Fully switch off and reset in this remote holiday home for families and friends on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons). The area is a haven for outdoor adventurers, with way-marked trails leading you into the Black Mountains and nearby walking spots including Mynydd Du Forest (19 miles), Grwyne Fawr Reservoir (21 miles), and Hay Bluff (3 miles). For shopping and eating out, Hay-on-Wye is just 8 miles away.

Access to the detached farmhouse is via a rugged, gated farm track (shared with neighbouring property) that can be bumpy and transit-type vans, especially those with rear wheel drive, may struggle. It is heartily recommended that you bring groceries with you as supermarket delivery vans cannot easily access the steep, narrow drive and have been known to get stuck thus preventing access. The nearest shop is 8 miles away. Tea and coffee is provided and the cupboards contain a few other useful basics. On arrival, take a moment to enjoy the views back down into the Vale of Ewyas. The detached property is surrounded by rugged stone walls and mature trees offering pockets of space for you to explore. This is truly an off-grid experience with solar energy and a spring water supply. You’ll enter via a heavy wooden door into a stone porchway with ample space for muddy boots and coats. The main body of the living area is open-plan, full of character and rustic charm, and picture windows offer simple views and natural light. An eclectic selection of furnishings finishes the space. Guests can relax together in front of the wood burner, and whilst there is no TV or mobile phone reception, there is a screen monitor with a great selection of DVDs to choose from. There is WiFi at Pen-Y-Maes although the connection may not always be reliable. For dining, there is a generously sized table and chairs where you can get together to enjoy a hearty meal. The kitchen runs along the rear of the vast open-plan space and is in the old farmhouse part of the property, offering everything you may need for your stay. From here, you can access the converted cowshed and milking parlour with vaulted ceilings, a table tennis table, darts and other games. No central heating so warm clothes are a must in colder weather. However, the 2 wood burners on the ground floor and well insulated rooms enable the house to warm up fairly well. A staircase offers access to the first floor where guests have the choice of three bedrooms set within the eaves. A double room with mountain views, a further double room with stunning views, and a single room that is perfect for a child. Completing this floor is the spacious shower room with underfloor heating. Outside is an attached outbuilding with a utility area with a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board. You may also securely store your bikes in here.

Along with the endless supply of walks from your front door, you'll also be within reach of the mighty Pen y Fan (25 miles), the highest peak in South Wales. For a slice of history, head to the evocative 12th-century ruins of Llanthony Priory, just 3.5 miles from the property. The picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye also makes a lovely day out, with its cute cafes, historic buildings, and fine collection of book shops. The River Wye meanders through the town, and you can hire canoes and paddleboards to explore the area by water.

Additional information and rules

- 3 bedrooms – 2 doubles, 1 single

- 1 shower room with WC, additional WC in the utility room

- Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher

- Utility room with washing machine and dryer

- 2 wood burners providing heating for the ground floor (logs included)

- No central heating in the bedrooms although good insulation and wood burners enable the house to warm up fairly well

- Under heated blankets are available

- Underfloor heating in the shower room

- Games room with table tennis, darts and board games

- Open-aspect gardens with table and chairs and pond area (young children to be supervised at all times)

- WiFi although the connection may not always be reliable. Regret no cellular mobile phone reception

- Secure bike storage space available in the utility room

- Private parking for up to 2 cars - please do not park between Pen-y-Maes and neighbouring property

- Shop 8 miles, pub 3.5 miles -We recommended that you bring groceries with you as supermarket delivery vans cannot easily access the steep, narrow drive and have been known to get stuck. The nearest shop is 8 miles away. Tea and coffee is provided and the cupboards contain a few other useful basics.

- The majority of electricity is produced via solar panels, and the private water supply is provided by a natural spring which, so far, has never run dry

- Dogs are to be kept on a lead at all times on the grounds