Summary:
Nestled in the stunning countryside of the Brecon Beacons, just a stone's throw from the market towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery, Ynyswen Arosfa is a cosy Salt & City Stays retreat for the whole family. The cottage offers a modern finish with rustic features, stained glass panels (made by Lesley, the owner), a cosy log-burner and expansive gardens. If you enjoy hiking, stargazing, cycling or bird watching, this is a perfect base, with lots for all ages to explore.
The Space:
Lovingly built by the owners themselves over 3 years, the high level of detail and care taken over this property's layout is obvious.
The large, welcoming hallway gives way to a sizeable, comfortable living room. Immediately you notice the stone fireplace with log burner, around which you will find two sofas and an armchair to relax on. There is a SMART TV with Freeview and Blu Ray player, along with a selection of DVDs, books, and games for quiet nights in. At the far corner of the room, a workspace with desk is provided, as well as an extra drop leaf table. Patio doors lead to the patio area outside.
On the opposite end of the hallways, is the door leading to their modern kitchen diner. This is a large communal space filled with light, with all the mod cons required for making family meals. The fully equipped kitchen has an electric oven with electric hob, microwave, kettle, Dolce Gusto Coffee machine, under counter dishwasher, 4 slice toaster, sandwich toaster, American style fridge freezer and a comprehensive range of crockery and kitchen utensils. The sink and drainer sit under the large kitchen windows with views over the rear garden space and the hills beyond. The solid wooden dining table comfortably seats six guests for meals, and overlook a second patio in the garden area, with patio doors for access out and the potential of al fresco dining in the summer months.
The master bedroom features a super king-sized divan bed with pocket sprung mattress for a fantastic night’s sleep. The views from the window are fantastic, looking across open countryside towards a red kite feeding spot. The spacious room also has a dressing table with hairdryer, a walk-in wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom with a WC, walk-in shower, and double sink unit.
The second bedroom also has a super king-sized divan bed, with the same pocket sprung mattress. This bed can be split into two single beds, if required and upon request. There is a built-in wardrobe and underbed storage, as well as uninterrupted views towards the mountains beyond.
The third bedroom also has a zip and link bed which can be separated into two singles, with the same pocket sprung mattress for a comfy night of rest. With a built-in wardrobe, built-in dressing table, and underbed storage, this room is airy and spacious, with plenty of light coming from the window and bucolic views out over fields and trees.
The main family bathroom is on the first floor. This cool grey contemporary bathroom consists of a large walk-in electric shower, a separate bath, a WC and wash hand basin with sink.
The master bedroom comes with its own ensuite bathroom with a WC, walk-in shower, and double sink unit.
Downstairs, the ‘art deco’ style WC with wash hand basin has distinctive stained glass made by owner.
The outdoor space is vast, with two patios, one with outside seating and a table, and manicured grounds with a BBQ, surrounded by lush green countryside. There is also a clothesline for your use. The views to the rear of the property are of the beautiful Brecon Beacon hills, and you’re sure to spot some of the famous red kites that inhabit this stunning, scenic area.
There is ample off-street parking for 3 cars, as well as a Zappi EV charger.
Guest Access:
You'll have private and exclusive access to the whole cottage and its garden.
The Neighborhood:
Myddfai is a beautiful village situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is a popular tourist destination famous for being home to the Physicians of Myddfai, a family of physicians who lived in the parish and prepared herbal medicines for over four centuries. It’s also a great location to explore the Brecon Beacons, one of the most famous mountain ranges in Wales, and the National Park, which includes the Black Mountains and popular Pen y Fan.
Myddfai’s closest town is Llandovery, an ancient market town with an unhurried charm and traditional shops, including butchers, bakers, delicatessen, and Wales’ oldest independent Welsh bank, The Black Ox. This is also where the nearest shops and petrol stations are. Take time to visit Llandovery’s Heritage Centre, where you’ll find out more about the droving history of these valleys. The nearby Norman castle is the spot where Henry VI executed a supporter of the Welsh rebellion, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan – his statue stands next to the ruins as a testament to the history of the Welsh and Norman skirmishes across this area.
20 minutes away is the colourful, picturesque market town of Llandeilo. Perched atop a hillside above the River Towy and with an impressive 19th century stone bridge, Llandeilo is the place to visit for great food and bespoke shops. There’s a unique array of goods on offer from antiques to crafts, books to jewellery in these quirky shops. Visit Ginhaus Deli for an upmarket lunch or Café Braz for excellent coffee and cake. The Cawdor Arms Hotel offers stunning evening meals, and it’s worth looking around inside the 18th century bright red walls.
If you’re a fan of castles, then you’ve come to the right area. Dinefwr Castle is a great day out for all the family. Re-live Edwardian life in Newton's house, and explore the impactful ruins of the castle itself, home to Welsh princes for generations. Then, why not have a picnic in the restored parkland, or visit the tea rooms for light refreshments under the trees.
Castell Carreg Cennen is a 25-minute drive from your accommodation and is one of the best examples of an 11th-century castle remaining in Wales. The ruins, which have existed exactly as you see them today since 1465, have been meticulously preserved by Cadw, and you can easily walk around this limestone rock and across the drawbridge into the thick walls. The views from the castle are spectacular, perched high above the Carmarthenshire farmland, and there’s even a secret tunnel running through the rock itself.
15 miles northwest of Myddfai is Dolaucothi Gold Mine, a National Trust site in the village of Pumsaint. Take a tour of these famous gold mines from underground – you can wear a miner’s lamp to find your way, and you can even try hand panning for gold yourself! This is a fantastic afternoon out, and children can keep the treasure they find!
The most fantastic site you’ll see during your stay at Ynyswen cottages is the beautiful red kites soaring above you. This is because you’re only 3 miles away from Llanddeusant Red Kite Feeding Station, which was set up in 2002 to support the dwindling population of birds of prey…and they’ve thrived! Now, you can visit the feeding station daily at 3 pm in the summer and 2 pm in the winter to watch the birds being fed and take photographs. The birds put on a fantastic aerial display, and over 50 can be visible at one time. A rare and incredible sight!
Getting Around:
We recommend having a car available during your stay to make the most fo the local area. There is ample parking at the cottage for up to 3 vehicles. EV charging is available at £15 per charge per night.
Other Things to Note:
Other things to note:
• All bed linen and one hand towel, and one bath towel per person are provided.
• Free Wi-Fi included.
• Max of 2 pets allowed, charges apply
• We kindly ask that you do not smoke when visiting this property.
• One basket of logs is provided for the log burner – please request more if required.
• A highchair and stairgate, and cot can be provided by prior arrangement.
• Lovely, quiet, rural location with bucolic countryside views and plenty of walks, hikes, and cycle tracks leading out of Myddfai village itself.
• Nearest supermarkets, takeaways, restaurants, and petrol stations are 4 miles away in the town of Llandovery.
• This cottage can be combined with Ynyswen Barcud next door to sleep 12. Please enquire about availability.
• Zappi EV charging available
Interaction with Guests:
Salt & City Stays will be available throughout your entire stay to ensure you have everything you need. From answering inquiries to assisting with recommendations or issues, we are here to make your stay seamless and enjoyable. You may hear from any of us in our small, dedicated team during your stay.
The owners, John and Lesley, live just 1 mile away from the cottage.
