The Black Mountains are the backdrop to your Herefordshire retreat: this converted bakehouse has all a couple need to escape city life. Inside, tones are neutral, with wheat coloured carpets and soft fabrics in the living room to set off the dark beams above, and a wood-burner stacked with logs. The kitchen isn’t huge but it is well-equipped (and you’ll find some generous basics along with handmade chocolates and local Welsh cakes), so pad through to the conservatory with a coffee, or step out to the sunny garden – both are great birdwatching spots. Two meadows lie just beyond, the start of many footpaths that criss-cross the countryside; the river Monnow meanders by too. The energetic Jones’ use the old mill owner’s house at weekends but otherwise the cottage stands in peaceful seclusion. After a day spent in bookish Hay-on-Wye, a windswept trek on Offa’s Dyke or a drink in the local pub you can head upstairs and collapse into your big zip-link double, with its fresh linen and pretty view to the garden. The award-winning village shop can sell you a fishing licence and there’s plenty of space for storing bikes.
It would be hard to find a more lovely cottage to rent in such a beautiful part of the country. The cottage ,gardens and surroundings are all well cared for and welcoming.Well equipped, felt as if everything had been thought of to create somewhere you were happy to return to after a days cycling ,walking or exploring .Lovely touches -vases of freshly picked garden flowers,hamper,towels and toiletries.A very efficient log burner and stacks of logs.Plenty of space for two and comfy bed with beautiful bed linen. Cannot imagine anybody being disappointed with a stay here.It was hard to leave.