About this property
Nestled on forty seven glorious acres of ancient land, The Dreaming is a rural wonder which offers true serenity and blissful tranquility. Once a 15th century Cistercian monastery, this fabulous property passed through Georgian and Victorian aristrocratic families to the designer Laura Ashley and her family in the 20th century. Laura Ashley directed her multinational interior design company from The Dreaming and then, in 2020, the wonderful Charlotte Church, with the help of talented collaborators, reimagined, refurbished and reconfigured it. Today, The Dreaming is truly inspiring, beautifully presented and totally at one with its natural surroundings. Sleeping up to sixteen guests across eight exceptional bedroom suites, this phenomenal property is perfect for special occasions, family and friend get togethers or even corporate events. The house is sat within 47 acres, and is surrounded by magnificent gardens designed in collaboration with RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Juliet Sargeant. They are enchanting, stunning and simply wondrous. Sprinkled with waterfalls, natural plunge pools for wild swimming, lush forest, rocks, caves, scenic walking paths and a fabulous collection of flora and fauna, you will quickly fall in love with them. Lucky guests that manage to book The Dreaming relax in superb luxurious living and sleeping spaces brimming with creativity and natural materials, chill on sheepskin rugs with mugs of herbal tea amongst soft mosses, enjoy the roof top deck while watching the fascinating red kites soar above and star gaze under the second darkest night skies in the UK. Living in this beautiful land lost in time, The Dreaming is a private paradise for your rural getaway. It is beautifully chic, effortlessly stylish and offers totally luxurious spaces. You can hunker down with revered wildernesses on your doorstep and total tranquility. You just need to pack your walking boots, a good book or three and a few bottles of fizz.
The Dreaming enjoys a fabulous, picturesque location in the heart of Wales, near Rhayader. With its stunning natural landscape. Rhayader is situated near the Elan Valley, an area renowned for its reservoirs and breathtaking scenery. The Elan Valley reservoirs, Claerwen, Craig-goch, Pen-y-garreg and Caban Coch, offer excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and birdwatching. There are numerous hiking trails perfect for those that love the outdoors and those with a passion for photography. The Elan Valley's reservoirs and cascading waterfalls provide endless opportunities for capturing the beauty of nature. Nearby, is the quaint village of Llanwrthwl with its beautiful church and idyllic setting along the River Wye. Further south, you can visit the historic town of Builth Wells, known for its annual Royal Welsh Show and charming riverside walks. The River Wye, which flows through the region, offers a lot of aquatic fun. The stunning Welsh coastline is not too far away where you can explore the beautiful sandy beaches of Aberystwyth and Borth and perhaps walk part of the superb Wales Coast Path. If you can bring yourselves to leave The Dreaming and its magnificent grounds, there is much to be explored.
The Dreaming boasts exceptional living spaces including the superb Print Room, so named as this was where Laura Ashley created many of her globally renowned prints. It is a serene, beautifully decorated space, perfect for a quiet read and a pot of tea or planning your Welsh adventure. The Cwtch (Welsh for cuddle) is another fabulous space where charm and character comes in lavish abundance as well as a carefully curated selection of gorgeous furnishings. It is ideal for gatherings, dozes, listening to music from the impressive collection, playing board games or snuggling up. The Refectory sits at the heart of the house, decorated with dried flowers that hang from the rafters, exposed brickwork, a gorgeous fireplace and furnished with two enormous banqueting tables. The countryside views are simply astonishing. The Healing Room is another wonderful versatile space where you can practice yoga or just chill.
Each of the eight bedrooms enjoys its own unique decoration and its own luxury bathroom. One room enjoys a sumptuous kingsize bed while one offers three queens and the others two queen beds, though The Dreaming is let out for groups of up to sixteen guests. The Wanderer suite comes with natural materials and artefacts from Africa, Peru and Mexico, a heavenly room for explorers with a spacious seating area and beautifully dressed beds. The room overlooks the gorgeous Elemental garden and the sensational Nant Caethon Valley. Its ensuite bathroom boasts a shower, a bath where you can soak your stresses away and a delightful window seat to take in the view. The Womb faces north to the deep forests and offers handmade flowing fabrics that offer a swaddling feeling. This room is a superbly comfortable nest with a seating area and a playful ensuite with a pink tadelakt shower. The Mushroom is inspired by the wonders of mycelium, the fungal threads connecting the forest plants. It is beautifully crafted from rustic natural materials with dark antique furniture and warm neutral tones. Again, it offers a spacious seating area and hotel quality linens. It is south facing with gorgeous views of the Nant Caethon Valley and the Elemental garden. The smart ensuite boasts a walk-in shower and a bath with gorgeous scenic views. Another wonder, The Moon, is designed to honour the lunar goddesses. Its soft flowing white fabrics are incredibly relaxing and serene. The moon-shaped bath overlooks the captivating Moon Garden. Forest Spirits overlooks the ancient woodland, in keeping with its design and forest reverence in Japanese culture. With Japanese tatami flooring, a beautiful seating area, a sumptuous kingsize bed and an ensuite proudly presenting a black tadelakt shower and a porcelain lotus sink, it is a room that tantalises all of the senses.
It is clear to see that Charlotte Church honours and connects with nature here at The Dreaming. It is a place where you will be awakened spiritually, refreshed, reinvigorated and where you will make special lasting memories with your family or favourite friends. You will discover the vibrant energy of the land, the epic depths of the forests, the mythic fantasy of the waterfalls and pure beauty and peace. The gardens are not only totally astonishing in their beauty and design but they also serve some practical purposes. The Elemental Garden, seen from a number of the bedrooms, stretches out in front of the house over five acres. Two rolling rivers of flowers sweep across, mirroring the calming streams that pass through the estate. The Moon Garden offers a stunning collection of white flowers while the Physic Garden provides medicinal herbs for their apothecary, making teas, balms, tinctures, soaps, lotions and potions. The Rings of Rhydoldog are the market gardens dotted with polytunnels and burgeoning food forests. The Potting Shed is another wonderful attraction as is the Japanese Tea Houe on the edge of the forest. Throughout the grounds, you will discover free-range chickens, sheep, bees, native birds and other wildlife. Also, there are some gorgeous spots such as the Waterfall Shower with its wooden platform that allows you to immerse yourself in the torrent of the falls, The Court of the Holly King with its holly trees, Woodhenge with its posts and stones and the Pool of a Hundred Reflections. There are two natural plunge pools for wild swimming and a woodland den. There are some wonderful walks including the Waterfall Trail and the Red Walk with the best views of the Cambrian Mountains.
You will feel the tranquility fold around you as you relax in absolute peace and quiet at The Dreaming. Expansive valley views will entice your gaze and you will leave with magical memories.
As featured on 'Charlotte Church's Dream Build' TV show on Discovery + and Really
The Dreaming sits in stunning, idyllic Welsh countryside near Rhayader in the heart of Wales. Nestled within Powys County, this area offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm and a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. The Dreaming offers a great base to discover this culturally rich landscape of Wales, sprinkled with mountains, waterfalls and hidden valleys. The most striking feature of this area is its stunning natural landscape. The Elan Valley Reservoirs of Claerwen, Craig-goch, Pen-y-garreg and Caban Coch, are are perfect spots for hikers, cyclist and birdwatchers. There are numerous hiking trails catering to various skill levels, making it an ideal spot for families to explore the great outdoors. For those with a passion for photography, the Elan Valley's reservoirs and cascading waterfalls right behind the house provide endless opportunities for capturing the raw beauty of nature. The dams themselves are engineering marvels, a sight to behold.
One of the region's unique attractions is the Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre, located just a short drive from The Dreaming. Here, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of red kites swooping down to be fed. It's a fantastic experience for both adults and children, offering the chance to get up close to these magnificent birds of prey.
Exploring the charming villages and towns in the area is a delightful experience. In Rhayader, a small market town, you will discover a wonderful range of restaurants and shops. You can stroll through its streets, visit the local craft shops or enjoy a traditional Welsh meal in one of the cozy ancient pubs. The village of Llanwrthwl, nestled on the pretty River Wye, boasts a beautiful church. Further south, you can visit the historic market town of Builth Wells, known for its cultural attractions including the annual Royal Welsh Show, its scenic beauty and its delightful riverside walks. Builth Wells offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history with landmarks like the 19th-century St. Mary's Church and the charming town square.
The River Wye, provides opportunities for various water activities. Visitors enjoy canoeing or kayaking along this gentle river, taking in the tranquil scenery and the chance to spot local wildlife. Several companies offer guided tours and equipment rental for beginners.
The lovely Gilfach Nature Reserve near Rhayader offers a peaceful haven for wildlife and is a great place for family walks and wildlife spotting. Otters, birds, and other animals can often be observed.
Other popular visits are the Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir, a fabulous, captivating Victorian Gothic mansion with an opulent interior and beautiful gardens. Guided tours provide insight into the history and architecture. Rock Park in Llandrindod Wells is beautifully landscaped. You can relax, enjoy the gardens and even play a game of mini-golf. The lush Radnor Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Radnor Forest offers a range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to picnicking in serene surroundings.
Wales is known for its stunning night skies, and this area is no exception. The nearby Cambrian Mountains have been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Visitors can lay out a blanket on a clear night to observe the constellations and maybe even catch a glimpse of shooting stars.
Devil’s Bridge, a medieval masterpiece, is a famous bridge that spans the River Conwy, considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval bridge architecture in the country. It was built in the 13th century and has been restored several times. It is a Grade I listed building. Devil’s Bridge Falls is a sessile oak woodland in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains with a circular path that leads to the falls from one end of the gorge with a stair called Jacob’s Ladder ascending from the other end. You can reach the falls from the Vale of Rheidol steam railway. With its unique waterfalls, many thousands have visited since the 18th century including William Wordsworth who wrote about the ‘Torrent at Devil’s Bridge’.
The Welsh area near Rhayader is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff or a family looking for kid-friendly activities, this region has something to offer everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, charming villages and diverse range of activities, it's a destination that promises a memorable experience for all who visit.
Accommodation
Ground Floor
- The Healing Room: A large, light, and airy space, designed to be simple and versatile. It is suitable for up to 14 people for yoga or other activities and group work.
- The Print Room: The house has a diverse history, evolving from a 15th-century Cistercian monastery through Georgian and Victorian aristocratic ownership to becoming the headquarters for Laura Ashley's interior design company. The Print Room, where Laura Ashley crafted her iconic prints, offers a serene setting for reading and intimate conversations.
- Apothecary
- The Refectory: Where communal meals can be shared. It features large banqueting tables that can seat up to 20, making for a joyous dining experience.
- The Cwtch: A space where guests can read, chat, doze, listen to records from our Curated collection, play board games, or get snuggled up with a warm drink, a cosy place to find yourself.
- Commercial kitchen
- Accessible bedroom and bathroom
First Floor
- Mushroom: Inspired by mycelium, The Mushroom's rustic design features dark wooden furniture, neutral tones, spacious seating, and a luxurious king-size bed with privacy screens. It offers a south-facing view of the Elemental garden and Nant Caethon Valley. The ensuite bathroom includes a walk-in shower and a bath surrounded by botanical plants.
- Moon: Honouring lunar goddesses, this space features handmade natural materials, white fabrics, a luxurious king-size bed with privacy screens, and an ensuite with a moon-shaped bath overlooking the Elemental garden and Nant Caethon Valley.
- Dawn: This bedroom is perfect for sunrise views as it faces south with a balcony overlooking the Elemental garden and Nant Caethon Valley. Handmade furnishings reflect sunrise colours, and the room features a luxurious king-size bed, privacy screens, seating area, rustic pine furniture, and a solar deity altar. An ensuite bathroom has a Moroccan-inspired tangerine tadelakt shower.
- Womb: North-facing to the deep forests, this bedroom is a celebration of womanhood. With soft flowing fabrics, all handmade and dyed using natural ingredients, it has the nourishing, secure feeling of being swaddled. Luxurious beds with fabric privacy screens, a seating area, and a playful ensuite with a pink tadelakt shower.
Second Floor
- Wanderer: This bedroom offers an immersive experience with materials and artifacts from Africa, Peru, and Mexico. It's designed for explorers, and has a spacious seating area, a luxuriou king-size bed with privacy screens, and a south-facing view of the Elemental garden and Nant Caethon Valley. The ensuite bathroom includes a shower, bath, and a window seat for enjoying the view.
- Mystic: With a large south-facing balcony, this bedroom offers breathtaking views of the Elemental garden and Nant Caethon Valley. Hand-sewn Indian saris furnish the room, around a spacious seating area and a luxurious king-size bed with privacy screens. An ensuite with a golden tadelakt shower surrounded by botanical plants provide a magical experience.
- Forest Spirits: Inspired by Japanese design and forest reverence, this room is north-facing with tatami flooring, a seating area, and a luxurious king-size bed. An ensuite bathroom features a black tadelakt shower and porcelain lotus sink. It offers an immersive Japanese experience for all the senses, including the scent of traditional tatami mats.
- Roof top deck.
Outside Grounds
- Two natural plunge pools
- Gardens designed in collaboration with RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Juliet Sargeant are enchanting places to stroll through and wonder at.
- The Elemental Garden stretches out in front of the house over 5 acres. Two rolling rivers of flowers sweep across the land, mirroring the streams that run at the boundaries of The Dreaming, and honouring the elements: fire, air, water, earth. This garden has been designed with our bees in mind, and so serves to help our pollinator friends do what they do best.
- The Moon Garden, shaped like the Triple Goddess from Celtic mythology and representing the Maiden, Mother and Crone, is an ethereal collection of white flowers that open their petals to the night sky, releasing their scent to night-time pollinators.
- The Physic Garden provides medicinal herbs for our apothecary, where we can craft teas, balms, tinctures, soaps and other lotions and potions.
- Japanese Tea House is an outdoor but undercover agile activity space, and allows participants to be truly immersed in nature.