A delightful 250 year old, Grade II listed cottage, with a wealth of character and original features. Situated a stone’s throw from the very centre of the picturesque, ancient border town of Montgomery.
From the back door, the walk up to the castle ruins is just a few minutes.
Montgomery and its castle were positioned strategically to take advantage of far reaching views across the Offa’s Dyke border into England. The town, the castle, the memorial hill and their surrounding walks command impressive scenic views every way that one looks.
Nearby outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, golf, boating, canoeing, landscape and wildlife photography.
The panoramic view of Montgomery from the castle only hints at the character of this small, ancient town. Explore the streets yourself and discover some of the 141 listed buildings that have survived since the town came into being, thanks to William the Conqueror in 1070.
Nowadays the town offers a variety of excellent eating establishments from quaint cafes to Bistro dining as well as a gallery, craft shops, antiques and of course a supermarket and post office. Saturdays the town still has a small market and the Georgian town hall can provide local fruit and veg, just like it’s been doing since 1748. Often seen around town, in full ceremonial dress are the Mayor and Lady Town Crier. One will certainly spot them if you are lucky enough to coincide your visit with one of the many town events or functions.
Bank Cottage is a traditional, semi-detached, wood beamed cottage which oozes character. Accommodation includes two, oak-floored bedrooms, an oak staircase and landing, a modern bath/shower room, a compact, quirky, functional kitchen, dining and living rooms with exposed original beams, with a wood-burning stove set into the chimney that still contains the original bread oven. Incidentally though now not in use, the cottage also has a fireplace in the cellar. The wood-burner fills the cottage with character, atmosphere and warmth however this does not need to be used as the cottage benefits from electric heating throughout. Other features are, a dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, oven/hob and fridge/freezer.
Bank Cottage has hi speed, full fibre internet and television with “Freeview” satellite channels where you will also find the normal satellite radio channels.
Outdoors, is an enclosed front garden with access to the original cellar that can provide storage for hiking gear and bicycles, should you wish to bring them. To the rear, is a larger garden, with washing line, picnic bench and BBQ area and a simple garden to relax in. Adjacent on street parking.
Less than ten miles, the towns of Welshpool or Newtown offer full shopping and facilities of all major supermarkets, should you need them. The former has an interesting canal museum and also recreational activities along the canal as well as the grand and imposing National Trust property of Powis Castle and its gardens. Both towns have local train stations. Slightly further afield, Shrewsbury is a large, bustling town worth a day trip to explore. Buses can connect to any of these towns.
Montgomery makes an idyllic base for a peaceful holiday, with plenty to do just outside the front door. For example,
Walk part of the famous Offa’s Dyke path.
Visit The Old Bell museum.
Nostalgia to be found in the Model Car museum.
Quirky finds to take home from The Little Gallery.
Unique pottery at Claudia Lis ceramics.
Step back in time and explore shops like ‘Bunner’s Hardware’ or ‘Antique Ideology’.
Sample a pint brewed here in Montgomery at any of the pubs or enjoy a visit to ‘Monty’s Brewery Visitor Centre’.
Trek through the woods and find one of the many footpaths up to the castle.
Take in the vista of the panoramic 360degree views from the Montgomery Monument.
Enjoy some sport such as swimming at the private pool of The Dragon Hotel, play some tennis, rent some bicycles and explore the quiet backlanes with a self-guided route map. Or just catch an afternoon of cricket at Lymore Park.
Find time for the splendour of the 13th century church and particularly the atmospheric graveyard where you might find the mysterious and infamous ‘Robber’s Grave’.
For eating there’s Castle Kitchen (deli and café)
Ivy House café (and Post Office)
The acclaimed Dragon Hotel Restaurant or Checker’s Pantry ( infamous for handing back their Michelin Star in 2018)
All of the above and more is right on the doorstep but if you wanted to explore further afield, a drive out there are characterful Welsh towns such as Dolgellau, Beddgelert, Machynlleth, Llangollen, Llandrindod Wells or even get to the coast and discover the Victorian splendour of Aberystwyth.
Snowdownia National Park an hour or so away is a haven of wilderness where one can hike to Snowdon’s peak or ride the historic railway to the top.
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a wold renowned resource that’s been promoting sustainability since the 1970’s. A fascinating day trip.
Lake Vyrnwy, the other side of Welshpool is an enchanting 5 mile long reservoir that offers canoes, bike hire, hiking, cafes and fine dining. Impossible to not be impressed by the Victorian engineering that created not just the dam but also the 109 km tunnel that provides Liverpool with drinking water to this day. En route, why not stop by and visit Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, not as wide but higher than Niagara Falls.
All in all whatever you choose, Bank Cottage and Montgomery will ensure that you have an enjoyable visit.
Angela