Highbrook Cottage

4

Powys, Wales

Idyllic seclusion in the foothills of the Radnor Forest: a cosy, 2-bed cottage with vintage-style interiors

2 Bedrooms

1 Bathroom

Child friendly

Eco conscious

EV charging

Parking

Private garden

WiFi

Woodburner

Space & setting.

Hidden down a lane in the beautiful mid-Wales borders is a whitewashed old worker’s cottage, surrounded by the rolling green hills of an ancient sheep farm. Run by the same family for over a century, it has been thoroughly renovated by its latest generation of custodians, who are busily establishing a natural, low-intervention vineyard in a fallow field. They’ve brought an eclectic, contemporary feel to the interior design, coupling traditional exposed beams with vintage rattan furniture, scalloped bedlinen, patterned wallpaper and dramatic tongue-and-groove panelling. Colourful and cosy, with a peaceful garden, it’s a cottage for all seasons. 

Throw open the curtains to the ethereal first-morning light, and listen to the sounds of a babbling brook and singing birds; you’re all alone here. Linger over breakfast in the cosy dining nook — duck eggs from the honesty hut, coffee by a local roasters — then pull on your wellies and explore: woodlands, waterfalls and the wild Welsh Valleys. There are excellent pubs for long lunches and the Elan Valley and Hay-on-Wye are just 30 minutes away. Best of all though are evenings by the fire, fuelled by films, board games and perhaps wine from a very local vineyard…

Getting here: best to drive

“It all began in the 1910s, when a sheep farm in the mid-Wales borders was bought by my husband James’ great-grandfather. Whilst we were both living and working in London — James in science and me in communications — James had the wild idea of establishing a vineyard on the family farm. Together with friends we planted our first half acre of vines, then escaped the city and moved to Wales. We renovated the cottage ourselves, with me pouring my love of colourful and quirky interiors into it and James his carpentry skills. 2020 saw our first harvest and bottles of our natural wine being produced; we’ve since planted another half acre and are looking forward to seeing what this year’s harvest brings!” Owner, Susan

My Kip favourites

She loves
“The cottage is south facing and the light is especially gorgeous in golden hour. In summer, we love to sit out in the peaceful garden and watch the sun slowly drop then swap places with the stars.”

We love
The bold colours, eclectic details, and cosy Welsh wool blankets.

You may not love
Min 3/4 nights; check ins on Fri/Mon only. The stairs are steep and narrow. The bathroom is downstairs. You’ll need to drive to shops, pubs and restaurants. Sorry, no dogs.

 

 

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  • "Such an idyllic stay; Susan and James have done the cottage beautifully and it is so cosy and relaxing. We loved being so secluded and all of the stunning walks in the area. Would return in a heartbeat. Many thanks!"

    Liz, November 2024
  • "We had a wonderful stay at Highbrook Cottage. Nestled among the trees and cradled by a stream, we felt truly tucked away. The cottage gives you a hug as soon as you step in the door with its beautifully decorated interior and freshly made Welsh cakes. The cosy wood burner, thoughtfully chosen books, beautiful linen, fluffy towels, hot water bottles and well-equipped kitchen kept us comfortable throughout our stay. The sound of the stream is especially delightful if, like us, you've tried to escape city life! Our hosts were responsive, friendly and helpful. We'd definitely stay here again. Thanks so much."

    Emma, October 2024
  • "We had a fantastic stay in this beautiful cottage! It is very clean and beautifully equipped and for us, being a couple, quite spacious. Susan and Olwen were gorgeous hosts and we had a lot of very useful information concerning the area and excursions. A lot of time though we just liked to sit in the garden, enjoying the nature, or in front of the wood burner in the evening. We definitely plan to come back - thank you for everything!"

    Silke, July 2024
  • "Took ourselves away for a long weekend and we could not have had a more amazing time at the cottage. Absolutely everything about this place was beautiful, the decor, the scenery, the atmosphere, we loved it all. I highly recommend a stay if you’re looking for somewhere, intimate, romantic and genuinely restful."

    Anna, August 2022
  • "We had a beautiful stay with our 2 young children. The cottage is cosy and wonderfully decorated! The setting is idyllic with country views and the sound of a peaceful babbling brook outside. There’s lots to see in the surrounding areas but it’s also the perfect place to curl up with a book in front of the fire! I’m sure we will be back again for another relaxing stay."

    Kat, July 2021

Sustainability.

“As a small producer ourselves, it’s important to us to champion local suppliers who also want to look after our planet. You’ll find carbon neutral Footprint coffee made very close to us in Kinnerton, and refillable and sustainably produced toiletries from Splosh based in Hay. The wood for the log burner comes from fallen trees on our farm, and we have an EV charging point.”

 

Surrounds.

  • Highbrook Cottage, Powys
    Whinyard Rocks Vineyard
  • Water Break Its Neck
    Water Break Its Neck
  • Whimble Hill
    Whimble Hill
  • Elan Valley
    Elan Valley
  • View from Whimble Hill
    View from Whimble Hill
  • Harley Valley, Radnor
    Harley Valley, Radnor
  • Winemaker's Cottage
    .
  • You’re in the foothills of the Radnor Forest. Follow the trails through Warren Woods to reach the spectacular Water Break Its Neck waterfall where you can dip your toes in and watch the rainbow mist rising amongst the trees.
  • A decent (1 hour 20 minute) walk will get you to Old Radnor. Settle in for a drink or excellent Sunday lunch at The Harp Inn where the outdoor tables have views over the Radnor Valley. When you’re replete, pop into the church opposite with its exquisite pre-Norman baptismal font and what’s said to be the oldest organ in the British Isles.
  • Kids love the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre in nearby Kington, where there’s the most incredible array of miniature animals.
  • Explore the Elan Valley on foot or by bike: a series of Victorian dams are set amongst spectacular scenery with 80 miles of nature trails to explore.
  • It’s just half an hour to Hay-on-Wye, the world-famous book town. Rifle through the second-hand bookshops, stopping off at Shepherd’s ice cream parlour for an artisan cone or a coffee along the way.
  • On a hot day, canoe down the River Wye or hit the beach called The Warren where locals go for a wild swim.

Specifics.

  • Secluded cottage, part of an ancient sheep farm
  • Upstairs: 2 bedrooms, 1 kingsize, 1 double (cannot be twinned)
  • Downstairs bathroom with shower/tub; local eco company Splosh toiletries
  • Baby cot and highchair to borrow (free of charge)
  • Fully equipped kitchen (electric hob & oven with grill, microwave, kettle and toaster); basic supplies and a dining table
  • Living room with woodburner, TV and DVD player; free WiFi
  • Board games, DVDs, books, local OS maps, cards and binoculars
  • Garden and alfresco furniture
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed
  • The owners live on the farm, available by phone
  • EV charging point
  • Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants
  • Booking conditions: a 3-night min stay over weekends (Fri-Mon) and 4 nights midweek (Mon-Fri)
  • Remember to pack: wellies or walking boots

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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations
* 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
*6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
*4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs

FAQs.

There is WiFi but it can be patchy. The 4G is generally good.

Yes, and the owner can send suggestions of local walks once you’ve booked.

We  really recommend Daphne’s in Presteigne for their sourdough pizzas and natural wine list. The owners make their own cider (Skyborry) which you can enjoy with your pizza. 

Yes. There is a good village shop, Esco’s, which often has freshly baked bread. The local deli Del Tinto in Presteigne is very good (also with fresh bread and treats), and there’s a local food market in Presteigne on the first Saturday of each month.

No – however there are cafetières and a complimentary pot of ground coffee is provided.

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