Nestled amidst serene ancient farm lands in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Llanthony Castaway is the perfect sanctuary for a rejuvenating weekend retreat.
Two railway carriages have been combined and converted to create Llanthony Castaway, an idyllic, rural refuge, located in the Brecon Beacons. It exudes rustic charm with its wooden interiors and cosy furnishings.
The main carriage is home to the living area, with a traditional log burner, the snug kitchen and dining area, perfect for intimate dinners, and a king size bed with soft linen bedding, guaranteed to provide a peaceful night's sleep.
In the adjoining second carriage you will find a the bathroom where there is a gorgeous view out to the surrounding hills from the shower. It is also well-stocked with Bramley products which are made using only natural ingredients and smell amazing.
One of the highlights was undoubtedly the breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains, which we enjoyed from the spacious decking area. Open the sliding glass door in the morning to let in the sunshine and enjoy your breakfast en plein air!
Llanthony Castaway is the perfect gateway for adventures in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. Our days were filled with exploration and adventure, as we took one of the many guidebooks from the cabin (no phones needed!), and ventured out to explore the nearby trails.
From invigorating hikes into the Black Mountains and along Offa's Dyke Path, a long-distance footpath along the Wales–England border, to leisurely nature walks through woodland and along gentle streams, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to choose from.
We visited the ruins of the 12th century Llanthony Priory which is set in the Vale of Ewyas. The Black Mountains rise up around this evocative ruin and walking around the site was deeply moving, thinking of all those who had walked there before us since it had been founded by the Norman knight William de Lacy when he abandoned war and turned to religion - an unusual choice for the time.
We also took a scenic drive to Hay-On-Wye, where we discovered charming cafes, endless bookshops, and wonderful local boutiques. We had a delicious lunch at the Cosy Cafe and spent most of the afternoon drifting in and out of various shops, trying to resist the urge to buy every book we saw.
In the evenings, we gathered around the fire pit in the private garden, listening to music, drinking wine and staring up in stunned silence at the starlit sky. The Brecon Beacons is one of 18 Dark Sky Reserves worldwide and if you are lucky enough to have a clear night, you will not be disappointed. The stars painted the night sky in their thousands. The longer you looked, the more there seemed to be and it was truly awe-inspiring and restorative, an experience I will never forget.
Our weekend at Llanthony Castaway was nothing short of magical. It exceeded all our expectations. Enveloped in nature's beauty and tranquility, we found the perfect antidote to the busyness of everyday life. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving some peace and quiet, this rural retreat is the ideal destination.
By Eveline Vouillemin ©