Llanthony Castaway
- Premier host
- Llanthony, Monmouthshire, Wales
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2
- Bedroom: 1
- Bathroom: 1
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
Featured as one of The Times’ 30 Epic Escapes, Llanthony Castaway comprises three sumptuous, off-grid retreats for couples. Each one is blissfully encircled by lush, rolling scenery, in a ‘secret’ Black Mountains valley that’s also a Dark Sky reserve.
Llanthony Valley is a very special place: an inspirational setting for a wealth of painters and writers through the ages, including JMW Turner and Eric Gill. Just twelve miles from bustling Hay-on-Wye, you’ll feel like you’ve left civilisation far behind as you head up through the mountains, and along the single-track road that leads to your idyllic Castaway retreat.
Set within 270 private acres of family-run farmland, you’ll also be surrounded by the fascinating 12th century ruins of Llanthony Priory – not to mention over 500 Welsh Cross ewes! – for that magical feeling of time having completely stopped in its tracks.
The original Castaway Cabin is a lovingly-restored, warmly rustic railway carriage with a fairy-lit deck, while inside awaits a downy kingsize bed and a compact kitchen. There’s an en-suite shower room, too, complete with locally-made toiletries and towels kept lovely and toasty by a heated rail.
Oh, and you’ll also have exclusive access to an al fresco pizza oven, with handmade dough balls provided (just bring your own toppings!).
The Dome is a snuggly, dog-friendly retreat with an en-suite bathroom, a fully-equipped kitchen, and an enormous window to help you watch this incredible part of the world go slowly by. As if that wasn’t enough, your kingsize bed will be topped with toasty woollen blankets for dreamy nights of slumber.
Perfect for stargazers, The Hatterall Hut (named for the nearby Hatterall Ridge) is rich in simple, soul-soothing loveliness; a dog-friendly hideaway nestled in a remote corner of the farm… complete with its very own wood-fired hot tub for warming soaks under that vast, twinkling canvas.
Keep readingAt a glance
- Three cosy, off-grid retreats for 2, each privately secluded within Llanthony Valley, a ‘secret’ spot in the Black Mountains that’s just twelve miles from Hay-on-Wye.
- Part of The Times’ 30 Epic Escapes list for 2021, the area is described as feeling “thrillingly remote” thanks to the single-track access road that leads you through the mountains – ideal for couples looking to reconnect in tranquil comfort!
- Each retreat has private kitchen and bathroom facilities (The Hatterall Hut also comes with a wood-fired hot tub) with plenty of magical outdoor space for Dark Sky stargazing around the firepit.
- Llanthony Priory is a ten-minute walk away, serving food in the Crypt bar. There is a café and pub close by, and the nearest shop is 15 minutes’ drive away.
Facilities
Per retreat: private parking, wood-burner with logs and kindling, kingsize bed with linen and woollen blankets, private bathroom and kitchen facilities, outdoor space with chairs and firepit, welcome basket. Exclusive pizza oven at Castaway Cabin, wood-fired hot tub at The Hatterall Hut.
Local Activities
Walking, cycling, wildlife watching, historic sites, churches, castles, village shops, cafés, pubs, bookshops
More information
With no phone or internet access to be found in your calming retreat, you can reconnect with your loved one in blissful peace, or revive that long-lost creative spirit at your own leisure. Light the wood-burner for soft-lit evenings indoors, or unwind in your private outdoor space, complete with a firepit for deep conversations that last long into the night.
What to do after that sound night’s sleep? You could start by exploring these glorious, wildlife-steeped surroundings. Your friendly host, Bryony, has lived here since she was five years old… so what she and her family don’t know about the area isn’t worth knowing!
A mere ten-minute stroll will take you to the aforementioned Llanthony Priory, where you can enjoy home-made delights in the Crypt bar. Wander just a few minutes more to enjoy the charms of the local pub, or a slap-up afternoon tea in the village.
In the mood for a special treat? There are award-winning restaurants just half an hour away by car, or you could visit Hay-on-Wye, weaving your way in and out of quaint bookshops.
An area infused with ancient history, there are plenty of castles and churches to visit, and long, lazy walks to take, before you head back to Llanthony Castaway for another irresistibly peaceful, laughter-fuelled evening with your loved one.
Things to note
Treats are available to purchase on booking (when stocks allow), including locally-sourced burgers and sausages, and marshmallows for toasting over the firepit. The Dome and The Hatterall Hut each welcome well-behaved dogs for an additional fee per dog – please bring your own dog bedding. EV charging is available at the Castaway Cabin on a trust-based payment system.
Where you'll be staying
Llanthony, Monmouthshire
What the guests of Llanthony Castaway say
“There is no superlative for ‘perfect’ but if there was Castaway would be this. Well thought out, exquisite accommodation in a heavenly location. A much needed break. Thank-you so much.”
“Wow! What an incredible couple of days. The cabin is a work of art. As soon as we arrived we could feel our bodies decompress. This place is soaked in peace.”
“We had really high expectations before arriving all of which were exceeded. It is a stunning design concept which is so well thought through and our every needs were catered for by the delightful Bryony and team. We will most certainly be back.”
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