Duke's Farm Cottages, Craswell, Brecon Beacons, Herefordshire, England 
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Property Summary (EN158)

Dukes Farm’s three cottages offer luxury accommodation for mini-breaks, family holidays and memorable reunions all year round in Herefordshire yet one mile from the Wales border. Flexible, affordable, and less than three hours from London. The Farm, with its 130 acres of pasture and woodland, dingles and hedgerows, literally smiles across at the Black Hill. Our stretch of the River Monnow, Bronze Age burial chamber and other treasures are mapped for you to explore. The Brecon Beacons stretch east into our part of Herefordshire, mountainous and dramatic. Fiercely contested with the Welsh over centuries, the land is riddled with historic castles and sturdy farmsteads, and the culture is rich. Herefordshire is England’s most rural county; they say every crop is grown here. It has been at the forefront of the food revival with among the best Food Festivals, farmers’ markets and farm shops in Britain. Local ciders recommended! This locality has many footpaths, characterful free-house pubs and ruins. It has a rugged, unspoilt quality. Across the valley and visible from your windows is the Cat's Back, a most spectacular ridge walk, while Hay-on-Wye, with its book shops, literary festival and lively shopping scene is our local town, and sits on the best stretch of canoeing river in Britain.

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11 recommendations, average rating 5 out of 5

Duke's Farm is a wonderful place for a peaceful break (although there's plenty to do in the vicinity too). This was our second visit and we stayed in "the Granary" cottage again which has just about everything you need. The accommodation is well-equipped, comfortable, tastefully decorated, peaceful and easy to heat if the nights are chilly. The views are fantastic and you more or less have the freedom of the farm. Ruth and Ken are perfect hosts; if you need anything they're there, but at the same time it's easy to imagine you've got the whole place to yourself. A perfect place to unwind - we definitely recommend Duke's Farm, even though we'd really like to keep the place a secret! Rating 5 out of 5, Richard, Apr 2012.

Dukes Farm is the perfect country cottage holiday set in the most beautiful surroundings. All the cottages come fully equipted with everything you need and more. The beds and bedding are wonderfully comfortable and make going to bed a real treat. Set in the Brecon Becons the farm has breathtaking views and on all sides and seems to get the sunshine every morning. Ruth and Ken are so welcoming and helpful and really happy to supply all thier local knowledge of walks and good pubs in the area. We are already booking the next trip to Dukes farm. Rating 5 out of 5, Victoria, Jan 2012.

Stayed in the swallow barn and loved it ! was made to feel really welcome on our arrival and was stunned to see how nice the cottage was . it was even better than the pictures suggest ! great for a family break . the games room was fun and a suprise was hidden in the garden . a massive trampoline sunk into the floor to make you feel like your bouncing on top of a mountain !! had a great time and definiely recommend it ! Rating 5 out of 5, Declan, Oct 2011.

Superb accomodation, we visited on recommendation from friends and we certainly didn't regret it, in fact were back for more next year. Superb barn conversions sleeping 8 or 5 or the Goose Cott where we stayed, it was like being at home,converted to the highest standard with every whim catered for. In fact it felt like home from home. The owners made us feel extremely welcome nothing was too much trouble for them. Set ,in superb rolling countryside with loads of walks nearby, lovely country pubs nearby with excellent food if you wish to eat out. If Carlsberg did holiday accomodation this would be it, roll on next year when I can get back. Rating 5 out of 5, Les & Deb, Oct 2011.

We stayed in the Swallow Barn and the Granary, and enjoyed a weekend of luxury. These are the best kitted out cottages we have ever stayed in (we go somewhere every year), with every piece of kitchen equipment you would conceivably need, lots of crockery, glassware and cutlery and essentials. The kids loved the wekk stocked toy box, and sadly we didn't get to take full advantage of the trampoline and games room due to the lovely countryside on the doorstep. There is a beautiful patio facing the Black Hills with seating and a bbq, with very carefully though out planting and shrubs. A great place, highly recommended. Rating 5 out of 5, Siobhan, Sep 2011.

Wonderfully comfortable and well-equipped cottage in a beautiful and peaceful setting. The hosts, Ruth and Ken made us very welcome from the start and had lots of information about the local area to help make our stay enjoyable. Rating 5 out of 5, Lynn, Sep 2011.

I joined my sister and brother-in-law for his 70th birthday celebratory weekend. I thought all of the self-catering accommodation was top class, well-equipped, and beautifully situated for peace and quiet. My comment was "the silence was deafening"! It was perfect for a family get-together and the owners were more than interested in getting feedback so they could improve their facilities even more (if that were possible). The biggest challenge of the weekend was the youngsters trying to get a mobile phone signal - and failing! Rating 5 out of 5, Rachel, Jul 2011.

We had 21 people to get together! 5 children under 4 and the rest ranging from 21 - 72 years old. We hired all 3 parts of the Farm and then they kindly arranged to import 2 glorious retro caravans (1950s) both done up very well (Kath Kidston) (with no water or electricity) but just the job for sleeping 3 in each, if necessary. It was a huge success, and the big barn successfully catered for 16 adults sitting down for dinner each night. The views quite glorious, the peace and quiet unbeatable, the walks total therapy, and the sunset amazing, especially up the hill at the very top of the property! The Watkins have done a brilliant job at this warm and welcoming holiday home. Let me tell you we have been to quite a few holiday homes over the years, and this was fantastic. Totally recommended. It certainly fitted all our requirements. Rating 5 out of 5, Jun 2011, Jenny.

We highly recommend Dukes Farm. The scenery from the cottage looking over towards the very magical Black Hill was beautiful. Ruth and Ken were very welcoming and helpful. The barn is beautifully renovated, well equipped, clean, tidy with very comfortable beds. Our dog was also made very weclome. Great holiday we loved it so much will be returning soon. Rating 5 out of 5, Marian & Anthony, Jun 2011

Idyllic setting, very quiet amongst fields and off the beaten track. Excellent property with all mod cons, perfect for a getaway,break or holiday. Dogs welcome and amazing dog walking countryside. Hosts are superb and very friendly and will accomodate if possible. I used it as a short break to gather my strength due to a hectic life and it worked a treat! Close to Hay on Wye for Thursday market which is worth a visit. Rating 5 out of 5, Tina, Jul 2010.

Beutifully equipped and stylishly converted barn complex with quality furnishings including extremely comfortable beds and seating.Felt at home immediately on entering the front door,log burner already lit and burning merrily as a welcome.Everything thoughtfully provided and the first holiday cottage we have ever stayed in that had sharpened cooking knives!! Flexible starting and finishing dates and easy to use online booking service made the holiday hazzle free from the beginning and whatever the length of stay its the place to chill out in extreme comfort!! Rating 5 out of 5, Yvonne, Dec 2010.

Holiday Reviews from the Owners’ site