Brecon Beacons Retreat | 2 Cottages & Gardens

Summary:

Welcome to Ynyswen Cottages by Salt & City Stays. This unique group getaway includes two separate neighbouring cottages, Ynyswen Arosfa and Ynyswen Barcud, booked together exclusively for your stay. Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, enjoy large gardens, BBQs, cosy log burners and beautiful countryside views. Perfect for family gatherings, walking holidays and group escapes, offering shared outdoor space alongside the privacy of two individual cottages.



The Space:

Ynyswen Cottages consists of two separate neighbouring cottages, Ynyswen Arosfa and Ynyswen Barcud, booked together exclusively for your stay. Sleeping up to 12 guests across both properties, it's the perfect choice for family gatherings, celebrations and group getaways, offering the ideal balance of togetherness and privacy.



Both cottages offer spacious living rooms with comfortable seating, stone fireplaces and cosy log burners, creating a warm and welcoming space to relax after a day exploring the Brecon Beacons. Each also features a SMART TV, books, games and a dedicated workspace, while patio doors open directly onto the gardens.



The bright and spacious kitchen-diners are fully equipped for family meals and group entertaining. Large dining tables seat six guests in each cottage, with patio doors leading to outdoor dining areas and BBQ facilities for al fresco meals during the warmer months.



The accommodation is mirrored across both cottages, with each property sleeping six guests. The master bedroom features a super king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite shower room, while the two additional bedrooms offer flexible zip-and-link beds that can be arranged as super king or twin beds on request. Many rooms enjoy beautiful countryside views across the surrounding hills and fields.



Each cottage benefits from a family bathroom with a separate bath and walk-in shower, an ensuite to the master bedroom and a ground-floor WC featuring distinctive stained-glass details handcrafted by the owner.



Outside, guests can enjoy extensive lawned gardens, patio areas, outdoor seating and BBQ facilities, all surrounded by the stunning Brecon Beacons countryside. Watch for the area's famous red kites overhead while taking in the peaceful rural setting.



There is ample off-road parking for up to six cars, along with Zappi EV chargers available on request for an additional charge.



Guest Access:

Private and exclusive access to both Ynyswen Arosfa and Ynyswen Barcud. The garden gates can be opened for free access between the properties.



The Neighborhood:

Myddfai is a beautiful village situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is a popular tourist destination famous for being home to the Physicians of Myddfai, a family of physicians who lived in the parish and prepared herbal medicines for over four centuries. It’s also a great location to explore the Brecon Beacons, one of the most famous mountain ranges in Wales, and the National Park, which includes the Black Mountains and popular Pen y Fan.



Myddfai’s closest town is Llandovery, an ancient market town with an unhurried charm and traditional shops, including butchers, bakers, delicatessen, and Wales’ oldest independent Welsh bank, The Black Ox. This is also where the nearest shops and petrol stations are. Take time to visit Llandovery’s Heritage Centre, where you’ll find out more about the droving history of these valleys. The nearby Norman castle is the spot where Henry VI executed a supporter of the Welsh rebellion, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan – his statue stands next to the ruins as a testament to the history of the Welsh and Norman skirmishes across this area.



20 minutes away is the colourful, picturesque market town of Llandeilo. Perched atop a hillside above the River Towy and with an impressive 19th century stone bridge, Llandeilo is the place to visit for great food and bespoke shops. There’s a unique array of goods on offer from antiques to crafts, books to jewellery in these quirky shops. Visit Ginhaus Deli for an upmarket lunch or Café Braz for excellent coffee and cake. The Cawdor Arms Hotel offers stunning evening meals, and it’s worth looking around inside the 18th century bright red walls.



If you’re a fan of castles, then you’ve come to the right area. Dinefwr Castle is a great day out for all the family. Re-live Edwardian life in Newton's house, and explore the impactful ruins of the castle itself, home to Welsh princes for generations. Then, why not have a picnic in the restored parkland, or visit the tea rooms for light refreshments under the trees.



Castell Carreg Cennen is a 25-minute drive from your accommodation and is one of the best examples of an 11th-century castle remaining in Wales. The ruins, which have existed exactly as you see them today since 1465, have been meticulously preserved by Cadw, and you can easily walk around this limestone rock and across the drawbridge into the thick walls. The views from the castle are spectacular, perched high above the Carmarthenshire farmland, and there’s even a secret tunnel running through the rock itself.



15 miles northwest of Myddfai is Dolaucothi Gold Mine, a National Trust site in the village of Pumsaint. Take a tour of these famous gold mines from underground – you can wear a miner’s lamp to find your way, and you can even try hand panning for gold yourself! This is a fantastic afternoon out, and children can keep the treasure they find!



The most fantastic site you’ll see during your stay at Ynyswen cottages is the beautiful red kites soaring above you. This is because you’re only 3 miles away from Llanddeusant Red Kite Feeding Station, which was set up in 2002 to support the dwindling population of birds of prey…and they’ve thrived! Now, you can visit the feeding station daily at 3 pm in the summer and 2 pm in the winter to watch the birds being fed and take photographs. The birds put on a fantastic aerial display, and over 50 can be visible at one time. A rare and incredible sight!



Getting Around:

We recommend having a car available during your stay to make the most of the local area. There is ample parking at the cottage for up to 6 vehicles. EV charging is available at £15 per charge per night.



Other Things to Note:

PLEASE NOTE: Ynyswen Cottages is made up of two separate cottages



Other things to note:



• All bed linen and one hand towel, and one bath towel per person are provided.

• Free Wi-Fi included.

• A dog crate is available on request.

• We kindly ask that you do not smoke when visiting this property.

• One basket of logs is provided for the log burner – please request more if required.

• A highchair and stairgate, and cot can be provided by prior arrangement.

• Lovely, quiet, rural location with bucolic countryside views and plenty of walks, hikes, and cycle tracks leading out of Myddfai village itself.

• Nearest supermarkets, takeaways, restaurants, and petrol stations are 4 miles away in the town of Llandovery.

• Zappi EV charging available



Interaction with Guests:

Salt & City Stays will be available throughout your entire stay to ensure you have everything you need. From answering inquiries to assisting with recommendations or issues, we are here to make your stay seamless and enjoyable. You may hear from any of us in our small, dedicated team during your stay.



The owners, John and Lesley, live just 1 mile away from the cottage.