Hafod -Y-Garreg, Monmouthshire - Stay at the Oldest House In Wales

3 June 2013

Hafod-Y-Garreg, just outside Hay-on-Wye, is officially the oldest house in Wales, built from timbers that were felled in the summer of 1402. The B&B comes complete with the most idyllic of settings; the Medieval farmhouse is hidden in a hollow overlooking the spectacular Wye Valley, and is surrounded by dramatic larch forests and fields of glossy buttercups. It was once a hunting lodge for Henry IV.

Hafod -Y-Garreg, MonmouthshireIt’s owners, John and Annie, were both formerly antique restorers in London. Their combined finely tuned sense of aesthetics has transformed the house into the most attractive B&B, laden with well-chosen, eclectic treasures at every turn. Although it must be stated that Hafod-Y-Garreg never feels like a traditional B&B; we felt more like invited house guests, such was the warmth of the welcome.

Hafod -Y-Garreg, Monmouthshire
Hafod -Y-Garreg, MonmouthshireIt would be fun to return in the winter to see this glorious hearth in full glow.

IMG_4877Breakfasts are a highlight, served in the porch shown below, with blue and green free range eggs laid by the resident hens that roam freely in the garden. If you don’t fancy going out in the evenings, there’s also the option to have a special dinner prepared, which is served on the 16th century refectory table in the beamed candlelit dining room.

IMG_4880There are just two en suite bedrooms, all furnished to a very high standard.  Early oak furniture, antique throws and 19th century fabric hangings adorn the walls. Well-stocked tea caddies, fresh milk, a decanter of port, and a nice selection of Vogue magazines made for a comfortable stay. We also loved the extra little quirky touches of a blue orchid, and a 1960s snoopy hairdryer.

IMG_4891

IMG_4893

Even though the view from the door looks as staggeringly beautiful as this, you’re never too far away from the modern world, with a flat screen TV and Wi-Fi in the rooms should you so desire.

IMG_4888

Hafod-Y-Garreg is dog friendly, so Lola was able to join in with the celebrations, enjoying several blissful romps in the surrounding meadow.

IMG_4912

IMG_4905

Rooms at Hafod-Y-Garreg are £86 per night, including breakfast.

For further information please visit: www.hafodygarreg.co.uk

All images by CELLOPHANELAND*.