Gatehouse | Painscastle | Self Catering Holiday Cottage

4.7★

6 Guests
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

Hot tub
Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

87 Customer Review(s)

Carl
December 2024

“Excellent stay at Gatehouse cottage, very well equipped and very cosy and comfortable.”

Beautiful countryside and very peaceful.

Beautiful countryside and very peaceful.

- Carl, December 2024
Hannah October 2024

“Beautiful cottage, really spacious and plenty of room for 4 adults and 2 children.”

We felt right at home and the hot tub was added fun/luxury. Wendy was very helpful and sorted some bits for us whole we were there.

- Hannah, October 2024
Janet September 2024

“A good base for looking round the area.”

Nice pub across the road. Hay on Wye close by.

- Janet, September 2024
Lisa August 2024

“Had a lovely stay at the gatehouse .”

Great space for a family with diffrent age groups would definitely return , great base to explore surrounding areas.

- Lisa, August 2024
Martin August 2024

“Property is quirky, rustic and located in quiet idyllic village setting it has a lovely nature loving garden (both back and front) property is quite remote with no shops in close distance, but pub across road from property Serves lovely food, but is not open Monday or Tuesdays, nearest recommended eatery, is ‘The Boat’ at Whitney on Wye, about 10-15 minutes away.”

The property has 3 good sized bedrooms with bathroom and WC, upstairs and shower cubicle and WC downstairs, however, anyone with mobility issues may have a problem, due to steep staircase and small handrail to access upper floors, plus garden path and front outdoor steps may be a problem. Wendy the property owner is very friendly helpful snd full of helpful information and is always available if needed. Hot tub is quite big and lovely and warm, but it is at the top of the garden accessed by a slightly uneven path. Th3 property overall is lovely but after our visit we believe it is in need of quite a bit of TLC. We were a family of 6 - 2 children aged 13 and 11, we also had a dalmation dog with us, of 5 years old all were happy and well contained in the garden . Property was a bit cold during the day, so jumpers and warm clothing needed, but wood burner at night made the cottage cosy and warmer.

- Martin, August 2024
Frances June 2024

“This was a great cottage, and for nature lovers a perfect location.”

The beautiful cottage garden is a joy and lifts the spirits. We loved every aspect of this holiday home, and the host is welcoming and helpful. The facilities are excellent and the bedrooms spacious and comfortable. A perfect place to relax and unwind . Thank you for such an enjoyable week.

- Frances, June 2024
Frank June 2024

“Not the warmest of June weather, but everyone soon settled in at Gatehouse and enjoyed its comfortable, homely atmosphere.”

Wendy was a very friendly and helpful host. We made several trips to Hay on Wye, walked to the Roundabout from the nearby Begwns Common and can thoroughly recommend the Roast Ox pub opposite. Would like to come back for a return visit.

- Frank, June 2024
Rebecca April 2024

“Fantastic stay.”

Would come back/recommend in a heartbeat.

- Rebecca, April 2024
Lisa Candice March 2024

“A wonderful property with a beautiful garden.”

Plenty of parking space. Beds were exceedingly comfortable. Wendy was on hand to check everything was ok. Weather wasn’t the best but we still managed to go on several long walks in the surrounding countryside with our two dogs and there are plenty of things to do and see in the area. Had a good meal at the Roast Ox opposite, food was fresh and portions exceedingly generous. Would definitely recommend.

- Lisa Candice, March 2024
Angharad February 2024

“Absolutely loved our stay and Wendy the owner was amazing.”

My two boys loved the hot tub. The garden was lovely and suitable for our dogs. Couldn't fault the accommodation, we had everything we needed. Ample of space for the whole family to relax. There is a pub directly opposite the cottage, that do an amazing sunday lunch, unfortunately its only open on weekends. The little village Hay-on-Wye was lovely, a must visit. Cosy relaxing pubs with good atmosphere. Would highly recommend this property and area for a relaxing country stay.

- Angharad, February 2024
Helen December 2023

“We had a fantastic peaceful stay over Christmas at the cottage.”

It was warm and comfortable (the beds in particular were so comfy) and so well equipped, we had no problems in catering a large Christmas dinner! Wendy was very accommodating and friendly, always on hand to answer and questions we had. The kids loved the hot tub and spent a good amount of time in there! Would definitely recommend to anyone and would love to visit again.

- Helen, December 2023

Thankyou Helen, so glad you enjoyed your christmas at Gatehouse, you were very welcome. Property Owner
Joanne December 2023

“We had a great holiday.”

Fantastic hot tub and we loved the log fire. Garden fully enclosed which was great for the dog. Pub across the road did lovely food. Would be useful to have a tumble dryer.

- Joanne, December 2023
Matt October 2023

“A perfect place to get away and relax in a cottage that makes you feel right at home as soon as you enter.”

Wendy is a brilliant host who was easily contactable and available for chat before and during the break. The cottage really provides a family feel and allows you to relax with a nice open space and the addition of a hot tub and wood burner in the property was lovely after long walks. Situated so close to the Brecon Beacons there is so much to explore and walks aplenty. Hay-on-Wye is a 10-15 minute drive with nice shops, cafes and places to eat; local market on a Thursday also. The pub across the road does fantastic food but highly recommended to book in advance for a Sunday lunch which was amazing. Roads around the area are smaller than your main roads but if you've travelled around Wales, Lake or Peak Districts then you'll have no issues getting to/from the property. Would love to visit again and the break made more relaxing by Wendy's approach and care for the cottage.

- Matt, October 2023
Karl September 2023

“We’ve just spent a great 5 days travelling around Wales and stayed here for 3 days over the weekend.”

Firstly the road in from the A470, is a decent road not a dirt lane that I was expecting based on other reviews but we do live in the Lake District so comparing it to those country lanes I thought the road in was fine, it’s 2/3 miles either direction to a main road which is fine with us. The house was great, clean and plenty of information made available for things to do locally or further a field. We also had two dogs with us which is why we booked here for being dog friendly and they had plenty of space to run about and plenty of guidance on do’s and don’ts. The pub next door has great food and owners were friendly and made us feel welcome from the get go, the Sunday dinner is a must and we landed Friday and booked a table then which I’d recommend. All in all a really lovely clean house to stay in if you want to get away, we spent time in Brecon Beacon area, recommend the four waterfalls but get there early for a space and Hay-on-whye little book town which was a great experience. Wendy popped round Sunday afternoon to say hello which was lovely and again made us feel welcome and told us not to rush out Monday morning to take our time which was great as we had over a 5 hour drive ahead. Highly recommend and dog friendly. Hot tub was clean and useful after all the walking we did. Will stay again in the future. Thanks and enjoy!

- Karl, September 2023
Richard September 2023

“We had a lovely stay at the gatehouse and would recommend this to anyone.”

Wendy is a lovely host and the facilities in the house are good. The hottub is excellent. There are loads of places to explore nearby and the pub opposite does very nice meals and the everyone you see in there are friendly. We will definitely return when we are back in the area.

- Richard, September 2023
Katie July 2023

“What a super cottage, we really enjoyed our stay.”

So many walks from the door, in all directions - then back to rest the legs in the hot tub afterwards. And the bonus of an amazing pub opposite. It was closed mon and Tues but open the rest of the week. We will be back!

- Katie, July 2023
Sally Ann June 2023

“We chose The Gatehouse based on the feedback.”

Although it’s a lovely cottage and Wendy, the host was very welcoming and helpful, there are a few things that need pointing out. One of our party has limited mobility. There are a number of steps from the parking to the front path (with no hand rail, just wobbly fencing) and then more steps to the front door (with handrail) The back garden has two lots of steps. All of these, and the patio area, were extremely slippery when wet. The cottage is dark, due to its construction, but several lightbulbs weren’t working. Wendy pointed out that the utility strip light wasn’t working (the fridge is in there) and that you could see from the hall light (you couldn’t) In the sun room, where we sat mostly, 4 out of 5 spotlights weren’t working and a wall light bulb was missing. The location seemed fine looking at the map. However, the B road it’s sat on, was nothing more than a lane of 4 miles, to get to any decent road. Due to limited mobility, we spent a lot of time driving daily to get everywhere. Positives - beds/bedding really comfortable. The hot tub was great. The proximity of the Roast Ox Inn was brilliant, although closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The food and staff there were lovely. It’s a great area for walking, but we weren’t there for that this time. If you are, then you’ll probably love it.

- Sally Ann, June 2023

Hi Sally Ann, thanks for your feedback. Apologies for not replacing the utility light and perhaps the garden room could do with a standard lamp if the wall lights aren't sufficient. The spots are just way to high for me to deal with and are intentionally obsolete. I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday, although I do appreciate perhaps the location and changes in levels weren't quite for you. Kind regards Wendy Property Owner
Beverley June 2023

“We had a lovely week at Gatehouse.”

...such a comfy welcoming house with a great garden and hot tub! Wendy is very welcoming and friendly and we enjoyed our chats with her. The village is small and friendly....we loved the family of goats across the road! The Roast Ox does fabulous food and is a friendly place for a chat and a few drinks. We were quite sad to leave at the end of the week!

- Beverley, June 2023

Thankyou so much, it was lovely meeting you and I'm really glad you enjoyed! Best wishes Wendy Property Owner
Denise April 2023

“Lovely location, plenty of walks nearby.”

Superb pub opposite the cottage. Cottage was nice to stay in, well equipped, nicely furnished. Downside it was cold but there is a wood burning stove in the lounge/snug area. The week we were there was unseasonably chilly so we needed to boost the heating alot! The downstairs shower room is quite small and the shower head leaked making it quite damp in the room. The owner did point this out and said the shower needed replacing. In the main bathroom there is only a cradle shower and not enough head room to stand up!! We had a bath instead! Good utility room with washing machine and it also housed the fridge. There are plenty of dog bowls, blankets etc. The owner is lovely, helpful and friendly. Only niggle, the towels were provided but they had been line dried so to start with it was like drying yourself with cardboard, they needed to be soft and fluffy but that's a minor point and you could take your own towels. All in all, lovely week in a nice cosy cottage. Would recommend it.

- Denise, April 2023

Apologies for the shower Denise, thankfully a new shower, tiles and cubicle have since been installed Property Owner
Isobel March 2023

“Lovely house, really enjoyed our stay.”

Owner was very nice and helpful. We'd definitely book again.

- Isobel, March 2023
Jonathan January 2023

“A great stay thank you, look forward to seeing again soon.”

- Jonathan, January 2023
Oliver December 2022

“A great little cottage in a really nice quiet village which is maintained by Wendy the owner who you simply cannot fault.”

Situated opposite the local village pub which served what I'd say was the best Sunday lunch ever. The area has loads of nice walks and an easy car journey to the mountains or the coast.

- Oliver, December 2022
Emma December 2022

“This property was wonderful, spotlessly clean cosy and picturesque for a perfect pre Christmas get away with family.”

The host was lovely, and nothing was too much trouble. Great hot tub, which our boys loved. The Roast Ox pub was perfect for an evening meal too and nice and close. We will definitely stay again.

- Emma, December 2022
Amanda November 2022

“The house is lovely!”

Very warm and cosy with everything you could need. Pub did an amazing pie, and the pub cat was very friendly too. We came away relaxed and refreshed and looking forward to booking our next visit.

- Amanda, November 2022
Michelle November 2022

“We booked based on the description of the cottage facilities and proximity to a local pub and good walks and we were delighted to find it was even better than we hoped.”

This is a fabulous house even better than a home from home it has everything you want for a relaxing time and the hot tub just elevates it to a level of luxury which was so welcomed after a good walk. Wendy the owner is lovely, offering help and advice to get the most from your visit. This is a lovely area to visit, plenty of walks with amazing views right from the front door and the local pub Roast Ox serves high quality food we ate there 3 times and it was superb. We went to nearby Hay on Wye which is a great day out and we climbed the Hay Bluff, explored the Welsh borders and local area around Painscastle. The house is really well equipped with everything you could want and is lovely and comfortable and warm. We had a couple of rainy days and loved the selection of jigsaws videos and books very thoughtfully provided. Our doggie was welcome in all pubs and shops. We would highly recommend this cottage and thank you for such a lovely holiday.

- Michelle, November 2022
Mitchel July 2022

“We had a great stay here.”

Very clean and the hot tub was amazing. Defo stay again soon!!

- Mitchel, July 2022
Jo June 2022

“The host was lovely and welcoming.”

4 of us that stayed came from each corner of the uk and loved it here. We will all be coming back again.

- Jo, June 2022
Maria April 2022

“Second time staying at the gatehouse, we love it!”

Wendy the owner is lovely and very welcoming. 100% dog friendly, 100% dog safe. Property always clean and well presented and reasonably priced. Huge undercover hot tub which is always a bonus with the kids! Wendy - we can't wait to stay again!

- Maria, April 2022
Julia March 2022

“Great communication from Wendy (owner) and a warm welcome.”

So great to have a property that allows dogs, so Rory and Ben enjoyed the stay too!

- Julia, March 2022
Gemma March 2022

“The cottage was amazing.”

Beautiful, clean and well equipped, all we could ask for for a weekend away. The hot tub in the garden was a fabulous addition. Thank you to the host for being very accommodating. We will definitely be returning. Thank you. 6.3.22

- Gemma, March 2022
Alyssa February 2022

“We absolutely loved our stay at the Gatehouse!”

As stated in the property description, the internet could be a bit randomly spotty, but as we were a group of writers bent on reading and writing this was not a problem. We also enjoyed the many walks in the area (and the kind locals who kept us from wandering into a bog!). Do note that though dog-friendly, the property requests dogs remain on the ground floor and off furniture. Would definitely stay again!

- Alyssa, February 2022
Mike January 2022

“Characterful property in a lovely quiet setting, ideal for a winter week away with friends and their dog.”

Nearest facilities are 10 minute drive away and the village pub right opposite the cottage was only open on Sunday when we visited, but didn’t detract from our stay. Great communications before and during our visit with Wendy the owner who lives next door. We had questions about how warm the cottage was, but the heating system was fine and log fire in the lounge was great for our friend who feels the cold (too hot for the rest of us!). Bring a pair of slippers for winter visits - the lovely flagstone flooring is naturally chilly underfoot - and enjoy time in a lovely cottage in a beautiful part of the country, with Hey on Wye under 15 mins away by car ideal for bookshops, coffee shops and a couple of great butchers!.

- Mike, January 2022
Sarah January 2022

“We had the most wonderful week, the cottage was beautiful, the hot tub was so nice to sit in in the crisp winter days and the area is just stunning.”

Wonderful walks all around. For anyone that wants a peaceful week in the countryside this is perfect.

- Sarah, January 2022
Mary December 2021

“Lovely cottage but very cold, Could do with some rugs and warmer duvets.”

- Mary, December 2021
Victoria October 2021

“We had a wonderful stay at Gatehouse.”

The accommodation was clean and very welcoming. The house had everything you could possibly need for a break away from home and the owner who lives next door couldn’t have been more helpful with suggestions on dog walks etc.

- Victoria, October 2021
Charlie October 2021

“A lovely spacious cottage, perfect stay for my dad’s 50th birthday.”

The cottage was clean and well kept we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Lots of lovely walks nearby and other villages to explore within a short drive. Would 100% return to Gatehouse in the future and recommend to family and friends

- Charlie, October 2021
Donna September 2021

“Cottage was beautiful kept very much in character, lovely settings garden was so peaceful and secluded hot tub was a bonus and was fully checked daily.”

Wendy the owner was so pleasant and full of information regarding the area, couldn’t of asked for anymore. Thank you for a most relaxing stay.

- Donna, September 2021
Sharon September 2021

“Fantastic setting for a beautiful cottage in a quiet village.”

Had a brilliant week, couldn't ask for more. Wendy was a great help with her local knowledge and gave some good advice for places to go.

- Sharon, September 2021
Lisa August 2021

“Holiday cottage and host were both wonderful.”

The cottage is remote but we loved that. Garden was great for our dog, hot tub and a BBQ at the end of the day was perfect. The cottage has anything and everything you need to be home from home, lots of space with lovely original cottage features. Host lives next door, we have 3 young children and a dog so I was a little worried about being noisy guests however Wendy was lovely, left us to use the cottage as if it was our own home but was on hand if we needed anything. Our first holiday for 2 years and we absolutely loved Gatehouse, we would love to return.

- Lisa, August 2021
Emma July 2021

“Positives - Absolutely fantastic property.”

Nicely decorated, well equipped for self-catering and very good location for many fun activities. Excellent for families and couples - we stayed for our wedding anniversary and had a fantastic time, making good use of the hot tub which Wendy had kindly put on to allow it to warm up for us on arrival. Constructive feedback - some black mold in the downstairs shower room. Had to watch some kitchen equipment before using as previous tenant hadn't cleaned properly. WiFi coverage in the house doesn't stretch to master bedroom and the connection is poor (there seems to be a problem with DHCP response). Overall - I would highly recommend the property and am definitely considering returning for future visits. :)

- Emma, July 2021
David July 2021

“A very peaceful beautiful cottage right opposite a great country pub.”

Very relaxing - would recommend.

- David, July 2021
Paul June 2021

“Fabulous cottage in a great location!”

- Paul, June 2021
Michelle June 2021

“The cottage is just lovely, fully equipped and clean.”

Very comfortable beds and hot tub maintained every day. Couldn't fault the cottage at all. The only drawbacks we found was the lack of mobile phone signal, which did prove to be a problem for us, and the internet was extremely difficult to connect to, some days we had no connection at all. One of our party took her uni work with her, hoping to take the opportunity of the peace and quiet to get some work done so no internet was very disappointing. The Roast Ox inn opposite was closed a lot and we were unable to have a meal there at all, there are no local shops so each time we had to drive to hay on wye about 20mins away to the nearest co op. All in all we had a lovely holiday, spending time together playing cards and reconnecting but we wouldn't go back, just personal preference, as the location was a bit too remote for us.

- Michelle, June 2021
Maria April 2021

“The property was beautiful and the owner was lovely!”

100% dog friendly, would love to visit again!

- Maria, April 2021
Anthony November 2020

“Very enjoyable.”

WiFi a bit hit and miss and the pub was closed which were the only downers. But for the time of year and COVID circumstances we enjoyed our stay.

- Anthony, November 2020
Neil October 2020

“Great relaxing place,amazing amount of birds in the garden,spent hours watching them,a really nice peaceful place to relax for a break,would highly recommended it,food in the pub opposite is really good,all in all,had a great break in a lovely cottage in a lovely area with my family.”

- Neil, October 2020
Rebecca October 2020

“Great few days away.”

The cottage was perfect, so was the hot tub! Weather wasnt that great, so we made use of the logburner which was lovely. Owner is very friendly and is only next door should you need anything. Good location, lots to do within a short drive. Also, theres a pub right across the road! We will definitely be back.

- Rebecca, October 2020
Belinda September 2020

“Still felt comfortable in the new way we live”

- Belinda, September 2020
Julie July 2020

“Wendy is an amazing hostess”

- Julie, July 2020
Kathryn January 2020

“Fantastic old cottage.”

Tastefully furnishes and decorated. Clean and warm with plenty of space for six. Plenty of pans and utensils in the kitchen. The hot tub was great fun and an added bonus We would definitely like to return here. Wendy the owner was lovely too.

- Kathryn, January 2020
Jane November 2019

“Great spacious cottage, really enjoyed it very much.”

The furniture and fittings were comfy and convenient and pretty. Pub across the road friendly and welcoming, food at pub - great. Bring provisions for cottage (essential) . There are no shops in the immediate area. (10 -15 min drive minimum to shops) Though the lane opposite has fresh eggs for sale at the roadside. The hot tub had was lovely. The thermostat inside the cottage has a limit of about 20 degrees which wasn’t quite warm enough for me during a few cold days but the wood burner warmed us up during the evenings no problems . One of the single bedrooms is quite small with no wardrobe but we all shared the space (ideal for a child though the bed is fine for an adult) . Beautifully clean. The area is stunning. Recommend ceramics class with Alex Allpress (Newbridge on Wye) The owner of the cottage was very welcoming and lives next door helping us out when we locked ourselves out and when we needed extra logs. Thank you! Would absolutely recommend this cottage..

- Jane, November 2019
Lisa October 2019

“We had a great week Gatehouse is great for family space our age rang was from 7 to 70+ the jacuzzi was FAB after some great days out it was lovely to spend time relaxing then warming nights around the log burner .”

Great location to look around surrounding areas , We would highly recommend this cottage .

- Lisa, October 2019
Nigel June 2019

“The cottage is cosy and spacious, with plenty of areas to relax.”

Its in a great location in the middle of the village, good pub across the road, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Close by is Hay-on-Wye and only a short drive to Hereford and Brecon. The gardens, back and front, are delightful and the hot tub is a great attraction (kept in top condition and spotlessly clean). The host Wendy, is delightful and very accommodating. Top marks for cleanliness and being dog friendly. The facilities in the cottage could be improved with the following: more cups and cutlery (especially if there 6 people), matching crockery as opposed to odd sets, a new ironing board (the one provided is old and not stable) a clothes dryer, and a proper shower head and shower curtain over the bath in the main bathroom. Attention to these items would have given top marks for the facilities. Overall a great stay - very sad to leave!

- Nigel, June 2019
Mandy June 2019

“No control over heating ( heating controls where blocked off, there was a button you could press to override this but the heating was pre set to A low setting you could not change) so unable to have a bath or shower .”

The water was hot but my hubby is 75 and I have health problems with the cold so getting out of the shower/bath into a cold room is no good for either us . The patio door when locked just pushed open no security

- Mandy, June 2019
Trevor March 2019

“The Cottage was exactly as described and had everything we needed.”

Beautifully presented, in a lovely location and very convenient for the local pub. Wendy, the owner had left plenty of tourism information and full instructions for everything, including the hot tub. Wendy lives next door and was on-hand if anything was needed but was not all intrusive. The garden was very secure and perfect for our dog, who seemed to enjoy the holiday and local walks as much as we did! Thank-you.

- Trevor, March 2019
Andrea March 2019

“The cottage is lovely and met our needs for a self catering break.”

The owner is very nice and showed us round and how everything works. It has a great enclosed garden and would be lovely to sit in in the summer. The hot tub at the end of the garden is secluded. It was great to have the pub over the road which served very nice food and the owners are very friendly. It is one of a few places we would definitely visit again.

- Andrea, March 2019
Kevin December 2018

“Had a lovely relaxing break at the Gatehouse.”

Very quiet location with no shops in the village but a handy dog friendly pub opposite serving good beer and food and the staff were really friendly and helpful. The host was on hand in the adjacent building if we needed any help and could provide logs for the living room log burner. The cottage was deceptively spacious, very homely and accommodated 6 adults, baby and 2 dogs very comfortably. Bath towels and bedding provided but need to take towels for hot tub....which was warm and relaxing if a little chilly getting from the tub to the house in December! Over the New a Year period pub had limited opening hours so made use of cooking facilities in the cottage and that was the only slight downside cooker rather slow could probably do with an upgrade in our opinion but other than that perfect.

- Kevin, December 2018
Susan December 2018

“The Gatehouse was lovely.”

Lots of room, very cosy, comfy beds, fab hot tub. We (that is my husband and I, our adult children and partners plus 2 dogs) had a great time. Walking, riding, eating. Such a peaceful place. Excellent food over the road at the Roast Ox. A great holiday.

- Susan, December 2018
Emma November 2018

“We had a wonderful time at the Gatehouse just wish we could have stayed longer!”

Loved the hot tub and the cottage was so lovely especially the lounge with its cosy wood burner. So quiet in the area and beautiful country views. We also enjoyed a trip to Hay on Wye.

- Emma, November 2018
Paul November 2018

“Sykes gave a fantastic service from first to last.”

The Gatehouse is absolutely gorgeous, we had a wonderful stay there and the owner Wendy was extremely kind and helpful. The property is spacious with beautiful secure gardens front and back, situated in a secluded spot in a quiet pretty village. The garden room is a magnificent setting for family dining with a lovely farmhouse kitchen and super views. The lounge is very cosy with big leather sofas and a fabulous traditional log fire. The master bedroom rivals a 5 star hotel with loads of space, a swish king size bed, double aspect and a real country house feel. We enjoyed our visit enormously, felt at home from the moment we arrived and were sorry to leave. I almost forgot to mention the huge jacuzzi, a luxurious oasis of bubbles perfect to retire to with a glass as the sun goes down, charmingly placed in a splendid oak beamed hideaway and completely private. We will definitely be back! Alison and Paul O’Shea

- Paul, November 2018
Adrian September 2018

“Fantastic place to stay , lovely owner very helpful makes you feel welcome .”

Friendly village people. Nice little village plenty of history to it . With views of the mountains in the distance . Cottage was very relaxing place . Lovely hot tub plenty of room in cottage , log burner makes it cosy relaxing at night .Closed in garden ideal if you take your pets with you . . Couldn’t fault it . Top marks , would stay again

- Adrian, September 2018
Nigel July 2018

“Had a really good family weeks break at the Gatehouse.”

Plenty of room for 6 adults and 1 child with nice friendly pub opposite, handy for those nights you don't fancy cooking.

- Nigel, July 2018
Charlotte January 2018

“We had a lovely break in the Gatehouse cottage.”

It was great for exploring the England/ Wales border and we particularly enjoyed the Edan valley and the Brecon Beacons. The Hay Tap in Hay on Wye is a great pub as well. The local pub is a must, top food, and of course the hot tub was enjoyable. We would recommend bringing extra towels because although they provide a bath and hand towel each it’s not really enough if you’re regularly using the hot tub as well. The WiFi didn’t work for the week but we chose not to say anything even though the owner was very helpful because we thought it would be good to have a tech free week!

- Charlotte, January 2018
Zoe January 2018

“This is the second time we have booked a cottage holiday through Sykes Cottages and have been really pleased both times.”

The Gatehouse was just what we wanted after Christmas. A perfect cottage in the centre of a small village to have a quiet week away. The cottage had everything we needed for our week away and made for a really comfortable home away from home. It was perfectly located for our walking holiday and you can literally walk for miles outside the front door, it’s also a good distance from Brecon Beacons. The village pub is opposite the cottage which we would recommend. Good food and drinks! The hot tub is such a nice addition and is very welcome after a day walking around the Welsh countryside. We would definitely recommend and may return next year!

- Zoe, January 2018
Amy December 2017

“Beautiful cottage in a very scenic location.”

Very cosy and we'll equipped. Hot tub a bonus and very welcomed after a bracing country walk. Lovely local pub opposite. A super cottage for a get away from it all holiday.

- Amy, December 2017
Emma November 2017

“We stayed at the Gatehouse with friends, 4 adults and 2 older children, we found it to be extremely spacious giving the children room to chill away from us.”

The house was obsolutly perfect and catered for everything even down to games and DVDs. Love the fact the fire was made up and all you have to do was to put a match to it with enough wood to last the weekend. The hot tub was huge enough for all 6 of us. Will definitely be back.

- Emma, November 2017
Rachel October 2017

“A beautiful, comfortable cottage in a gorgeous rural location.”

We loved our week here and would highly recommend it.

- Rachel, October 2017
P September 2017

“The owner met us on arrival.”

She is such a welcoming lady and was so helpful and obliging! The whole ambiance of the cottage and grounds was lovely. Far more to it than we knew. We would go there anytime. Pat Mross

- P, September 2017
Elizabeth September 2017

“Attractive cottage, with really relaxing hot-tub, all the facilities we needed.”

In lovely village, close to Hay on Wye but also great walks near by. Fabulous pub opposite.

- Elizabeth, September 2017
Anne March 2017

“Excellent hot tub!”

Extremely comfortable beds and well equipped overall. Had a lovely relaxing week.

- Anne, March 2017
Cristina February 2017

“Cottage was fantastic, fully equipped and in a beautiful part of the world!”

- Cristina, February 2017
Amanda November 2016

“A lovely cottage in a beautiful location.”

I visited with a group of friends and the welcome was lovely and friendly. The bedrooms were comfortable, and the living areas were spacious. The hot tub was fantastic and really warmed us all up on a cold November afternoon, followed by an evening watching DVDs and playing board games. The cottage is located opposite a local pub where food is served and the quality and quantity of the meals exceeded expectations. All in all a lovely cottage and I will recommend it to friends and family.

- Amanda, November 2016
Joanne October 2016

“This cottage is really beautiful, the owners are really lovely and helpful would definitely recommend visiting”

- Joanne, October 2016
Gemma October 2016

“Wendy and David's cottage was totally perfect a real home away from home.”

Great location for perfect long walks and the pub over the road serve absolutely amazing pub food can not recommend it enough.

- Gemma, October 2016
Dale Alastair October 2016

“We only had a short holiday, but we were made very welcome by Wendy with some fresh flowers in the cottage upon arrival.”

The 1700 century cottage is lovely and perfect for 6 adults and 2 dogs to relax and enjoy the Welsh countryside. The Cottage is very comfortable and the hot tub a real treat! However, make sure you listen to Wendy about maintenance of the hot tub when you take over the Cottage! The surrounding walks were ideal for 2 active dogs. The Roast Ox pub opposite the cottage is fantastic with superb food when available, especially Sunday. However, do book in advance if you are eating there as Tony from the pub had to turn people away at Sunday lunch! The pub now has reduced opening times, due to the winter season. Tony from the pub is a funny and great guy and very welcoming. The weather was kind for our walks and the hot tub parties made a much needed and lively short holiday. Make sure that you tone down the noise in the evening as noise does carry! We enjoyed our day out to Hay-on-Wye, a lovely little place and well worth a visit. Overall, it was short, but sweet holiday and we would consider returning in the future.

- Dale Alastair, October 2016
Colin September 2016

“The gatehouse is a wonderful cottage that I would definitely recommend to anyone.”

The pictures online do not do the house justice. We were given a welcoming reception by Wendy, and also by Tony at the Roast ox Inn across the road. We will no doubt stay here again.

- Colin, September 2016
Rachel September 2016

“Beautiful cottage in a perfect location.”

We couldn't fault a thing, a pub serving fantastic meal's on the doorstep was the icing on the cake!

- Rachel, September 2016
Michaela August 2016

“The cottage far exceeded our expectations.”

Simply stunning in a fabulous, rural location, away from the hustle and bustle of life. Wendy and David the owners could not have been more cheerful and helpful and were around to help when we had car trouble. The Roast Ox Inn across the road did the most enormous portions and was excellent. This was a home from home, that you don't want to leave. From a homely atmosphere, comfortable beds and all the facilities you needed to have a fantastic holiday. 5 star from all the family.

- Michaela, August 2016
Guy August 2016

“The property was everything that we could have hoped for.”

Spacious and well equipped, it is perfectly designed as a holiday let. Though not used, we can imagine that the wood burners are a real boon in colder months. The garden is completely safe for dogs and given that one of our pets is a working cocker this, in itself, is quite an achievement. Our two grandchildren loved the hot tub which was maintained on a daily basis by the owners. It must be the first time we have stayed in a cottage which cannot be faulted and to have such pleasant owners was an added bonus.

- Guy, August 2016
Keith July 2016

“Beautiful cottage; extremely clean and well maintained.”

Jacuzzi was fabulous.

- Keith, July 2016
Claire June 2016

“The owners were very welcoming and friendly.”

Gatehouse was spacious and homely with plenty of room for 4 adults plus a dog. Not forgetting the hot tub for an even more chilled and relaxing evening! I would highly recommend this accommodation and location.

- Claire, June 2016
Pauline June 2016

“The house was by far the best we have stayed in, it had everything you could want, even a hot tub and pub just across the road.”

- Pauline, June 2016
Chris June 2016

“A quaint cottage with charm and very spacious.”

Clearly a lot of thought has gone into equipping the property with everything you need for a good holiday. The hot tub was very much appreciated. Multiple living rooms so a larger party can split up and relax in their own space. Much recommended.

- Chris, June 2016
Ellie May 2016

“Beautiful location, the cottage was really nicely decorated and well thought out.”

- Ellie, May 2016
Lauren March 2016

“The property was close to lots of walks for the daytime and we particularly enjoyed curling up in front of the wood burner in the evening after a soak in the hot tub.”

There is a very welcoming family-friendly pub directly opposite, and plenty of books and boardgames at the property, so it was perfect for a relaxing break.

- Lauren, March 2016
Jack January 2016

“Brilliant weekend away, hot tub was lovely!”

The owners were very helpful in anything we needed. Lovely location. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of looking to go here.

- Jack, January 2016
Debbie December 2015

“It was warm and cosy with lots of different spaces to relax in.”

The beds were really comfortable - slept better than at home! The cottage owners were friendly and helpful. The cottage was charming and we felt really relaxed and at home.

- Debbie, December 2015

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Summary

Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x double, 2 x single
Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC
Ground floor shower room with shower, basin and WC
Open plan living area with kitchen, breakfast area, dining area and sitting area with woodburner
Sitting room with woodburner
Utility.
Oil central heating with woodburners
Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, and DVD
WIFI can be intermittent Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburners inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Travel cot, highchair and stairgate
Off road parking for 4 cars
Front gravelled garden
Enclosed lawned garden with patio, furniture and BBQ
Two well-behaved dogs welcome
Extra dogs, a charge of £20/dog applies
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 4.5 miles, pub 2 mins walk
Please note check in time for this property is 4pm and check out 10am due to hot tub change over.

The property

This historic, detached artisan cottage nestles in the heart of the popular village of Painscastle in Mid Wales.

This lovely cottage with a hot tub is in the heart of the village and is ideal for families or a small group of friends looking to enjoy the border countryside, being within easy reach of historic towns, fabulous days out and various activities.

Situated close to the literary town of Hay-on-Wye, and surrounded by the beautiful Welsh Marches and border countryside, this delightful cottage is set over two floors.

There are four comfortable bedrooms and a bathroom, with an additional family shower room on the ground floor.

There is a well-equipped kitchen leading to two comfy seating areas, one with a dining area and glass apex looking out across the cottage garden.

There is a separate cosy sitting room where you can relax in front of a further woodburner and relax watching the TV.

Outside, you can sit on the patio, surrounded by the slightly raised cottage garden, enjoying a hearty breakfast before heading off to explore the surrounding countryside and historic towns.

On your return you can enjoy the evening sun on the upper patio where you can unwind in the hot tub which is situated under cover in an open-fronted barn adjoining the seating area (Please note (no children under the age of 4 allowed in the hot tub).

Painscastle boasts a welcoming, dog-friendly pub and is surrounded by the beautiful undulating border countryside of the Welsh Marches, which opens up to Begwns Moor and Monks Pond, giving you a chance to soak up the panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

You are ideally placed to visit the quaint town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its myriad of bookshops, boutique- style shopping and annual literary festival.

Visit the Royal Welsh Showground, which hosts a variety of events, making this cottage a perfect base for those looking for peace and quiet after a busy day at the showground.

The area offers numerous outdoor activities with pony trekking close by together with six golf courses, including Kington which boasts that it is the highest course in England.

For more activities travel to Llangorse Lake, where you will find water skiing, pedalos, pike fishing and rowing boats.

There are fabulous walking and cycle routes on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) and the Black Mountains.

Slightly further afield, to the north, you will find the popular market town of Rhayader, gateway to the stunning Elan Valley, with its majestic Victorian dams and the nearby Red Kite Feeding Centre.

Knighton, on the edge of the Shropshire Hills, is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, situated on Offas Dyke, and ideal for walking swathes of the Marches.

This pretty cottage is a perfect base for families or friends looking to enjoy time together in a beautiful part of the country.

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About the location

PAINSCASTLE

Hay-on-Wye 5.5 miles; Builth Wells 12.5 miles; Hereford 25 miles.

The pretty village of Painscastle lies just five and a half miles from the famous town of Hay-on-Wye, and takes its name from its ancient fortress, where today only large earthworks remain. Standing only three miles from the England/Wales border, the village boasts a charming real ale inn serving good food, and is surrounded by scenic countryside. Under six miles away is the historic market town of Hay-on-Wye. Settled beside the River Wye, it’s renowned for its world-famous Hay Festival of Literature and with its many specialist bookshops, antiques shops, restaurants and cafes, it’s a popular destination for holidaymakers wishing to enjoy the leisure activities and beautiful scenery of the Wye Valley. Builth Wells can be reached within a pleasant drive, and is home to an 18-hole golf course, a pony trekking centre and a selection of amenities, plus each July it plays host to the Royal Welsh Show. The surrounding countryside provides excellent walking, cycling, bird watching, fishing and canoeing opportunities, amongst many more, together with a variety of tourist attractions, including the Black Mountains, The Three Castles Walk, Offa's Dyke pathway, the Mortimer Trail and the lovely walk to Hergest Ridge, which is said to have inspire the music of Elgar. The ancient city of Hereford, the epitome of picturesque England, lies just over half an hour’s drive away, with its magnificent cathedral housing its famous chained library and Mappa Mundi, and medieval bridge set over the winding River Wye. A supremely appealing area, and a perfect year-round holiday destination.

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Excellent stay at Gatehouse cottage, very well equipped and very cosy and comfortable.”

“Beautiful cottage, really spacious and plenty of room for 4 adults and 2 children.”

“A good base for looking round the area.”

“Had a lovely stay at the gatehouse .”

“This was a great cottage, and for nature lovers a perfect location.”

“Not the warmest of June weather, but everyone soon settled in at Gatehouse and enjoyed its comfortable, homely atmosphere.”

“Fantastic stay.”

“A wonderful property with a beautiful garden.”

“Absolutely loved our stay and Wendy the owner was amazing.”

“We had a fantastic peaceful stay over Christmas at the cottage.”

“We had a great holiday.”

“A perfect place to get away and relax in a cottage that makes you feel right at home as soon as you enter.”

“We’ve just spent a great 5 days travelling around Wales and stayed here for 3 days over the weekend.”

“We had a lovely stay at the gatehouse and would recommend this to anyone.”

“What a super cottage, we really enjoyed our stay.”

“We chose The Gatehouse based on the feedback.”

“We had a lovely week at Gatehouse.”

“Lovely location, plenty of walks nearby.”

“Lovely house, really enjoyed our stay.”

“A great stay thank you, look forward to seeing again soon.”

“A great little cottage in a really nice quiet village which is maintained by Wendy the owner who you simply cannot fault.”

“This property was wonderful, spotlessly clean cosy and picturesque for a perfect pre Christmas get away with family.”

“The house is lovely!”

“We booked based on the description of the cottage facilities and proximity to a local pub and good walks and we were delighted to find it was even better than we hoped.”

“We had a great stay here.”

“The host was lovely and welcoming.”

“Second time staying at the gatehouse, we love it!”

“Great communication from Wendy (owner) and a warm welcome.”

“The cottage was amazing.”

“We absolutely loved our stay at the Gatehouse!”

“Characterful property in a lovely quiet setting, ideal for a winter week away with friends and their dog.”

“We had the most wonderful week, the cottage was beautiful, the hot tub was so nice to sit in in the crisp winter days and the area is just stunning.”

“Lovely cottage but very cold, Could do with some rugs and warmer duvets.”

“We had a wonderful stay at Gatehouse.”

“A lovely spacious cottage, perfect stay for my dad’s 50th birthday.”

“Cottage was beautiful kept very much in character, lovely settings garden was so peaceful and secluded hot tub was a bonus and was fully checked daily.”

“Fantastic setting for a beautiful cottage in a quiet village.”

“Holiday cottage and host were both wonderful.”

“Positives - Absolutely fantastic property.”

“A very peaceful beautiful cottage right opposite a great country pub.”

“Fabulous cottage in a great location!”

“The cottage is just lovely, fully equipped and clean.”

“The property was beautiful and the owner was lovely!”

“Very enjoyable.”

“Great relaxing place,amazing amount of birds in the garden,spent hours watching them,a really nice peaceful place to relax for a break,would highly recommended it,food in the pub opposite is really good,all in all,had a great break in a lovely cottage in a lovely area with my family.”

“Great few days away.”

“Still felt comfortable in the new way we live”

“Wendy is an amazing hostess”

“Fantastic old cottage.”

“Great spacious cottage, really enjoyed it very much.”

“We had a great week Gatehouse is great for family space our age rang was from 7 to 70+ the jacuzzi was FAB after some great days out it was lovely to spend time relaxing then warming nights around the log burner .”

“The cottage is cosy and spacious, with plenty of areas to relax.”

“No control over heating ( heating controls where blocked off, there was a button you could press to override this but the heating was pre set to A low setting you could not change) so unable to have a bath or shower .”

“The Cottage was exactly as described and had everything we needed.”

“The cottage is lovely and met our needs for a self catering break.”

“Had a lovely relaxing break at the Gatehouse.”

“The Gatehouse was lovely.”

“We had a wonderful time at the Gatehouse just wish we could have stayed longer!”

“Sykes gave a fantastic service from first to last.”

“Fantastic place to stay , lovely owner very helpful makes you feel welcome .”

“Had a really good family weeks break at the Gatehouse.”

“We had a lovely break in the Gatehouse cottage.”

“This is the second time we have booked a cottage holiday through Sykes Cottages and have been really pleased both times.”

“Beautiful cottage in a very scenic location.”

“We stayed at the Gatehouse with friends, 4 adults and 2 older children, we found it to be extremely spacious giving the children room to chill away from us.”

“A beautiful, comfortable cottage in a gorgeous rural location.”

“The owner met us on arrival.”

“Attractive cottage, with really relaxing hot-tub, all the facilities we needed.”

“Excellent hot tub!”

“Cottage was fantastic, fully equipped and in a beautiful part of the world!”

“A lovely cottage in a beautiful location.”

“This cottage is really beautiful, the owners are really lovely and helpful would definitely recommend visiting”

“Wendy and David's cottage was totally perfect a real home away from home.”

“We only had a short holiday, but we were made very welcome by Wendy with some fresh flowers in the cottage upon arrival.”

“The gatehouse is a wonderful cottage that I would definitely recommend to anyone.”

“Beautiful cottage in a perfect location.”

“The cottage far exceeded our expectations.”