Dog Friendly Cottages in Rhayader

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Janette - Verified booking

  I agree with previous reviews that Penlone cottage was a comfortable cottage in a tranquil setting.

  There are a few things that need attention that would have improved our experience and resulted in a higher rating Firstly the cottage is for 4 people and yet there were only 2 cups and saucers (yes there were ample mugs), only 3 wine glasses and a mismatch of other glasses and unusually there were no egg cups. Even though a dish brush was provided there was no dishcloth for wiping down surfaces in the kitchen, this has always been provided in previous Sykes cottages. The lane directly opposite the cottage provides an easy, safe 5 minute walk to the main road where visitors to the cottage can pick up the walk to Rhayader or the Elan Valley. It would have been useful to have had this information provided, I have left a hand drawn map in the information folder at the cottage as we couldn't find anything similar in the information provided. We had an enjoyable week in the cottage and loved the new experience of using a rayburn oven for cooking, the daily walks to either Rhayader or the Elan Valley were thoroughly enjoyed as was also the exploration and walks around the reservoirs. On a final note, I was surprised to see two very large shaggy rugs covering the carpet in the lounge and dining room. As the only effective way of cleaning these is by lifting and shaking I am not sure how practical they are, they kept ridging and it was difficult to keep them flat.

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• Paul - Verified booking

  First time at St Marks School house and it was amazing!

  Nestled just on the edge of Elan Valley, St Marks sits surrounded by hills with views for miles direct from the window. On arrival the property was clean, tidy and felt really homely. The central heating was on and warm but also the log fire was prepared ready for lighting if needed. Essentials like cake, milk, teabags and coffee was on hand in order to make a brew after the long drive down, great little touch I thought. This little house is full of character, from its timber beams to its original slate worktops reclaimed from when the house used to be a school. There is fantastic dog walks right from the doorstep, with a forest less than fifty metres away which felt like you had to yourself due to the lack of people there. Great if you have a reactive dog like I do. The owners was fantastic, with great communication. They even went as far as leaving a guide book with tips and hints about heating, recycling, emergency numbers, where to eat when out etc. Also walks to take, plus if you have a dog then which walks will require your dog to be leashed (or not) in order not to scare livestock. All in all, this place is great for a couple or a single person (with two dogs) like myself wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Would I recommend - Absolutely! Will I be back - Most definitely!!!

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• Debra - Verified booking

  We never actually got to stay in the cottage we booked as there was a problem with the boiler.

  We were asked if we could stay in a first floor apartment in the same complex which was the Woodman and we agreed. It was difficult to find with the postcode given but the owner was very helpful in guiding us to the cottage even though it was late in the evening. Although this was a nice apartment in hindsight the stairs were too steep for my friend who did struggle to get up them and there was only one bathroom with a bath that had the shower in it as well but my friend couldn’t manage to climb over the edge of the bath to actually use it , a grab rail would have been useful in bath as it was a bit difficult, to get in and out, the other issue in the bathroom was that there wasn’t any toilet paper so thankfully the petrol garage along the way was open but I would have expected this to have been provided. The apartment overall was good and for a fully mobile family or couple it would have been ideal as it’s great location , well laid out, good equipped kitchen and easy parking but it wasn’t suitable for someone with mobility issues so we left a day earlier which was a shame.

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• Carol - Verified booking

  This is a pretty character cottage in a nice & quiet location.

  There are lovely touches such as soft & large sofa & bed throws, comfy scatter cushions and lots of floor & table lamps, all giving the cottage a homely feel. The furniture is nice & comfortable too, including the bed. The shower upstairs is the nicest one (pressure & water temperature control) I have used on a cottage holiday or even in a five star hotel; most unexpected & much appreciated. It is possible to make several different walks directly from the cottage. Depending upon how far you usually walk, why not make use of the nearby national cycle route to walk into Rhayader or to the Elan Hotel &/or ElanValley Visitor Centre? The locals I met on that path were very friendly and helpful My visit was over Christmas and the cottage was decorated simply but beautifully with some lovely gifts left for me. Thank you to all the family and their staff for making me feel so welcome. I will definitely be back, but when the days are longer. That way I hope to be able to make use of the garden room & the pretty garden too.

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• Edward - Verified booking

  Had a wonderful week at Penlone Cottage the cottage is very clean and very well equipped.

  On arrival the hosts had left us milk, welsh cakes and two small bottles of wine, thank you. We loved watching the bird life around the cottage and had many different species visiting the feeding station on the property (bring your own food for them though) It is situated down a quiet lane adjacent to a horse trekking centre, Red Kites can also be seen across the fields by the cottage. It is within easy walking distance of Rhayader and the Caban Coch dam and visitor centre and also to the Red Kite feeding centre at Grigin Farm (about 40 minute walk away) which is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon watching the Red Kites. A little further afield are the other Elan valley dams which are worth visiting. If you like cycling there are two cycle routes (8 &81) which are well maintained. A bonus for us was that it is in a "Dark sky" area which gave us a superb view of the stars without light pollution. We would have no hesitation in recommending this property for a holiday.

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