Capel Cartref

• Sleeps: 10
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 3
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Dating back to 1930, Capel Cartref (or Capel Newydd as it was then known), was once a cherished part of the Lower Cwmtwrch community, welcoming up to 250 villagers every Sunday.

Lovingly and painstakingly renovated in 2008, the chapel has since become a warm, comfort-filled retreat for families and groups of friends who want to celebrate, reconnect, and explore the delights of South Wales all together.

Child and dog-friendly, absolutely everybody is welcome at Capel Cartref. There are two accessible double bedrooms and a wet-room on the ground floor, so guests who can’t use stairs won’t have to. Meanwhile, the charming garden is both safe and enclosed… so little legs can roam free!

Sleeping up to ten guests in total, this is a unique haven that both preserves and creatively reuses many of the chapel’s original elements. Wooden pews are re-imagined as window sills, shutters, and kitchen cornices, while the soaring, vaulted lounge ceiling features the original beams.

Catch up all together in this relaxing space, snuggled up on the sofas with a favourite movie on the 42” plasma TV. There’s a ready supply of DVDs, books, and jigsaws, plus old-school board games for the competitive types in your group!

You’ll find the kitchen/diner both well-equipped and sociable; why not pull up a chair and chat to the designated chef, glass of wine in hand, as they whip up a mouth-watering feast fit for the church elders?

On the first floor you’ll discover a gallery-style landing area (ideal for curling up with a book) which leads to the main bedroom – complete with doors to a balcony that overlooks the wildlife-steeped River Twrch – and two more bedrooms, one double and one twin.

At a glance

• A former chapel, lovingly renovated as a spacious and welcoming retreat for up to 10 guests.
• The family and pet-friendly chapel is nestled in the riverside village of Lower Cwmtwrch, close to the Brecon Beacons National Park and a fantastic base for exploring South Wales.
• There are five bedrooms to choose from, including two accessible doubles on the ground floor.
• The first-floor main bedroom has access to a balcony that faces the River Twrch, and there’s a veranda and fully-enclosed garden to enjoy.
• Nearby attractions include South Wales beaches, the Black Mountains and Henrhyd Waterfalls – perfect for a picnic! There is a food-serving pub in easy walking distance.

Features

• Disability Accessible
• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups

More information

After a sound night’s sleep, savour morning coffee in your choice of peaceful al fresco space… whether the veranda, the balcony, or the garden, as you decide what you’ll do with the rest of the day. You’ll find a folder packed with local information to help you make your choice.

You’ll certainly find plenty of opportunities to test your bikes and walking boots to destruction in the nearby Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains! Pack a tasty picnic and visit the tumbling Henryhd Waterfalls, or stretch out your towel on the beautiful beaches at The Gower, Mumbles, or Swansea Bay.

There’s plenty of wildlife, magic, and legend to discover locally, too. The village name of Cwmtwrch is derived from a mythical wild boar of King Arthur’s legends (notice the wild boar-statues that faithfully guard the chapel!) Meanwhile, the nearby Craig Y Nos castle is said to be the most haunted castle in Wales.

Take a ghost tour if you’re feeling brave, perhaps stopping in the Crown Pub – a mere 500 yards from Capel Cartref – for a spooky debrief over a hearty meal you didn’t have to cook, before settling in for another perfect evening with your loved ones.

Things to note

Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome. The chapel is wheelchair-accessible and suitable for guests with limited mobility: ground floor widened doors – 2 ground floor bedrooms plus wet room. Shower chair provided and raised WC seat. Stairgates and high chairs can be provided on request.