Situated on a sunny, sheltered little plateau right in the Black Mountains on the Eastern side of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pont Escob has a genuinely ancient feeling. Stay here for peace & quiet, open landscape views, and to explore one of the most picturesque parts of Wales. You'll have a view of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The ideal location to read Bruce Chatwin's classic novel On the Black Hill. What makes Pont Esgob a great Under the Thatch property is that it is a vernacular gem - with a stone tile roof, faded limewashed walls, and a remarkably well preserved C17 oak screen. Click here to see genuine holiday snaps from a recent guest or extra photos here. Blog & guest photos here.

Installation of central heating would have meant compromising the historic fabric of this Listed cottage, hence it is fuelled by two locally made modern, efficient and effective woodburning stoves.

The property has pretty gardens with access to the river (take care with toddlers).

The property heated by two modern and efficient woodburning stoves, and supplemented by electric heaters.

NEUADD: The main room is little changed since it was built in the early 1600s. There is a large fireplace (with wood-burner), and around this curls the original stone staircase.

The original flagged floor survives, as does the wonderful oak screen and door through to the modern day kitchen. Large dining table and windows with views front and back.

KITCHEN: There is a modern and practical kitchen in what would once have been the private solar behind the oak screen. Dresser with antique & modern white porcelain dinnerware. Solid wood worksurfaces and a five burner gas hob. Fridge-freezer and the usual stock of cutlery, pots, pans etc. No microwave.

There is a washing machine in the turf-roofed garden shed, which is also where the hot water boiler has been sited to keep it out of the historic core of the building.

SITTING ROOM: Move from the seventeenth century to the Victorian period in this bright and pleasant room with French doors off into the garden, and views over the river.

A lovely 'Bloomsbury' feel and some great antique and modern furnishings. Efficient wood-burner, wi-fi Broadband (free, bring own laptop),Television with basic Sky channels, and DVD. CD player & radio.

The French doors open onto a pleasant stone terrace.

DOUBLE BEDROOM : Large double bedroom with its original oak floor and lovely views over the hills. Plenty of space, and door off to rear corridor.

Note that the only way to access the bathroom and childrens room is through the main bedroom.

BUNK BEDROOM : A small bunk room is fine for kids, but not for adults. Note that the beds are smaller than standard. Views over the river.

BATHROOM:

Bright pretty bathroom with bath and power shower over, loo, wash hand basin and electric heated towel rail.

OUTSIDE:

Stone patio area & lawns.

There is a low stone wall between the garden and the riverbank - note potential danger for adventurous toddlers.

The picturesque turf-roofed cedar shed in the garden houses the washing-machine and dryer, hoover and ironing board, garden chairs, hot-water boiler and extra logs.

Parking for one car, or two at a squeeze.

• Abergavenny - train station - 4 miles/8 mins
• Partrishow and Cwmyoy charming churches - 3.5 miles
• Castles at White Castle , Skenfrith or Grosmont - 9 miles  
• Hereford - amazing cathedral and the Mappa Mundi - 35 mins/22 miles
• Hay on Wye Hay on Wye - 20 miles
• Brecon Beacons landscape
• Offa's Dyke Path - 35 miles
• Wye Valley - 13 miles
• Monmouthshire
• Best pubs in Wales nearby, famous for great food
• Grosmont village - 2 miles
• National Park - very welcoming

• Green Dragon Environmental Award (Level II)
• Brought disused historic property back into use
• Wood-burner stoves & sustainable timber fuel
• Roof hugely insulated to modern standards
• Arrive by public transport - free pickups available
• Breathable walls from lime & natural paints
• Horse-hair plaster, natural distempers etc
• Welsh sheepswool insulation

 "Had an amazing, blissful time, and did not want to leave. Thought about squatting, actually. Loved morning dips in the river. A beautiful cottage, everything you need in the kitchen, great walk from the front door up the Sugarloaf mountain ...." Leo Karl Colton from Barnsley.

"We've had an amazing time: completely fallen in love with the whole valley. The weather's been fantastic, walks exhilarating - and they're all on the doorstep. The cottage is fab - everything you could possible need. Thanks a million, and we'll definitely be back." Fi and Alex London.

"Our fourth Under the Thatch break, and favourite. A beautiful restoration, beautifully and simply furnished and with all the little touches that you wouldn't expect - a welcome call from the owner, the White Company spray, books, Welsh blankets and games and a very well stocked kitchen." Emma Bradshaw & family

Travel cot and high chair available on request (guests bring cot bedding). Note that the bunk room is strictly suitable for children only, the beds are shorter than standard (182cm) and cannot accommodate an adult weight. River is close to house but garden is enclosed. Steep stone stairs to main bedroom.