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River Cottage, a charming family cottage in beautiful rural Herefordshire

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Overview
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
6 guests
2 nights minimum 
Barn
River Cottage is a comfortable, beautifully presented two bedroomed holiday cottage, nestling by the River Monnow at the edge of the majestic Black Mountains. It is surrounded by peaceful farmland, ancient hedgerows and an abundance of wildlife. The cottage is equipped with quality furnishings to create a cosy, welcoming home from home, offering the perfect base for exploring the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and the Wye Valley. The famous town of books, Hay on Wye, is only 8 miles away. River Cottage started life as a stone barn in the 1800s and has been sympathetically converted into a high quality, two bedroomed holiday cottage. The conversion was designed to retain some of the building's original character, such as an exposed stone wall and vaulted ceiling in the living area, yet...River Cottage is a comfortable, beautifully presented two bedroomed holiday cottage, nestling by the River Monnow at the edge of the majestic Black Mountains. It is surrounded by peaceful farmland, ancient hedgerows and an abundance of wildlife. The cottage is equipped with quality furnishings to create a cosy, welcoming home from home, offering the perfect base for exploring the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and the Wye Valley. The famous town of books, Hay on Wye, is only 8 miles away. River Cottage started life as a stone barn in the 1800s and has been sympathetically converted into a high quality, two bedroomed holiday cottage. The conversion was designed to retain some of the building's original character, such as an exposed stone wall and vaulted ceiling in the living area, yet the interior fittings and furnishings provide contemporary comfort and style. The front door to the cottage opens into an open plan living, dining and kitchen area with woodburning stove and large French windows. There is a flat screen TV which provides Now TV, Freesat and catch-up TV. You'll find a selection of books and a range of board games for all the family. Two armchairs and a sofa (which doubles as a sofa bed) provide comfortable seating, and the dining table can accommodate up to 6 people. If you are bringing very young children on holiday, we'll happily provide a travel cot and high chair. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, microwave oven and washing machine plus 4 ring induction hob with integrated double oven below. Just off this area is a hallway where you'll find the family bathroom, and 5 steps up lead you to the 2 bedrooms: a double bedroom with ensuite shower room and a twin bedroom with just enough space to accommodate a travel cot. The French windows in the living area lead out onto a patio with a built in barbecue. Beyond the patio is a shingle area with a picnic bench from where you can see the river below. There is also a lawned area and a sweet child-sized shepherd's hut for your little ones to enjoy. A fence borders the garden areas and there is enough level parking for up to 4 cars. The Wifi Access Point is onward connected via the main house to a BT 'fibre to the home' broadband service delivering a constant speed of around 150Mbs. A signal for mobile phones is usually available in the Cottage. When this is weak, a better signal can be obtained by walking a few meters from the front door. You can arrange a grocery delivery to River Cottage if you wish to - in spite of its rural location, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco all deliver to the cottage from Hereford. Alternatively, Abergavenny is well served with Waitrose, Aldi and Morrisons supermarkets. If you are looking for an action-packed holiday, there is a wealth of activities on offer within a 10 mile radius, from canoeing or kayaking on the River Wye and pony trekking to mountain biking and paintballing. Alternatively, you can just step out of the front door and walk in the hills - you'll find maps in the property. Take the opportunity to do some stargazing - River Cottage is in one of the least light-polluted areas in the UK. Hay on Wye, with its famous book shops and eateries, is well worth a visit and lies only 8 miles away. For breathtaking views, take a circular drive from Cwm Mill to Capel Y Finn and Llanthony Priory and back to Cwm Mill via Longtown. The Old Bake House, our other holiday let, is about 70 metres away in its own grounds. It sleeps 2 in a king size bedroom and we often have Grandparents staying there while the grandchildren and their parents stay in River Cottage.
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
Summer Socialising - While we encourage outdoor dining and socialising, we don't want other guests of ours, or neighbours, to be unduly disturbed. We therefore ask that guests take their socialising indoors to their Cottage after 9.30pm where their activities will not disturb others.
Bedrooms
1 Double1 Sofa2 Singles
Bathrooms
1 Full bath1 Attached (ensuite)

Meet the host
Gethin H
Hosting since July 2012
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: Our policy is to leave our guests in peace, although we do like to introduce ourselves and ensure that you have everything you need early in your stay. If we are unable to do so, we will provide a contact number so that you can get in touch with us if necessary.

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Reviews (16)
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Connector32429699182
Connector32429699182
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Peaceful and relaxing.
Beautiful location next to the river. Peaceful setting and cosy cottage with excellent facilities. Helpful hosts. A great place for artists, writers and photographers but close enough to Hereford, Hay-on-Wye and Abergavenny for shopping. Time slipped by.
Visited July 2021
Written 2 August 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveller and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

chrisg002
chrisg002
Brighton, United Kingdom30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Little Gem
What a fabulous cottage. So peaceful with just the sound of the river. Lots of birds to the feeders in the garden. Accommodation was very good. Everything there that we needed and the beds were super cosy. Nice to arrive to bread, cake, milk, tea and coffee all provided. Great area for trips out if you are not walkers (we aren’t!) Dinner at White Haywood Farm a must. Can’t wait to work out when we can return.
Visited September 2019
Written 13 September 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Mandy A
Mandy A
Rhyl, United Kingdom27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A haven of peace
We had a wonderful stay. The property is set back from the road in a small cluster of properties which helped in not feeling so totally isolated. The cottage is immaculate and the design lends nicely to indoor/ outdoor living with big French doors opening on the patio and not overlooked. The river sound was so lovely. The kitchen was well equipped for all our needs and a great welcome pack. Im a sucker for matching pottery! A local shop is not too far away with an amazing stock of things. The farm up the road has a restaurant which was excellent. Good solid home cooked food, but the menu at the cottage info is different to the menu available now. We are there a few times and we felt it was important to support farmers who are trying to survive by diversifying. The hosts are amazing. Such quick responses to any of our needs.
Visited July 2019
Written 14 August 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Glynis M
Glynis M
Thanks, Mandy for the review, much appreciated. We would be very happy to have you back again sometime!
Written 18 August 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

crowe_jon
crowe_jon
Oxford, United Kingdom6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great for a family getaway
Eight of us - six adults and two children- spent a very enjoyable week at Cwm Mill at the start of June. The house was spotless on arrival, and extremely well presented throughout: lots of space, and really nicely furnished. The kitchen/diner was a particular highlight: great for meals en masse. We even managed a fire in the wood burner (yes, it was June, but the weather was more akin to March at times). It was an ideal get-away-from-it all location (though you need to be happy driving along narrow lanes), yet Hay-on-Wye was in easy reach. (The owners suggest a slightly longer but less nail-biting route to Hay; having done the more direct option too, I’d go with their indirect route!) All in all, an excellent property.
Visited June 2019
Written 24 June 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Glynis M
Glynis M
Thanks, Jon.Perhaps we might see you again one day ;-)
Written 26 June 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kisholi D
Kisholi D
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fabulous & Tranquil Cottage
Gethin and Wife Glynis were fabulous hosts who even before walking through the door made us feel at ease. Thank you so much for the food supplies waiting for us and the digital information pack/call. The cottage is spacious and well maintained. You are well provided for, it is a home away from home.The garden outside was private and so relaxing with the stream strolling past. This is a little gem and well worth a stay. You will certainly have nature as your company here. Which is needed for any soul looking for a bit of peace and quiet. We would be back but we now have the pleasure to call Hay-on-Wye which is only down the road our home. So for anyone reading this. Don't miss out it is a fabulous place to have a holiday break.
Visited May 2019
Written 12 June 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary H
Gary H
Thanks for taking the time to write this review, Kish. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and welcome to the area!
Written 15 June 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lucy H
Lucy H
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Ideal
We chose this property as it was the only 'no pets' in the Hay area (we found 'no pets' lets to be the cleanest). We were looking for a quiet relaxing break from the children and that's exactly what we got. The cottage is clean and excellently equipped, dishwasher, washing machine, bath, shower, clips for your crisp packets, dishwasher tablets, hand soap etc. We arrived to good quality milk, bread, eggs and cake, we felt very well catered for whilst not seeing any-one and left to enjoy the peaceful garden right next to the river, ideal.
Visited March 2019
Written 2 April 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

David B
David B
London, United Kingdom56 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Bumped out due to double booking
I had booked a week in 2019 agreed in an email and on the phone, and was to pay my deposit during my stay at the cottage in May 2018 (we had been renting River Cottage in the same week for 10 years). However the 2019 booking was cancelled because the cottage is advertised on at least three websites, one of whom had also taken a booking for the same week. The owners had not blocked out the week they had reserved for me on the other two websites and prioritised the other booking.
Visited May 2018
Written 11 March 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Glynis M
Glynis M
While under its previous ownership, David had indeed stayed in River Cottage for the same week in May for several years to attend the Hay Festival (during May half term holiday) and expressed his wish to re-book for 2019 at the beginning of his stay in 2018. River Cottage had already been booked for the Hay Festival 2019, so I offered him the possibility of booking one of our other cottages at the same location and it was agreed that I would show him around them later that same week. Before this could take place, both of the other cottages had been booked online via holiday letting agencies and, as deposits had been paid to those agents, I was naturally obliged – and contracted - to honour those bookings and regrettably had to disappoint David. Having acquired the cottages only a few months earlier, it was a steep learning curve for myself to understand the high level of demand for the Hay Festival, and that many Hay Festival goers tend to book at least a full year in advance to secure their accommodation for the following year. I trust David was subsequently able to find alternative accommodation for this year’s Hay Festival.
Written 7 July 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Caroline B
Caroline B
Barnstaple, United Kingdom6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Christmas break
We spent a lovely, relaxing Christmas in this beautiful and well appointed cottage. The owners had decorated the Xmas tree and lounge area and left us some thoughtful goodies. Thoroughly recommend if you are looking for a slice of peace and tranquillity.
Visited December 2018
Written 28 December 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Rachel L
Rachel L
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lovely cottage
Lovely stone cottage in a beautiful and peaceful location. There is plenty to do and see nearby so we had a fantastic time
Visited May 2018
Written 13 May 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary H
Gary H
Thanks, Rachel, we are so pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Jo, who looks after our Cottage, when we are not there, must be thanked also. She keeps the Cottage immaculate and provides the ever popular welcome pack, including the cake! We do hope you'll come again when we are there to greet you! Gethin & Glynis.
Written 14 May 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Steve J
Steve J
Herefordshire, United Kingdom24 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
A stunning location and a very cosy cottage.
The location is a little remote and about 6 miles down a narrow lane from Hay-on-Wye. If you want to get away from it all and appreciate the views and countryside then this is for you. The cottage is close to farmland and a small brook runs at the base of the garden. We were fascinated with the local wildlife and the lambing taking place in the surrounding fields. The owners are accommodating and obliging. We were pleasantly surprised by a welcome pack of cake, milk, bread and eggs. We enjoyed the log burner and a good supply of logs in the colder evenings of April. We would like to return sometime in the future.
Visited April 2018
Written 30 April 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveller and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary H
Gary H
Thanks for the positive feedback...we would love to welcome you back!
Written 12 May 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 16

What this rental offers
Kitchen and dining
  • Grill
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Refrigerator
  • Kettle
  • Microwave
  • Cooker
  • Toaster
Nearby
  • Golf course (within 30 mins drive)
  • Horse riding facilities
  • Hiking areas
  • Countryside area
Entertainment
  • DVD player
  • Stereo system
  • Television
Bathroom and laundry
  • Dryer
  • Iron
  • Linens provided
  • Towels provided
  • Washer
Living spaces
  • Highchair
Indoor amenities
  • Central heating
  • Fireplace
  • Internet access
  • Cable television
Parking
  • Secure parking available
Wi-fi and internet
  • Wi-fi
Things to do
  • Fishing spots available
  • Watersports
  • Cycling areas
Scenic views
  • Mountain views
  • Waterfront views
Outdoor amenities
  • Patio
  • Private yard

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Map
About the neighbourhood
Cwm Mill's River Cottage is very rural and right on the cusp of the English / Welsh border, on the Herefordshire side. It is set against the backdrop of the majestic Black Mountains on the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons, at the foot of the Black Hill and the Cat's Back ridge which are accessible right from the cottage. There are public footpaths all around which provide walking access to some of the best sights that the Black Mountains can provide. Longtown (3 miles) offers a well-stocked general store and Post Office and a traditional country pub. Abergavenny - 16 miles Hereford - 18 miles
Getting around
You are going to need a car to explore the area as a whole but whatever your interests are then the area can accommodate you. We have a breakdown of locally available activities that we can send you on request.
Access
Car required
How to get there
Guests can access the Cottage via 3 routes, via Vowchurch / Michaelchurch Escley; via Abergavenny / Pandy / Longtown or via Hay. We recommend the Vowchurch route of the Abergavenny route over travelling direct from Hay because the Hay road is single track with few passing places. The Hay route is great to use when you are not in a hurry though as it offers spectacular views of the Black Mountains and the Golden Valley. We send all guests arrival information with more information on how to reach us.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports

Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 4 pm • Check out by 11 am
Cancellation policy
  • 100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
  • 100% refund* if you cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in
  • No refund available once booking is confirmed

About this property

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Property #HL222247264

Frequently Asked Questions about River Cottage, a charming family cottage in beautiful rural Herefordshire

River Cottage, a charming family cottage in beautiful rural Herefordshire is able to accommodate up to 6 guests. See all property details.

River Cottage, a charming family cottage in beautiful rural Herefordshire has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.

River Cottage, a charming family cottage in beautiful rural Herefordshire has 2 bedrooms available. See all property details.

Stays at River Cottage, a charming family cottage in beautiful rural Herefordshire must last at least 2 nights. See all property details.

River Cottage, a charming family cottage in beautiful rural Herefordshire - Tripadvisor - Holiday Rental in Hereford