Celestia | Luxury Farmhouse | Pen-y-Fan, Brecon Beacons, Wales

Celestia

Talybont-on-usk, Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK

Wend through waterfall-splashed valleys and tangled woodland to discover this luxury retreat: a traditional farmhouse and converted barn, set in a private clearing beneath the peaks of Pen y Fan. A place where mountains prop up the sky, the solitude of the Brecon Beacons National Park only adds to Celestia's allure.

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Introduction

When the previous owners came across a three-line newspaper advert for this forgotten 17th-century longhouse and cottage, the site had no electricity or running water. With the help of craftsmen from over the hill in Hay-on-Wye, a sensitive 10-year renovation saw the neglected homestead reconfigured into a duo of luxury farmhouses designed for gathering, including secret bedrooms, suspended staircases and floating mezzanine floors included. Among the list of imaginatively repurposed objects, vintage grape baskets that hang above a long wooden dining table, inviting family chatter and slow suppers by a roaring fire.

Inside

The main farmhouse has all the warmth of a sumptuous mountain hideaway: the kind of place you'd dream of being snowed in without a shovel. Patinaed plaster and brickwork are left exposed, underfloor heating hides clandestinely beneath the old flagstones, and century-old fireplaces summon dogs, bookworms and red wine drinkers to bask in the glow of open flames. Walls are washed in Earthborn clay paint, while poured concrete and sisal flooring continues the organic theme. In the cottage across the garden, a social living space temps chinking cocktails and games of pool; Team Longhouse Vs Team Cottage.

Outside

Celestia sits within a secluded four and a half acres, close to Pen y Fan and some of the Brecon Beacons’ most rewarding hikes, where soul-stirring views await. Just outside the front door, there's a flower-strewn paddock that overlooks the Black Mountains and leads to an apple orchard. Follow the garden path past the stream and into the woods to discover one of Britain’s few ‘Lost Rainforests’. Here, mornings might begin with a bracing plunge beneath the waterfall before lacing up boots for the climb, while evenings can unfold beneath the stargazing bowl (designed by Chelsea gold medallists, The Rich Brothers).

 

The Facts

  • SleepsUp to 14 guests
    From £3,595 per week, £2,795 per short break
  • Alternative group optionsUp to 6 or up to 8 guests
  • Bedrooms and bathroomsCelestia accommodates 14 guests across two separate buildings; eight in the main farmhouse and six in the cottage. The farmhouse includes three double bedrooms (one with en suite, two with king-size beds plus one standard double) and one bunk bedroom. Note that the master, double and bunk bedrooms sit along a corridor with steps and an angled ceiling. The family bathroom includes a WC, walk-in shower and rolltop bath. There is also a ground floor WC. Across the garden, the cottage has three bedrooms: one with king-size bed and en suite bathroom, one with double bed, and one with bunk beds. The cottage´s family bathroom features a bath with central overhead shower.
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  • FeaturesPool table, Steinway piano, fire pit with grill, and stargazing bowl
  • PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
    Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
  • Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
  • FamilyChildren and babies are very welcome, two cots and highchairs are available
  • PracticalitiesAccess is via a winding tarmac track (passing through two farm gates) which is less suited to low slung cars in winter months. There is private, gated parking for four cars. Four small CCTV cameras cover the courtyard and exterior entrances. The farmhouse kitchen has a large Aga, dishwasher and fridge, plus an additional fridge, wine fridge, freezer and microwave in the adjoining pantry. The cottage includes a Neff fan oven with induction hob and grill, a dishwasher, fridge-freezer and microwave, plus a laundry area with Miele washer-dryer. The garden is enclosed and streams are gated, although guests travelling with dogs and children should exercise caution within the wider grounds. For six-people bookings, guests will have access to the cottage only. For eight people (six adults and two children), guests will have access to the farmhouse only (pool table unavailable). Due to the remote location of the property, the internet speed can be slow at times.
  • Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper of fresh local produce including Clams of Crickhowell Welsh cakes, luxury bed linen and towels, eco-friendly toiletries, a picnic hamper, fondue kits, dog treats and toiletries, fresh coffee and hot chocolate, Wifi internet, a fire pit, logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
  • Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay.
  • RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
  • Eco-friendlyGround source heat pump for heating and hot water, eco-friendly toiletries
  • RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
  • Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan

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Beautiful aged patinas reveal the age of this 17th Century farm
The main farmhouse is painted in Earthborn clay paint
The main living area is the perfect space for a group gathering

Prices & Availability

The Brecon Beacons

From crumbling castles to heather-cloaked mountain ranges calling out to be explored, the Brecon Beacons is a diverse landscape and stunning base for walking holidays in south Wales.

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The Brecon Beacons
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Getting there

  • On the Map The property enjoys a secluded mountainous spot near Talybont-on-Usk in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
  • By Car London is around a three and a half hour drive away from Celestia
  • By Train Abergavenny train station is around half an hour's drive away, with regular routes to London via Cardiff
  • By Air Cardiff airport is an 80-minute drive, while Bristol is an hour and 45 minutes away by car

From the owner

“The magical feeling that we get as we drive up to Celestia never fades. As the Beacons open out in front of us we can´t wait to get our boots on and head up into the hills. The thrill of knowing that there is nothing between us and the top of Pen-y-fan is quite something.”

From the owner

Keeping us going up the steep climb of Cribyn is the thought of the stew we put in the Aga that morning, before heading out and curling up in front of the huge open fire in the cosy living room - possibly a Penderyn whiskey in hand. Children will love discovering all the nooks and crannies of the house, pottering in the stream on a warm summer's day and breathing in the clean air of the rare pocket of temperate rainforest that sits within the grounds. The evening light on The Black Mountains is beautiful and makes the terraces a perfect spot for an evening drink.

When night falls, we are always amazed by the night sky, all becoming amateur astronomers. This really is a place to feel at peace. We often try to imagine living there in the olden days without electricity and mod-cons. While it sounds romantic, we are happy to have all our creature comforts and be able to enjoy the incredibly sympathetic renovation and perfectly designed interiors that exist today.

Ceri 

Owner recommendations

Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in The Brecon Beacons with an insider's perspective.

The Felin Fach Griffin

To Eat

The Felin Fach Griffin

You´re ensured a warm feeling after leaving this fine dining pub. The owners describe the food as ´refined Welsh cuisine´, a favourite for Sunday roasts and especially good after a hike on a blustery day.

The Black Mountains

To See

The Black Mountains

This collection of old red sandstone hills dominates Wales´ famous Brecon Beacons, both in size and beauty. Walk through the folklore and fiction of Wales as you experience why so many adore this scenic and secluded landscape.

Hay-on-Wye

To Do

Hay-on-Wye

The neighbouring market town of Hay-on-Wye boasts smart cafes and over twenty bookshops, giving it the informal title of "the town of books". Watch out for the annual Hay Festival which brings visitors from far and wide.

The Walnut Tree, Abergavenny

To Eat

The Walnut Tree, Abergavenny

Attracting foodies from all over the world, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a must-visit. Offering a superb dining experience, booking in advance at the Walnut Tree is definitely recommended to avoid disappointment.

Guest Testimonials

Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google

Thank you for a lovely stay, the house is stunning and kitted out perfectly with lots of lovely things. We loved the welcome goodie bag (so thoughtful) and the dog beds were an absolute godsend for our 2 Vizslas. The garden is just blissful and we have enjoyed watching the charms of goldfinches and the ever-adventurous house martins feeding their chicks.

A wonderful, magical time for me and the children to spend Christmas in an enchanting setting. Huge thanks and best wishes.

Celestia proved the perfect location to see in the New Year with family. Entertaining in the farm house kitchen was an absolute joy! The location provided beautiful scenery as well as interesting and varied walks for 3 generations. Thank you for sharing such a precious place.

We had a wonderful stay in this idyllic home, making lasting memories. A unique building full of history, in a beautiful and tranquil part of the world.

What an incredible spot! We had a fabulous week, thanks so much for sharing this incredible place. Highlights included beautiful walks, fabulous family meals, watching the Housemartins dance overhead.

For our family gathering, what a truly special place. Celestia was perfect for our get together. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us all. We had a brilliant stay, leaving recharged and very happy.

A mixed bunch of lovely ladies all brought together to share an amazing 50th Birthday. Literally, the most perfect house and setting for it, so thank you for that. The house has everything we need and every element made it feel like luxury.

Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful home, with all it´s lovely fixtures and fittings, the gardens, and the nearby waterfalls and trails - all fabulous. Celestia made the best base for my birthday gathering. We were all so tired each day from being out and about that we never even got the chance to play pool!

Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous home. It has been massively restorative to our team. We enjoyed morning yoga and guided mediation in the barn. Having meetings looking at nature was incredible, and then we got a lovely snowy landscape. We will definitely be back!

A beautiful home, beyond our expectations. We have lived like lords and ladies of the manor for the whole weekend. Thank you for sharing your home with our family.

We´ve had the most amazing Christmas with my parents and extended family. No words describe your hidden gem and lovely touches. We wish we could keep Celestia a secret, but we will be back!

We´ve had the most brilliant weekend - thank you for sharing your amazing home with us. We´ve loved sharing some very special family time; having fun and relaxing. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for a lovely stay, one of the best houses we´ve stayed at. The endless treats that were provided made it so welcoming and so generous of the the owners. Exploring the numerous walks and streams were so exciting and fun. Two families and grandparents stayed here and it catered for everyone with loads of room. Even the dog got spoiled and had a great time. I wish we were here for longer as there is so much more to do, hopefully we´ll visit again sometime.

Thank you for sharing this amazing house and valley with us for our family holiday. Three families, seven children, and six adults, we felt like we had so much to do around us. Beautiful walks up and down the streams and rivers, making daisy chains and den building. Hilltop walks and valley runs! Celestia was perfect with the baby grand piano the cherry on the cake! So nice to have music in this gorgeous house during the day. We leave happy and relaxed and look forward to coming back some day.

Celestia reached the peak of the most precious family weekends possible. Thank you for making it perfect as always. We had fun, great meals, fun walks, tiny smiles, small adventures, and the memories that all of us share make it so very special. We cherish it. Thank you.

Thank you so very much to the owners for sharing your precious home with us. From the moment we arrived we have been enchanted with this space. So stylish, comfortable, expansive, welcoming and filled to capacity with the best of everything we enjoy. Flutes, dishes, Welsh blankets, outside seating, to walks the gardens, local pubs, the piano, the Aga, meals at the long table, champagne, and fine card games at night.

Thank you for sharing such an incredible location and home. The excitement from our 1 and 2-year old when they found the books and toys you kindly left was amazing. Entertaining in the main kitchen with all ages around the table together was joyful and madness all in one! You have a beautiful property and made us feel so so welcome and at home! A huge thank you

The property was stunning. The location even more so. Even though it´s a very old property, all needs were thought of and we all loved it. Celestia was exactly what I wanted for a family holiday for my 40th birthday.

The house was absolutely amazing, we truly loved it, and positioned in such an incredible location. The owners have clearly taken great care which is clear to see, it´s beautifully done! Thank you for a wonderful stay.

Many thanks to the owners of Celestia for providing such a fabulous place to stay. We were so lucky to be there for the meteor shower, in a place with such great visibility thanks to the Dark Sky Reserve, also with the full star gazing kit waiting for us! Everyone absolutely loved it and the kids all have totally unbelievable stories of how many shooting stars they saw. The owners have really thought of everything inside and out including the welcome hamper. We will definitely be back!

Our stay was simply magical! Words fail to describe our stay, but if I had to put it into words, I would say "a beautiful house with all you need. Amazing setting in the middle of nowhere, mountains and a stream to bathe in for the brave." If you want to celebrate and enjoy nature, Celestia ticks every box. The hosts went above and beyond what we would have expected and will certainly come again.

This place is a glimpse of Heaven, with the space to explore, breathe and spend magical time with friends and family. It´s somewhere you feel very lucky to have found, sad to leave but excited about coming back to.

Three families living the dream, miles away from everything in our own hilltop hideaway. Morning started with big breakfasts from the AGA, before kids´ (and adults) run wild through the garden, in and out of streams and up into the mountains on our doorstep. Evenings disappeared around the fire pit and pool table as the sun slowly set behind the Black Mountains. A magical time that we´ll never forget

We stayed at Celestia in early June with a party of friends with mixed-age kids. The location is breathtaking with far-reaching mountains and a little stream in the back garden. Our kids played outside all day only coming back to the house for food. The house is as beautiful on the inside as the out; great social spaces, a well-equipped kitchen and gorgeous décor. Can´t wait to go back again and unplug in this truly special place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Press

Below are a selection of features in which Celestia and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.

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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.