Guests say
Hiraeth is a well-loved cottage set in stunning Mid Wales countryside, offering beautiful views, wildlife, and walking trails. Guests appreciate the spacious, eco-friendly property, its cleanliness, and the homely atmosphere. The lack of Wi-Fi is noted, but the serene location and ample activities, including table tennis and tennis courts, compensate. Some guests mention minor issues with sound insulation and creaky floorboards.
The property is generally praised for its cleanliness, with guests finding it well maintained. However, there are isolated comments about spider webs and unclean kitchenware left by previous guests, suggesting occasional oversights.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity, stunning views, and proximity to nature and walking trails. The seclusion and wildlife encounters contribute to a serene experience, although the signage to the property could be improved.
While the property is described as cosy and homely, there are several mentions of creaky floorboards and sound travelling easily, which affected the sleep quality for some guests. Bed comfort received mixed reviews, with some finding the beds too soft.
Facilities are generally well-received, with special mentions of the kitchen, table tennis, and tennis courts. However, the absence of Wi-Fi and the need for some guests to bring additional commodities slightly detract from the overall experience.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches provided by the hosts that would indicate thoughtfulness. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
Dolau 1 mile. A fabulous Welsh stone and oak-framed detached barn conversion with exposed beams throughout, 'Hiraeth is set in a privately managed nature reserve with access to 90 acres of woodlands, meadows and ponds, enjoying uninterrupted views down the valley, making it a paradise for those with a botanical or wildlife interest. The smallholding has been run as a biodiversity project under the guidance of the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and is carefully managed to embrace as many species of flora and fauna as is indigenous to the area, making it an ideal base for those especially interested in the natural environment.
Located close to the hamlet of Dolau, 8 miles from Llandrindod Wells, this beautifully-converted Llandrindod Wells cottage combines superb original features with modern comforts to provide delightful, spacious accommodation. This Llandrindod Wells cottage has a fabulous sitting room with woodburning stove, wooden floors, upright piano and beamed ceilings, as well as a galleried hallway, a large farmhouse kitchen diner with bespoke furniture and valley views and three homely bedrooms. Hiraeth is a superb place to come and celebrate the quiet, the softness of the hills, and the wonder of the environs. Enveloped by a beautiful nature reserve, there is plenty of wildlife to see and scenery to be enjoyed just outside of your door, so you won’t have to travel far to try out birdwatching or to see what creatures live within the wilderness.
The woodlands surrounding the property enjoy winding paths through the forest scenery, ideal for hikers. With easy access to many local towns, this cottage makes a wonderful base for couples, families, friends, walkers and birdwatchers to enjoy the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) and Elan Valley. This property is on the outskirts, within easy reach of the Hay literary festival and also a close by to the Royal Welsh Show. There are also several more nature reserves that can be enjoyed by guests, including Abercamlo Bog and Radnor Forest, or you can visit Valley View Falconry and for history lovers, the remains of Nant-y-Gro Dam.
Fall in love with the wilder side of Wales with a stay at the charming Hiraeth.
Dolau is a small hamlet in Powys with a little railway station near the town of Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales which offers a variety of shops and pubs, plus many hiking pathways in and around the town. Others attractions nearby are the National Cycling Museum, the Radnorshire Museum and nearby Abey Cwm Hir, resting place of Llywelyn, the last Welsh King (1282).
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x double with seating area and Juliet balcony, 1 x twin room with two single beds, 1 x family room with 2 singles and 1 adult bunk beds.
Bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Ground floor shower.
Separate ground floor WC.
Kitchen with large dining area.
Utility.
Sitting room with woodburning stove.
Green underfloor thermal heating with woodburning stove.
Gas range oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher.
TV, DVD player, small library of books and games, piano, table tennis available in the small open barn opposite.
Tennis court, shared with owners, 10 minutes walk away (on woodland paths).
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available on request.
Ample off road parking.
Large gravelled seating area with furniture and BBQ.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome (must be kept on a lead when outside).
Stabling for horses available by prior arrangement.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4 miles, pub 3 miles.
Note: the property now has an electric charge point for cars, there is a charge to use this, payable locally to the owner.
Note: There is fenced pond in the garden, children should be supervised at all times.
Note: Cottage stands on open land, which is not enclosed so small children must be supervised.
Note: No hen/stag or similar.
Please Note: This property does not offer Wi-Fi.
Nearby points of interest
- The National Cycle Museum
- Llandrindod Wells Heritage Trail
- Kington Museum
- Rhayader Museum and Gallery
- Wyeside Arts Centre
- Llandrindod Wells Lake Park
- Hergest Croft Gardens
- Motte at Builth Castle
- Hergest Ridge
- Gilfach Nature Reserve
Reviews (45)
-
Kelvin
So isolated it didnt have privacy glass on the downstairs toilet or shower room. A lovely idea which we are used to as we live in similar property. Such a shame therefore to find the owners son has permission to plug his electric car into the charging socket on the outside wall. He has to walk past the toilet and shower room windows. To be fair he only used it the once leaving the car there for 24 hrs or so but we never knew when he would be coming to collect it or bring it again, so for us the splendid isolation stopped there and then. From then on we had the windows blinds down all the time. May seem petty to some but for us privacy is important. That aside, there is a lot of creaking and cracking as the underfloor heating comes on in the early hours. Didnt bother me much but light sleepers could find it a problem. Such a shame to write negatively about a most beautiful property, we holiday as often as we can now we are retired. we went the extra mile cost wise and did feel slightly let down. Despite all I've written we would recommend the place, the owners seemed helpful enough and the views are to die for.
-
Paul
The property has everything you need. The countryside as at your frontdoor. I would highly recommend this gem of a place.
-
Arif
On approaching the cottage you are welcomed by the hundred or so butterflies and bumble bees all feeding on the flowering nectar just besides the front door. The estate owners graciously allow use of their tennis court and children play area. The cottage was really comfortable and secluded giving you privacy. The owners were very hospitable. I thank them for the opportunity to stay at Hireath.