Top Barn

Top Barn is a beautifully converted stone barn with amazing views in a secluded setting. The property is detached with its own access and picturesque views over the Black Mountains and beyond. Situated in Wales on the Welsh English borders the property has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4/5. We welcome well behaved pets. The space Top Barn is in an ideal location for exploring this 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', unearthing its wonderful heritage or enjoying the many outdoor activities that Monmouthshire, Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean have to offer. From canoeing or abseiling for the adventurous visitors to more leisurely dog walking or cycling along its scenic routes straight from our doorstep into the beautiful countryside, we offer the perfect place to stay and explore. The Space Original stone features are retained in the barn whilst also offering modern facilities. The log burner makes your stay cosy and warm in the colder weather, while the south facing patio with barbeque opens up onto this scenic yet tranquil setting. We are proud to have been awarded a 4* rating by Visit Wales. This reflects the quality and service that we provide for our guests. The Top Barn was described by a recent guest as "honestly the best Airbnb we have been to". Living Area The light and airy, open plan living space looks out on an ever-changing view through the patio doors. Many of our previous guests have commented on the authentic feel of the barn which has been tastefully renovated with wood flooring throughout and stone features retained. You will love the kitchen which is fully equipped for your stay with oven, hob and microwave. Top Barn provides a great setting for a romantic few days away or for a get together with friends or family. The space is ideal for that special occasion or for just for chilling in front of the log burner. We provide a welcome pack which usually includes Welsh cakes and local Kymin honey. At times, other local produce such as eggs from our chickens and apples are also available. Bedrooms and Bathrooms Take a walk into bedroom 1, which enjoys panoramic views towards the Black Mountains and beyond. Enjoy your morning cup of tea in the comfortable double bed, or in the hotter weather, take a chair and relax outside in the sun on the patio as nature wakes up around you. At the other end of the lounge are bedroom 2 and the fully tiled wet room. The bedroom has original stone walls and you will enjoy looking at the wildlife prints on the walls whilst enjoying the view of the garden. Bedroom 2 has a single bed with a full-size pull-out trundle single providing flexibility in the accommodation to suit our guests. We can provide a travel cot and highchair if required. Please ask on booking. Outdoors Outside, the south facing patio is ideal for a relaxing drink any time of the day, a barbeque on a warm evening, or you can wrap up in the winter and feast your eyes on the stunning star-filled night skies. The Kymin benefits from minimal light pollution, so is an ideal vantage point. We are close to nature at the Top Barn, and it is not unusual to see rabbits, badgers, foxes, deer and bats in the vicinity or even venturing into the garden in a quiet period for a munch on the grass or hedgerows. There are normally animals in the field adjacent to Long Barn and guests can join us when feeding the sheep and chickens, which is popular particularly with our younger guests. We offer guests the option to hire a hot tub (subject to availability) which can be located on the patio during their stay for that extra special addition to experiencing the view. Please ask for details on booking as availability may vary. We welcome well behaved pets, and you can walk straight out from the Top Barn into the Forest of Dean or Wye Valley where there are plenty of trails supported by pet friendly watering holes. There are normally animals in the field adjacent to the Top Barn and we offer the opportunity to feed the sheep and chickens when we are able to. This has proved very popular, particularly with our younger guests. Please ask on booking. Bikes can be safely kept behind the barn, and you are welcome to use the hosepipe and outside tap to clean the mud off your cycle when you return from exploring the trails in the Forest or along the river. Please ask about under cover storage which can normally be provided a short distance from the barn. Access The access to the property is along a single track lane. Private parking is provided approximately 75 metres from the Top Barn along a public footpath with parking for 2 cars although more parking can normally be made available on request. Be aware that this is a rural location on a hill and although the lanes can be narrow and the access is relatively steep, you are rewarded on arrival by the stunning scenery and views from the property. Larger Bookings This property can also be booked with Long Barn, a larger 3 bed property close by providing accommodation for up to 12 guests across the two separate properties. Please see separate listing or enquire for details. The whole property plus the garden is available for our guests. Activities and Travel The cottage is only metres from Offa's Dyke footpath situated in an area of 'Outstanding Natural Beauty' and there are numerous activities in the adjacent Forest of Dean including cycling, canoeing and rock climbing. In addition, we are close to other points of interest including Tintern Abbey, Symonds Yat, numerous castles including Chepstow and Raglan and only an hour’s drive away from the tallest mountain in South Wales, Pen Y Fan, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park. We are ideally situated between Cardiff and Bristol, with easy access to both via car or train (Abergavenny). There are several excellent golf courses within 30 minutes drive of the property including The Celtic Manor Resort. Guest access The whole property plus the garden is available for our guests. Other things to note This property is accessed via a public footpath. The Top Barn is about 75m from the private parking area. Well behaved pets are welcome. A one off fee of £20 per pet is charged. There are no streetlights so a torch is often handy.