination. The first thing you notice is how light the open-planned slate-floored sitting room is due to the large glazed floor to ceiling windows which open onto the enclosed garden with flagstone terraces. The dual-aspect views overlook the black mountains and the Brecon Beacons and one of the highlights of the trip was watching the sunset while drinking wine on the terrace. We relaxed in the sitting room on comfortable L-shaped sofas and admired the efficient wood-burning stove which is an architectural feature of the room. When we arrived, the owners kindly left a packet of Welsh cakes in the immaculate kitchen area which has all the mod-cons such as a double oven, microwave, dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble drier. Adjacent to the kitchen is a dining table and six chairs where you can enjoy the fruits of your culinary labours. The sitting room has a flat-screen TV with free-sat, DVD and Wi-Fi.
The Barn is incredibly cosy as it's heated by the wood stove as well as under-floor heating. After climbing a few stairs, you reach a stylish wet room next to a bedroom with a double bed. I slept in the upstairs bedroom which has sloping walls. The bathroom is reached by walking across a galleried walkway which overlooks the ground floor. It's a nice architectural touch but I wouldn't recommend the walkway if you have young children. The barn sleeps four people plus an infant.
Coed Barn is very modern in design but has homely, rustic touches such a rocking chair and wood-burning stove. It's isolated but if you love feeling immersed in the country and being stared at by curious sheep, then it's the perfect place to relax from the stresses of urban life.
Nearby attractions:
There are miles of uninterrupted walks immediately from the barn, as it is situated on a network of footpaths, and close to the Rhos Fach Common. The nearby small hamlet of Llanelieu is a small church settlement with a preserved medieval church, no longer used for services, but with an impressive fourteenth-century rood screen and painted loft; just outside the church, set into an ancient Yew Tree, are the old village stocks.
Places to eat:
This area of mid-Wales is teeming with quality restaurant s and gastropubs.
The popular Crown Inn at Pantygelli (01873 853314) is excellent for both lunchtime and evening meals, and is reasonably priced. Sunday lunch is particularly good. Closed for food Monday and booking is advisable.
The Walnut Tree Inn, opened by the renowned Franco Taruschio in the 1960s, is now run jointly by local hotelier William Griffiths and by the famous chef Shaun Hill (formerly of the Michelin-starred Merchant House in Ludlow). It has recently been awarded one Michelin star. At Llandewi Skirrid, on the Ross - Abergavenny road. Tel: 01873 852797. Open Tues - Sat. Lunch: 12 to 2.30; dinner: 7pm to 10pm.
The Hardwick on the old Raglan road, is a well-thought of newcomer and is our favourite place to eat. Owned and run by Stephen Terry, it specialises in local produce. 01873 854220. Stephen appeared in The Great British Menu, so we advise booking well in advance. Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday. Advise booking.
Contact tel: +44 1873 890190
Services parking, internet access
Useful links
Blaentrothy Cottages
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