The Old School

The Old School is set high above the meandering River Wye and overlooking the ancient Royal Forest of Dean, and is at the centre of the tiny Welsh village of Penallt. The school, nestling close to the village church, was built in 1834 from local oak and stone.

The restoration of the school by a local architect in 1997, using local craftsmen and artists, retains all the essential character of the original building but also provides spacious accommodation and interiors of considerable style and quality.

The original school room with a high gabled ceiling and stone and polished timber floors forms a magnificent single open living space with lounge, dining area and fully-equipped fitted kitchen. Although centrally heated, there is also a Victorian wood-burning stove set in the original slate hearth and a limitless supply of logs.

Sleeping accommodation is more than generous: There are three double bedrooms each with its own en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom on the ground floor opens out onto a large paved patio overlooking the Wye Valley.

A large study/television room overlooks a paved courtyard and there is a separate utility room / cloakroom with clothes washing, drying and ironing facilities.

A large stone flagged terrace at the rear looks down over lawns to farms and woodland.

Access for those in wheelchairs is a practical proposition, though some assistance will be required. The property is strictly non-smoking.

There is also ample parking for 4 cars including a large double garage.

the Old School is a place to stay with friends The tranquility of this hilltop village is one of its major assets; it is well away from heavy traffic and busy roads.

The accommodation has been designed to appeal to those who want to spend a little time with friends, to slow the pace a little, perhaps to think and dream - but to do so in considerable comfort and without getting in each others way.

It is a place which you can enjoy whatever the weather or season. It is a place with lots of things to do and see locally. It is a base from which you can travel easily all over the West of England, the Midlands and South and Mid Wales.

The local Inn at Penallt is only 200 yards away.