What could be finer for families, friends and furries than this funky little eco-friendly lodge, set in the charming town of Talgarth in the Brecon Beacons. With some lovely canine-friendly pubs and superb independent shops, restaurants and cafes, Talgarth is an ideal base for exploring the Beacons, the Black Mountains and deeper into wonderful Wales. Try sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding at exquisite Llangorse Lake (5 miles) and visit the Welsh Crannog Centre. Explore the mountains and forests around Talgarth and soar above them in a glider, hang glider, or on a zip wire to see the world from a wild new angle. The Pwyll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve (1 mile) has a fabulous waterfall that’s often frozen in winter.
Inside you’ll find a bright and airy interior, with high ceilings and windows and a chic Scandi feel. Through the hall, past the utility room and super king-size zip-and-link bedroom, descend a short flight of steps to the gorgeous open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner. The constantly changing light gives the space a very special energy throughout the day, imbuing a oneness with nature and the orchard that surrounds it. Prepare some of the region’s fine local produce in the sleek and earthy kitchen, and savour hot tub champagne by moonlight and al fresco feasts on the decking or in the beautiful garden beyond. Both bedrooms are sublime in their simplicity and have exceptional picture windows.
Enjoy Hay-on-Wye’s Festival of Literature and Arts in May/June (8 miles), Brecon’s Jazz Festival in August (9 miles) and the Abergavenny Food Festival in September (18 miles). Find tranquillity at Llanthony Priory (17 miles) in the sublime Vale of Ewyas, and at atmospheric 11th-century Brecon Cathedral. Conquer twin-peaked Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du (17 miles), and discover their Bronze Age burial chambers. You and your faithful friend will soon fall in love with this magical, miraculous land.