Cân yr Afon, a riverside retreat

Step outside and enjoy stunning walks, superb bike rides or peaceful fishing directly from this lovely 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house in the beautiful Rhondda Valley, without even getting in the car. Bike Park Wales and the Brecon Beacons are also just a short drive away making the house an ideal base for anyone wanting to explore all that the area has to offer. Bike storage and bike washing facilities available. Parking for 3 cars. Up to 2 dogs are welcome for an additional £20 pet fee per dog. The space Aptly named Cân yr Afon (song of the river) the house is the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding area or simply to retreat from the stresses and strains of everyday living. Originally built to accommodate the station master and his family, the house has been in the same family for more than 75 years. It is tucked away at the end of a no-through road next to the old Blaenrhondda railway station, where trains once stopped before continuing on through the Blaencwm tunnel (soon to reopen for walkers and cyclists) onto Bridgend and beyond. The old railway line is now a footpath leading to fabulous waterfall walks, stunning scenery and mountain rides, all within walking distance of the house. The river Rhondda runs right past the garden where bird enthusiasts will regularly spot herons and dippers, and occasionally kingfishers, and the garden boasts first class views of Pen Pych, one of just 2 table-top mountains in Europe. The house was fully renovated and refurbished to a high standard in 2020, and has 2 double bedrooms plus a twin/superking bedroom; a family bathroom with over bath shower; a downstairs shower room; lounge; dining room, a fully equipped modern kitchen and separate utility/boot room with laundry facilities. There is private parking for 2 cars to the rear of the property and on-street parking for 1 car to the front. There is secure bike storage in the lockable workshop, and a hosepipe is provided for cleaning bikes. All bedrooms have both river and mountain views and guests are provided with towels and robes. You will find a welcome pack with everything you need to make a hot beverage and either biscuits or cakes available for you when you arrive. Superfast broadband is available free for your convenience and there are USB sockets in all rooms. There are Smart TVs in the lounge and dining room, giving you access to a wide range of channels and, if you have one, your own Netflix account. There are also TV's in 2 of the 3 bedrooms. In the lounge there is a DVD player and a collection of DVDs for cosy nights in. For family fun or rainy days we have provided a selection of board games, and a variety of books and paperbacks are also available if you want to take yourself off to a quiet corner. For outdoor fun and adventure, walk or cycle from the house and be in the mountains within minutes. Or hop in the car and be in the Brecon Beacons within half an hour. The Rhigos Zip World is just 6.5 miles away, and when it opens the Rhondda Tunnel, just 1 mile away in Blaencwm, will be the longest pedestrian/cyclist tunnel in Europe and the 2nd longest in the world. The angler can fish in the river that runs right past the garden, or travel a little further afield and fish from the Llyn Fawr while enjoying wonderful views over the Seven Sisters. The local Upper Rhondda Angling Association also provide guides, and instruction for beginners or those who want to improve their technique. If you like shopping, history or the arts then Wales’ capital city Cardiff is just a 50 minute drive away with its fabulous shopping centres, theatres and historic castle. If you are looking for beautiful golden sandy beaches then the stunning Gower peninsula (the 1st area in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is just 1 hr in the other direction. A maximum of 2 small to medium dogs are welcome for an additional £20 each (please check the house rules). Owners should advise the host of their intention to bring pets and the breed of their pets prior to booking, as not all breeds will be permitted. Please note, the Pet Fee is payable directly to host prior to the start of the stay and is not included in the fee collected by Airbnb. Please note, we have a total of 4 beds, sleeping a maximum of 6 people plus room for 2 infant travel cots. Guest access There is on-street parking for 1 car immediately outside the house. Although almost always available, this space is not reserved for the house. Additionally up to 2 cars are able to park in the lane at the rear of the house. Guests are respectfully asked to avoid parking in front of neighbouring properties if at all possible. There is a bus stop within a 1/4 mile of the house, and a train station approximately mile away. Other things to note The beds in the largest bedroom (the front bedroom) can be arranged as either 2 x 3ft twin beds or as a Superking bed. Guests must let the host know which arrangement they would prefer at least 48 hours prior to arrival, or accept whichever layout is there for them.