Watch the kingfishers down by the river, explore the famous bookshops of Hay, have a picnic, stroll to the pub. Hiding amidst trees on the banks of the Wye, to a musical backdrop of waterfall and birds, is a renovated mill cottage on an old drovers’ road – a truly romantic escape. It stands on the Cabalva Estate, a family-run sheep and beef farm that owns the rights to fishing on the river… flick a fly below your front door. Friendly Sam, wife of the farm manager, meets and greets and shows you around. All is new, spacious and beautifully put together. Cream walls, oak floors, wool plaid curtains and a big leather sofa keep the sitting room cheerful and bright, there’s a desk in the corner with a landline for guests (no signal here!), logs from the estate, music, TV, cards, and a generous hamper that includes local cider and homemade Welsh cakes. The kitchen is delightful, the bathroom is tranquil and there are bathrobes to cosset you as you trot upstairs. Bury your toes in a sheepskin rug, sleep soundly in a super-king bed.
