Under the Thatch

Bwthyn Sam is a charming little detached cottage for two that enjoys a lovely position in its own ferny garden on the slopes of the Black Mountain.

This western fringe of the Brecon Beacons National Park makes a great centre for a holiday as it is so near to so many wonderful and diverse landscapes. It is also a very easy location to reach for a short break if travelling from southern/ central England.

Bwthyn Sam started life as a pigsty to the home farm of a country estate. The 'plas' (mansion) has long since gone, and now just a few outbuildings are left in a lovely wooded location in the Towy valley. The property manager lives in the converted threshing barn about 50 yards away.

Bwthyn Sam is small and simple - it has the home comforts that you need (wood-burner, power-shower, and a low-tech kitchen) without any ostentation or frippery. The price is kept appropriately sensible as well.

What I like most about it is the way it hides in its own private fern garden; it feels like a secret lovenest for couples. Click here to see extra images. It is a very light cottage as three of the original entrance doorways have been glazed to bring a sense of the outside in.

Here, on the slopes of the Black Mountain on the Western fringe of the Brecon Beacons National Park you can enjoy a private and secluded location. You have gardens front and back. Click here to see the location.

Stay here to experience peace & quiet, but also to explore the famous Towy valley, visit (or walk) to the local castles, and potter around Llandeilo (1 mile) which must be one of the most charming towns in West Wales. It must also be the only small town out West with a choice of three excellent delicatessens. Life is good here - so good in fact that it has been named the most chic place in Wales.

This cottage is easily accessible by public transport. Come by train to Ffairfach station on the Heart of Wales line, which connects Swansea and Shrewsbury, and walk the half mile to the yurt or the property manager may be able to give you a lift.

If there are more than two of you then consider the Black Mountain yurt just 50 yards up the track.

In detail:

Main Room is open-plan and includes the lounge, kitchen and dining areas.

The living area has a good quality wood-burning stove that stays in overnight, dining table, sofa, and TV with Video and DVD player.

Note there is no TV reception - some DVD's are provided or bring those films you have been meaning to watch.

The stove is the main form of heating for the cottage (and is sufficient to heat it in all seasons). The first two barrow-loads of logs are supplied, further supplies can be purchased on site or locally. There are also electric convection heaters in every room (electric included in holidau price).

The kitchen area has a fridge, microwave and 2 hob electric cooker with oven. Pleasant views into the fern garden at front, and open fields to rear.

The bedroom is up 3 steps and has two beds which can be arranged as twins or linked to make a 5 foot double bed. Pleasant views into the fern garden at front, and open fields to rear.

The ensuite has a wash hand basin, wc and an excellent power shower.

Outside - Bwthyn Sam is surrounded by its own private garden.

To the front is a small stone terrace with table and chairs and a pathway which leads through a shady woodland garden to the private parking area.

Behind the cottage is another small garden and seating area with views over farmland where horses (and sometimes deer) graze, leading to woodland and the adjacent nature reserve.

What is there to do locally?

The yurt is on the slope of the Black Mountain on the far West of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Note to be confused with the Black Mountains on the East of the National Park.

Sea Trout and Salmon Fishing on the renowned River Towy and Golden Grove Fisheries.

Carreg Cennen Castle (3 miles = 6 minutes in car) is our favourite of all the Welsh castles and makes a pleasant country walk from the yurt!

Dinefwr Park and Castle (National Trust) is also under 2 miles away and can be reached by a riverside walk of about 25 minutes.

Pop into 'posh' Llandeilo town for lunch (choice of great cafes, delicatessens etc). Great antiques warehouse and generally one of the prettiest towns in Wales.

Dylan Thomas' Boathouse is a great day out in a beautiful location. See his writing 'hut' and enjoy the amazing estuary views or stop off for a pint in his favourite pub.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is one of Europe's best gardens. Forget the Eden project - our dome is bigger and better! Just 8 miles/ 15 minutes in the car.

Or even nearer at 5 miles (10 mins in car) is Aberglasney - another of the best gardens in Wales/UK. Take a walk through the ancient yew tunnel and then stop for home-made tea and cakes down by the lake.

In fact there are so many great gardens in the area that is has been called The Garden of Wales.

And there is SO much great food produced locally that they've made a directory of the finest producers.We particularly love dry-cured Carmarthen Ham - apparently the Queen has it on special order!

You have a choice of some of the best beaches in Wales in under an hour's drive - eg. 40 mins drive to Llansteffan.

If you get bored nip up the National Trust gold mines where you can pan for rare Welsh gold (yes really)! Kids of all ages will enjoy this day out, take wellies for the caverns.

There are some great local walks - and this website will guide you through the best of them.

This is the county website which has loads of info about where to go, best local organic foods, best days out etc.

Like all our accommodation the yurt is entirely non-smoking inside.

Sorry, no pets or children (babes in arms ok). If your party is more than 2 consider taking the Black Mountain Yurt at the same location (sleeps a further 2).