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Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway

Family-friendly holiday home in Brecon

Photo gallery for Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway

Walk to Crai reservoir
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Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
7 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 15

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Bedroom 1

1 Crib

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Shower room 1

Shower only

Shower room 2

Shower only

Shower room 3

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway

Dating back to 1770, this beautifully restored riverbank barn conversion offers luxury group accommodation for up to 15 guests in a truly special setting. Located on the Happy Horse Retirement Home, a stunning 100-acre farm in a secluded valley, the barn sits in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, surrounded by spectacular countryside and abundant wildlife.
The barn has been thoughtfully converted to a very high standard and is rented as one exclusive unit, made up of three stylish self-catering cottages: Blue Brook, Green Gallop and Red Ridge. This layout is ideal for families and groups who want to stay together while enjoying generous space and comfort.

At the centre of the property is Blue Brook, which features a large glazed dining area with a solid oak table seating all 15 guests, alongside an open-plan sitting room. This bright, social space is perfect for shared meals, celebrations and relaxed evenings together.

Outside, the River Crai runs alongside the cottages, creating a peaceful and scenic backdrop. Guests can enjoy a large outdoor BBQ area, riverside seating and direct access to the surrounding farmland. Numerous walking routes start right from the doorstep, making it an excellent base for exploring the Brecon Beacons.

The picturesque Crai Reservoir, renowned for brown trout fly fishing, is within an easy stroll. For days out, Brecon is just 14 miles away, while the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula can be reached in around 45 minutes by car. Wildlife lovers will be delighted by frequent sightings of otters, buzzards and red kites in the local area.

To protect the peaceful rural setting, a noise policy is in place. The lead guest must be 25 years of age or over and be a member of the group staying at the property.

Shorter breaks are available – please send an enquiry for details.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NOISE: The cottages are part of a working farm with retired horses in a tranquil environment.Most groups come here because of our peaceful location
- We request our guests not to make loud noise outside. At 23.00hrs we ask all guests to go inside to keep our neighbours happy.
No limitation on celebrations inside. This might not suit all groups so before you book please make sure we are the right venue for your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Brecon

Located in Brecon, this holiday home is in a rural area. Brecon Castle and Ely Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Brecon Golf Club and Cradoc Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Sbri Cymru Ltd and National Showcaves Centre for Wales.
Map
Brecon, Powys

What's nearby

  • Brecon Beacons National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Royal Welsh Showground - 49 min drive - 58.3 km
  • Swansea.com Stadium - 53 min drive - 55.4 km
  • Swansea Marina - 58 min drive - 69.4 km
  • Swansea University - 65 min drive - 60.7 km

Getting around

  • Llandovery Station - 26 min drive
  • Cardiff International Airport (CWL) - 100 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Craig-y-Nos Castle - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Tanners Arms - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The International Welsh Rabbit Center - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Tarfan Y Garreg - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Morgan Brothers Coffee Shop - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Riverside Retreat, Sleeps 15 -Brecon Beacons Ideal friends and family getaway located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Sbri Cymru Ltd, National Showcaves Centre for Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park. Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Craig Cerrig Gleisiad a Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

karen johnson J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

We were made to feel very welcome and given lots of info on stuff to do locally. Had a lovely stay and would love to return as there is so much to do and see.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sophie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So gorgeous!

Such a lovely property right next to a gorgeous stream with cute lambs running around the hillside! Separate cottages were great - loads of bathrooms and kitchen areas. Lovely hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luke T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Walking weekend

Perfect for our annual boys (middle aged men) walking weekend. Great location and accommodation. Hosts Nicky and Ray were on hand with advice on walks and sourcing beer from excellent Antur brewery but super relaxed and accommodating. Fantastic stay which everyone enjoyed
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

T K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a hidden gem!

We booked this stay really last minute and it exceeded our expectations in every way. The cottages are all clean and spacious and the hosts have thought of everything you may need to make your stay comfortable. The games room was an added bonus and of course the horses make the stay very special. Would definitely recommend and would visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very good property, very friendly & helpful host, nice location. Some niggles with the heating & cooker but generally quickly sorted out. The property description was not too clear on the lack of on suite facilities, creaking first floors made movement to the bathroom at night a little noisy. The high step into the ground floor shower room was difficult for the older family members & a handle in the shower would have helped. The games room was a great feature
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely family holiday

Family holiday in the heart of Wales . We had a lovely time the cottage was perfect for us with a large living area both inside and outside so we could all dine together and we had our own little cottages with full facilities as well . Beautiful surrounding area lots of walks from the cottage . The weather wasn’t kind to us but there was lots to do nearby the hosts were very helpful . The grandchildren loved the family pets and seeing the horses each day . I would highly recommend we will definitely book a return trip .
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Darren P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and quiet

Family groupd of 15 ranging 8 Month oud infant to 72 year old Grandad. Nicky was very helpful on the lead up to the stay answering any queations we had promptlyOn arrival we had a detailed view around the 3 cottages and even got shown a map of the surrounding area of great site seeing sites and walks. The Garden was a little smaller than expected but again Nicky was extremely helpful and accomadating and gave us the field to play the garden games we had brought along. Overall great people great accommodation.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adele F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Property

Wonderful house in a lovely location, 15 of us stayed there to celebrate my Dads 80th birthday. Lovely eating area outside by the stream & also a great table inside. The owners were very friendly, lovely chocolate cake on arrival & very accommodating with the children playing football & lots of space for them outside to run around. I would highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patrick F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Idyll

Great location surrounded by beautiful hills, quiet & tranquil. Great facilities with outdoor fire & tables.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Geraint M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great countryside location

Lovely location. Great set up. Relaxed and welcoming hosts. Excellent for 3 groups who want to stay together plus have separate spaces.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alan T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Blissfully secluded

Beautifyl properties in a lively quiet setting. Everything you need for a large family get together or team building session. Largest cottage great for all getting together.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Brilliant property in a beautiful location

We had a fantastic time staying at the lodges with plenty of room for us all and great space for us all to be together in the main house. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. With a delicious cake waiting for us on arrival! Thank you for having us to stay, this house would definitely be first on my list to come back and visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Gail W.

Homely and well maintained

The Happy Horse Cottages were as described, very clean, comfortable beds and well equipped kitchens which comfortably accommodated our family gathering of 15 with ease. Nicky and her delightful dogs made us very welcome. The property was in a peaceful location with a large outside seating area and BBQ. Would have enjoyed a larger TV screen for the 6 x bed cottage lounge.

About the host

Hosted by Raymond Van Dijk

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French, German
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