Under The Thatch

Indulge your childhood fantasies about running away with the gypsies by staying in an original Romany waggon or 'Vardo' in the the lovely Monmouthshire countryside.

A truly romantic holiday opportunity at any time of year!

We have this gypsy caravan, and another on the West coast, as well as a Showman's Waggon. Of the three this caravan is more easily accessed from England, and so is ideal for short breaks for guests from over the border.

The gypsy caravan is situated in the nook of a field with a view of the foothills of the romantic Black Mountains. A simple country cabin sits alongside with a kitchen and bathroom. You get a exclusive use of both and a nice patch of land to relax in.

The farmhouse where the property manager lives (and where cottage Blaentrothy Bach is situated) is down the other end of the field.

The fields round about, which make up the small, peaceful sheep farm, are designated as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

The farm where the caravan is situated is down a long private farm lane in a tranquil location. You can walk through the fields down to the village pub.

Beautifully carved and painted, the Romany caravan has been lovingly restored by Romanies from Ireland. It is an 'Open Lot' type of caravan with a Bow-Top insulated roof.

The inside of the caravan has a traditional 'Queenie' stove, (and electric heater), a pull-out double bed and a (cupboard) bed for a small child underneath. Duvet etc provided.

Note that if you are over 6'2" tall you won't be able to sleep flat out on the bed in the caravan, though there is a double sofabed in the cabin (useful in stormy weather). When pulled-out the main double bed is slightly narrower than a modern double bed.

Next to the caravan is a comfortable cabin containing modern comforts -

Bathroom, complete with large shower, loo, wash hand basin and a great antique roll-top bath

Kitchen/Diner with a neat little kitchen, a sofabed, a pull-out table (with chairs), a radio/CD-player, an electric radiator and an antique French shepherd's woodburning stove.

The verandah is just right for sitting out on warm summer evenings and watching the sun slip down behind the hills.

The caravan is perfect for two but one child up to around age 5 would also be welcome.

One very well behaved dog welcome (see extras below), but only in the cabin (not caravan). Note that there are sheep in neighbouring fields and a (friendly) male labrador lives on the farm.

Bedding and towels, soap and loo paper are included in the price, electricity in the (well insulated) cabin is metered and charged at standard rate.

The kitchen is very well-equipped for its size, and comprises hob, sink and microwave. Fuel is provided for the two traditional stoves.

The caravan has been awarded the Green Dragon Environmental Award (Level II) for 2006.

So What is there to Do?

To see the location click here - complete rurality and peace & quiet yet so easily accessible - nearer to England than many of our properties.

London - 3 hour drive
Bristol - 1 hour drive
Birmingham - 1.5 hour drive

(and these are REAL drive times!). Abergavenny train station is 7 miles away and we can usually help with pick-ups if you arrive by train.

This area is full of unspoilt small market towns, rolling hills, or the Brecon Beacons National Park with its spectacular landscapes is just a short drive.

There are good public footpaths directly from the farm and you are in the right area to follow the famous Offa's Dyke Path along the border with England.

You can walk through the fields to the local pub, or Grosmont village is 2 miles.

There are charming local churches to visit at Partrishow and Cwmyoy whose tower leans at a more rakish angle than even the tower at Pisa!

Or there is choice of fascinating castles to explore locally such as White Castle, Skenfrith or Grosmont.

Or only 35 mins (22 miles) to Hereford with its amazing cathedral & the Mappa Mundi.

See the local town of Abergavenny here.

Or head the other way for the famous book town of Hay on Wye. See it here.

Explore the local Brecon Beacons landscape here.

Or the beautiful Wye Valley is also very near - see it here.

Monmouthshire, the county, is one of the loveliest in Wales - find out more here.

If you are interested in Romany history check out this website made by one of our genuine Romany guests.

But probably the best thing to do is just relax and enjoy the views of rolling hills, the peace & quiet, and put your feet up with a newspaper and glass of wine!

Thanks to Sue Parkhill for letting us use some of her photos here :) Cheers, Sue