For some time I've been meaning to share some of the wonderful holiday cottages we have had the fortune to stay in. If you' have never tried a country cottage getaway and you are not sure if it's right thing for you, then I'd suggest having a quick read of the handmade cottage guide to cottage holidays. Many associate a holiday with sun, sand, and foreign lands but once you dip your toe into exploring the UK, you'll not only find it's far cheaper than hopping abroad, but you'll soon discover a wonderful array of magical and mysterious places that are sitting just beyond our doorstep.
'Otter Cottage' otherwise known as 'Bwthyn Dwrgi' by the locals, is a beautiful rustic family cottage situated in the Welsh countryside, a short drive from Hay on Wye. It has views of the Black mountain and a babbling brook running alongside it. I spent Christmas 2013 here, with Hubby, my parents, and the two dogs. It was our christmas present to ourselves. It's worth remembering that cottages differ in price depending on the time of year, so if you're watching pennies check for low peak seasons as they can be as cheap as £250 for a week.
Sleeps: 5
Price from: 299.00 (based on minimum of two staying)
Bed layout: Master Double, Double and the Single only
Pets: Welcome (max 2 dogs)
Note: The stairs are quite steep, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
What's it like?
It's secluded, romantic, rustic and comfortable. Unlike many of the cottage we opt for this one did actually have central heating and every home-comfort you could wish for. The kitchen is fully equipped, so all you need bring is food and clothes. There's plenty of things to do in the surrounding areas when you're not snuggled in from of the fire reading, knitting, or playing games (which they supply). It was the perfect place to spend Christmas, or indeed any time of the year. The owners are lovely and had even decorated the house for us on arrival, complete with Xmas tree!
Photographs courtesy of Under the thatch
The bedrooms.
The bedrooms were beautifully decorated with patchwork blankets, and lovely little touches everywhere you looked. The beds were super comfy, and they had even supplied you with old fashioned piddle pots in case you didn't fancy heading downstairs for a widdle in the middle of the night! ;-) don't pretend you wouldn't use it!
Photographs courtesy of Under the thatch
Walks and the surrounding area
We enjoyed some lovely walks on this holiday - and some led us straight from the cottage door. Hay-on-wye is only a short drive and is well worth a visit. The little town is famous for it's bookshops ... not your regular 'waterstones-esque' book shops, but old, quaint, musty-smelling (the good kind) type of bookshops - the kind of bookshops where old editions are found, or where romance blooms in the poetry section (I'm a hopeless romantic who watches too many films I grant you.) In fact kindles are forbidden in this town because of the towns love of books. Aside from bookshops there are also lots of gorgeous little trinket shops, CRAFT shops, and antique shops! - in short, this was my dream town.
Website blurb
Bwthyn Dwrgi, Welsh for Otter Cottage as otters can sometimes be glimpsed playing in the river that fronts the cottage. It is a charming traditional country cottage a stones-throw away from Hay-on-Wye, famous for its second hand bookshops, festivals and antiques. It is tucked away deep in the secluded Golden Valley along it own private track, it looks out onto the rolling hillside and the Black Mountains beyond.
This is the perfect place to unwind and escape the rest of the world. Located in a very special part of Herefordshire very close to the border with Wales, the cottage has a stream that flows over an ancient ford in front of the house, great for cooling your feet off in the Summer! There is excellent walking from the doorstep and horse-riding. You can even stable your own horse should you wish to bring yours along with you!
It is a short walk (1 mile) from the Pandy Inn in Dorstone, perfect for a lazy lunchtime feast in the garden. Bwthyn Dwrgi has the best of culture and is also a pure and blissful countryside haven.
… and I couldn't agree more.
 |
| Holiday dogs - exhausted from their walkies in the wilderness. |
No comments:
Post a Comment