Guests say
Gatehouse is a charming, spacious cottage in a picturesque rural village, highly praised for its welcoming host, comfortable beds, and relaxing hot tub. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, enclosed garden ideal for dogs, and proximity to scenic walks and a friendly local pub. The property is consistently described as clean and homely, with thoughtful touches from the owner. Minor issues such as lighting and accessibility are occasionally mentioned, but overall, guests enjoy a peaceful, memorable stay and frequently express a desire to return.
The majority of reviews highlight the cottage as very clean, with several guests describing it as 'sparkly clean' and 'well maintained.' Only one or two minor mentions of maintenance issues (e.g., lightbulbs) were noted, but these did not detract from the overall impression of cleanliness.
Guests love the rural, scenic setting, ideal for walking and exploring nearby attractions like Hay-on-Wye and the Brecon Beacons. The proximity to a popular village pub is frequently praised. A few guests mention the access road being narrow or remote, but most find the location peaceful and convenient for a countryside retreat.
Comfort is a standout feature, with repeated praise for the spacious layout, exceedingly comfortable beds, and homely atmosphere. The hot tub and wood burner add to the relaxing environment. Only one guest mentioned feeling cold, but this was noted as a personal preference.
The cottage is described as very well equipped, with a fully enclosed garden, hot tub, wood burner, games, DVDs, and ample kitchenware. Some minor suggestions for improvement include adding a tumble dryer and addressing lighting or hot tub jet power, but overall, facilities are highly rated and well maintained.
Many guests mention thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers, cream teas, and scones on arrival, as well as the owner's warm welcome and helpfulness. Please note that such gifts are not guaranteed for every stay, but the host's care and attention are consistently appreciated.
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.
Reviews (79)
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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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Heather
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Estelle
Enclosed garden, comfy beds and lovely hot tub for an extra treat! We loved it and would stay again - Thanks