Snaptrip says
Guests have had a delightful experience at the Gatehouse, praising its cosy and spacious interiors, comfortable furnishings, and the added luxury of a hot tub. The property's location in a picturesque village with a friendly local pub is appreciated, as is the warm welcome from the host. The beautiful gardens and the property's dog-friendliness also receive positive mentions. While some minor issues with facilities and maintenance are noted, the overall sentiment is one of satisfaction and a desire to return.
Guests that stayed at this property said
The cottage receives high marks for cleanliness, with numerous guests commenting on its well-kept and tidy state. The hot tub is noted as spotlessly clean and well-maintained, contributing to the high score in this category.
The location is highly regarded for its scenic village setting and proximity to local attractions and countryside walks. The presence of a welcoming pub across the road is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect. Some guests noted the rural roads and distance to shops, but overall, the location is seen as a charming and desirable feature of the property.
Comfort is consistently highlighted, with guests finding the beds cosy and the living areas spacious. The wood burner adds to the cottage's charm and cosiness, especially during colder days. The only minor discomfort mentioned relates to the heating system, which was not adjustable for some guests.
The facilities, including the kitchen and hot tub, are generally well-received. However, some guests suggested improvements such as better lighting, more kitchenware for larger groups, and updates to certain appliances. The maintenance of the hot tub is praised, but there are comments about the need for minor repairs and upgrades to enhance the overall experience.
While the reviews reflect a positive experience with the host's welcoming nature and helpfulness, there is no specific mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches that would warrant a score in this category. Therefore, the score is set to null.
About this property
This historic, detached artisan cottage nestles in the heart of the popular village of Painscastle in Mid Wales. This lovely cottage with a hot tub is in the heart of the village and is ideal for families or a small group of friends looking to enjoy the border countryside, being within easy reach of historic towns, fabulous days out and various activities. Situated close to the literary town of Hay-on-Wye, and surrounded by the beautiful Welsh Marches and border countryside, this delightful cottage is set over two floors. There are four comfortable bedrooms and a bathroom, with an additional family shower room on the ground floor. There is a well-equipped kitchen leading to two comfy seating areas, one with a dining area and glass apex looking out across the cottage garden. There is a separate cosy sitting room where you can relax in front of a further woodburner and relax watching the TV. Outside, you can sit on the patio, surrounded by the slightly raised cottage garden, enjoying a hearty breakfast before heading off to explore the surrounding countryside and historic towns. On your return you can enjoy the evening sun on the upper patio where you can unwind in the hot tub which is situated under cover in an open-fronted barn adjoining the seating area (Please note (no children under the age of 4 allowed in the hot tub). Painscastle boasts a welcoming, dog-friendly pub and is surrounded by the beautiful undulating border countryside of the Welsh Marches, which opens up to Begwns Moor and Monks Pond, giving you a chance to soak up the panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons National Park. You are ideally placed to visit the quaint town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its myriad of bookshops, boutique- style shopping and annual literary festival. Visit the Royal Welsh Showground, which hosts a variety of events, making this cottage a perfect base for those looking for peace and quiet after a busy day at the showground. The area offers numerous outdoor activities with pony trekking close by together with six golf courses, including Kington which boasts that it is the highest course in England. For more activities travel to Llangorse Lake, where you will find water skiing, pedalos, pike fishing and rowing boats. There are fabulous walking and cycle routes on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) and the Black Mountains. Slightly further afield, to the north, you will find the popular market town of Rhayader, gateway to the stunning Elan Valley, with its majestic Victorian dams and the nearby Red Kite Feeding Centre. Knighton, on the edge of the Shropshire Hills, is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, situated on Offas Dyke, and ideal for walking swathes of the Marches. This pretty cottage is a perfect base for families or friends looking to enjoy time together in a beautiful part of the country.
The pretty village of Painscastle lies just five and a half miles from the famous town of Hay-on-Wye, and takes its name from its ancient fortress, where today only large earthworks remain. Standing only three miles from the England/Wales border, the village boasts a charming real ale inn serving good food, and is surrounded by scenic countryside.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x double, 2 x single.
Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Ground floor shower room with shower, basin and WC.
Open plan living area with kitchen, breakfast area, dining area and sitting area with woodburner.
Sitting room with woodburner.
Utility.
Oil central heating with woodburners.
Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, and DVD.
WIFI can be intermittent Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburners included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot, highchair and stairgate.
Off road parking for 4 cars.
Front gravelled garden.
Enclosed lawned garden with patio, furniture and BBQ.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Extra dogs, a charge of £20/dog applies.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4.5 miles, pub 2 mins walk.
Please note check in time for this property is 4pm and check out 10am due to hot tub change over.
Nearby points of interest
- Hay Festival
- Wyeside Arts Centre
- Kington Museum
- The National Cycle Museum
- Llandrindod Wells Heritage Trail
- Motte at Builth Castle
- Hergest Croft Gardens
- Llandrindod Wells Lake Park
- Hergest Ridge
Reviews (63)
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Katie
So many walks from the door, in all directions - then back to rest the legs in the hot tub afterwards. And the bonus of an amazing pub opposite. It was closed mon and Tues but open the rest of the week. We will be back!
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Lisa Candice
Plenty of parking space. Beds were exceedingly comfortable. Wendy was on hand to check everything was ok. Weather wasnât the best but we still managed to go on several long walks in the surrounding countryside with our two dogs and there are plenty of things to do and see in the area. Had a good meal at the Roast Ox opposite, food was fresh and portions exceedingly generous. Would definitely recommend.
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Angharad
My two boys loved the hot tub. The garden was lovely and suitable for our dogs. Couldn't fault the accommodation, we had everything we needed. Ample of space for the whole family to relax. There is a pub directly opposite the cottage, that do an amazing sunday lunch, unfortunately its only open on weekends. The little village Hay-on-Wye was lovely, a must visit. Cosy relaxing pubs with good atmosphere. Would highly recommend this property and area for a relaxing country stay.