Unique, spacious, in hidden secret valley

Tucked away in its own idyllic hidden valley at the end of a track, Blaen-y-Cwm nestles at the foot of the spectacular Black Mountains on the Welsh borders near Hay-on-Wye. With no noise or light pollution, it is the perfect escape from the stress and pressures of modern life. Step out into the great outdoors, enjoy the space and fresh air, or relax, unwind, reconnect and make memories. Blaen-y-Cwm provides the perfect backdrop, whatever you have planned. The space Sleeping 8 in three generous-sized bedrooms, there’s a well-stocked large kitchen, a dining room with a large dining table, two wood fires and plenty of comfy seating. For entertainment, there’s a pool table, a table tennis table, smart TV, a gas BBQ and a wood-fired hot tub. There’s even a babbling stream that runs through the garden, and tumbles over a private waterfall creating a shady pool perfect for a paddle on a warm summer's day. Dining Blaen-y-Cwm’s bespoke kitchen offers an ideal space for preparing culinary masterpieces, and is fully equipped with any utensil you'll need cooking for your group. You’ll find a 4-hob gas stove, and two separate electric ovens (the AGA in the photos has recently been removed). There is a dishwasher in the kitchen, a 70/30 fridge/freezer and a washing machine in the pantry just off the kitchen, where you will find ample cupboard space, extra work surface, and a Belfast sink (for muddy gear etc). An additional table in the kitchen acts as additional food preparation space, or as a breakfast area. The dining room provides seating for 8, and there's an outdoor terrace which is perfect for breakfasts and lunches. The terrace also hosts the gas BBQ and wood-fired hot tub, so is the perfect entertaining space on a warm summer's evening, or to wrap up and sit out to enjoy some cooler evening air. Hot Tub After a busy day exploring the wonderful countryside surrounding the cottage, there's nothing better than relaxing with a glass of something cold in our wood-fired hot tub. With picturesque views, it's a wonderful opportunity to ease aching muscles, or simply enjoy a moment or two of quiet contemplation and feel at one with the world around you. Just remember to start the fire for the tub upon your return to the cottage to benefit from a full evening of relaxation, as it takes around 1-2 hours (summer) or 2-3 hours (winter) to heat up from cold. Gardens & Waterfall The cottage has an enclosed garden of about an acre, with the maintained lawns providing space for children and games. The stream runs to the side of the cottage, and the private waterfall is accessed via a gate. This provides the perfect shady spot for a dip on a warm day, but please take care on the rocks as they may be slippy. The garden is not dog proof and we respectfully ask that you take responsibility for your four-legged friends' actions, and that you keep a watchful eye on younger children especially around the water and the walls that surround the garden and patios. Dogs If you are brining a dog with you, please note that they are not allowed in the carpeted areas, or on the sofas. We especially do not want to encourage muddy paw prints on the bed sheets, as our mud is very stubborn and does not wash out. So please take extra care. Dogs are charged per stay. Please contact us if you'd like to bring more than one dog. Living areas For indoor entertainment, the living room houses a full-sized pool table, a games cupboard, smart TV, and a fireplace so you can snuggle on the sofa with a good book if you prefer. The separate dining room also has its own fireplace and sofa, perfect if you want a quieter moment. Both rooms have underfloor heating for your comfort. You will find a stack of firewood (and a full sized table tennis table and dart board) in the garage opposite the house. Bedrooms Bedroom 1 is on the top floor and has a super-king sized bed that can be divided into two single beds, plus an extra single bed. This bedroom has a large adjacent bathroom with copper leafed, cast iron, double ended bath. Bedroom 2 has a super-king sized bed that can be split into two singles (access is down three steps), Bedroom 3 has a super-king sized bed that can be split into two singles with an extra single bed, both located on the ground floor with shared bath/shower room (down 3 steps from Bedroom 3 but with level access to Bedroom 2). There is a high chair and travel cot available if needed (with ample space for the travel cot any of the three bedrooms). Please advise when booking if you require a high chair, travel cot, or any of the superking beds divided into single beds. Guest access Guests will have exclusive use of the property during their stay. This includes the large kitchen, dining room, living room with pool table, three large bedrooms, two bathrooms (2 baths, 1 shower), patio with seating, terrace with seating and wood-fired hot tub and gas BBQ, gardens with stream & waterfall and the garage with table tennis table and dart board. Other things to note Please note that you will be driving along single-track country lanes, that are steep in places, towards the end of your journey. The private track to Blaen-y-Cwm itself comprises of either stone or concrete. If you prefer less country lane travelling, we recommend approaching from Hay-on-Wye (where you can also top up on essential supplies, books, ice-cream…). Please note that phone signal is likely to be lost as you travel along the private track and drop down into the valley, so please make a note of the directions and key code beforehand. If you are brining a dog with you, please note that they are not allowed in the carpeted areas, or on the furniture. We especially do not want to encourage muddy paw prints on the bed sheets, as our mud is very stubborn and does not wash out. So please take extra care. Dogs must be kept on a lead; we do not guarantee the property fences and walls to be secure. You will be responsible for your dog at all times. Dogs are charged per stay. Please contact us if you'd like to bring more than one dog. The cottage is part of an estate which is managed for game shooting. So as well as frequently meeting pheasants on the roads, you may occasionally also see groups out on a shoot, see people nearby or walk past, or hear shots being fired. Please also be aware of this if you're bringing a dog; there may be game birds in or near the garden from Sept-Jan. If you are visiting us during the winter months when it’s likely to be frosty or snowy, please note that the cottage is located at the foot of the Black Mountains (310m or 1020 ft altitude). Access can be challenging in winter conditions and a suitable vehicle, appropriate tyres, and a cautious approach are essential. Most guests with appropriate vehicles are able to access the cottage safely, and decisions about whether to proceed, park lower down, or delay arrival have to rest with the driver at the time, based on conditions. Although the cottage is accessed by a public lane maintained by Powys County Council, the route is not part of a managed or routinely serviced gritting programme. Grit bins are provided for emergency use and self-application by drivers if required, so please be prepared before setting out, and monitor the conditions and weather forecasts during your stay. There is enough space at the cottage to park three cars comfortably, but up to 4 could be accommodated whilst still leaving space to turn around. Please try to leave room for us to turn too should we need to visit the cottage during your stay.