Bullens Bank

Escape the rat race and relax in rural splendour, just a few miles from the popular Borderlands town of Hay-on-Wye where you'll find plenty of secondhand bookshops - as well as other interesting shops - and lots of great places to eat out.

Bullens Bank is a unique holiday cottage. Set at the end of a private track at an altitude of 1000ft above the Wye Valley, the views are simply stunning. It's surrounded by a lovely lawned garden with outdoor furniture so you can sit out and survey your Kingdom, should you wish.

The accommodation

Renovated in 1994 in an authentic style by local craftsmen, the cottage retains a very original feel, very comfortable but unsullied by modern progress - although, of course, it benefits from a supply of electricity, and also has a couple of effective woodburners to keep you warm at cooler times of the year.

The front door leads into the sitting room (slightly low, so watch out for the beams) where there's a three piece suite, a woodburner set into the old stone fireplace, a freeview television and a big antique pine dining table.

Adjacent is the kitchen, equipped with a gas cooker, microwave and dishwasher.

Off the hallway is the bathroom with a shower over the the northern side of the cottage is the second sitting room, again with a woodburner, and oak-framed windows all around so you can take in the far-reaching views from West to East.

Stone steps lead up to the first floor where there are three bedrooms, all with bookcases spilling over with enticing reading matter. The middle bedroom has two single beds. At the estern end is a double, with a little window opening onto the huge view across Herefordshire and beyond. At the western end is a twin, which can be converted to a double.

The location

Bullens Bank is very rural, and best suited to those who love the countryside. The track is a little rough, steep in parts and unsuitable for very low-slung cars. It's possible to walk to Hay-on-Wye along lanes and footpaths in around an hour, so going in the car will always be quicker - about 10 minutes - but neither as exhilarating nor enjoyable.

Our area

As well as Hay-on-Wye, there are plenty of other interesting places to visit during your stay at Bullens Bank. On our side of the Wye Valley, just a few miles to the West, are the Black Mountains which mark the dividing line between Mid and South Wales. This ridge continues on to the Brecon Beacons peaks, the highest points of southern Britain. About 20 miles away is the city of Hereford where the famous Mappa Mundi is on display in the cathedral.

Notes

For larger groups, rent Bullens Bank and Llangain Farmhouse, which is just a minute down the track, together to sleep up to 20 people.