Tucked away in a woody hollow, dog friendly Esgair Barn is the perfect place for a refreshing break in unspoilt Carmarthenshire, close to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Recently converted from a barn it’s now a comfortable holiday home.
There’s plenty of space here for outdoor time and fresh air whether or not attractions are open. Whether you’re planning an energising itinerary of hiking or biking or just want to get away from it all you’ll be happy here. Fans of trees, hills, rivers, castles, beaches and wool will not be disappointed.
You are welcomed into the barn through the large porch with plenty of space for wet coats and boots, and somewhere to sit while you prise them off.
The living room
The living room is a grand double-height room with sofas and a big table and banquette to seat you all in comfort. The windows look out over the fields and stream to one side, and a small gravelled private patio on the other.
There’s a wood-burning stove to keep you extra cosy, and some good old-fashioned board games and jigsaws in case it rains. We’ll be dividing up the games/ books/ extras we provide and swapping them between guests so you can still enjoy them. TV provided but you’ll be too busy watching the birds and squirrels.
The kitchen
Food can be a big feature of a holiday, so we’ve stuffed the kitchen with everything we could think of to help you whip up a feast (or heat up a pizza). You’ll find:
• A range oven
• A microwave
• Plenty of pots, pans and utensils including baking equipment
• Lots of crockery and serving dishes
• A fridge freezer
• A dishwasher
• A washer/dryer and airer
There’s also a sofa and stools so you can keep the chef(s) company while they cook.
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1, downstairs, with a huge super king bed and easy access to wet room next door. Wardrobe and large chest of drawers for all your gubbins. This used to be where the donkey slept but is now ideal for grandparents. Can also be made up as twin beds on request.
Bedroom 2, twin beds with skylight for watching the stars. Features desk from the now sadly closed village school. Can also be made up as super king on request.
Bedroom 3, comfortable kingsize bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers. Everything you need for a good night’s sleep. Challenge you to find something to hang on all the pegs!
Bedroom 4, cast iron kingsize bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and a woolly friend. En-suite shower room.
Bathrooms
There’s a large wet room on the ground floor with toilet, sink and walk-in shower with seat. It has underfloor heating and a heated towel rail.
There’s a retro-style family bathroom upstairs with a bath, toilet, sink and heated towel rail.
There’s an en-suite shower room off Bedroom 4 with toilet, sink, electric shower and heated towel rail.
We’ve had fun decorating the barn with characterful furniture and décor, and been inspired by all the talented artists and crafts people living locally. We’ve included locally produced items where we can.
Guest access
The barn is in the middle of our land, which you are welcome to explore and picnic in. There is a little-used footpath right outside the barn and spectacular views of Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) from the top field. There are trees to climb and a shallow stream (behind a gate). There’s a bonfire area in one field if you get the urge to toast marshmallows, and we can supply suitable wood. Please note that the barn is recently finished and we’re still perfecting the landscaping!
It gets really dark at night, and if it’s clear you can see the Milky Way.
We have a pet alpaca whose bedroom is close to the barn. He is sociable and curious but please note that he can be a bit nibbly and he’s not totally keen on men. Please treat him carefully and with respect and ask if you would like to be introduced. Also, we do sometimes host sheep from a neighbouring farm, so it’s really important to close gates behind you.
Interaction with guests
Our house is opposite the barn, across a courtyard. We live here with our cat and an elderly gentleman alpaca. We’re happy to chat and offer advice at a safe distance, but if you prefer to be left to your own devices that’s fine too.
We love exploring the area and can provide recommendations for places to visit and good places to get takeaway locally if restaurants and cafes remain closed.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
Family friendly
The barn is ideal for family gatherings with plenty of room to eat together, sit, chat, play games and have fun.
Esgair Barn is a great place for kids. They can paddle in the (shallow) stream, climb trees, listen out for the resident tawny owls, and see the Milky Way. We can provide a highchair, stair gates and travel cot on request. Our daughter can provide her own recommendations for outings that meet her approval and the best places for ice cream (there are lots).
There is a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom for anyone who struggles with stairs so you can bring the great grandparents too.
Although we’re keen for you to relax and enjoy yourselves while staying with us, we’re sorry but we can’t accept bookings from rowdy hen or stag groups. More sedate groups welcome.
Walkers and cyclists welcome
The barn is located on a public footpath and Carmarthenshire has lots of fabulous places to explore on foot. We’re also close to mountain bike trails and the route of the Tour of Britain. There is a large porch with space for wet coats and muddy boots, a lockable bike store, and a bath to soak in on your return.
Things to bring
• We provide all other bedding, tea towels, dish cloths and cleaning products, and a few dishwasher tablets and loo rolls to get you started.
• Waterproofs: Sometimes it rains in Wales, believe it or not. Even in summer.
Wellies: Esgair Barn is down a track and surrounded by fields. There will be mud. Even in summer.
• Cash: There are cashpoints locally, but never quite where/when you need them.
• Toiletries: we are not on mains drainage so please use biodegradable/ environmentally friendly shampoos/shower gels if possible.
Pets
We allow one well-behaved dog. The dog must not be left unattended in the barn and must be kept on a lead when outside as our alpaca lives right next door and we often have sheep grazing who could be injured or scared by a loose dog. Please keep the dog downstairs (we will provide a stair gate). Please pick up dog waste around the barn and put it in a black bag in the bin outside.
Technology and data
There is reasonable 3G/4G signal on Vodafone and EE. Please note that it can be affected by the weather! We have signal on our phones if you forgot to cancel the milk at home and get really stuck.
Wifi internet is included. We have an internet-enabled FreeSat TV so you can log in to your Netflix account if you wish.
Bluetooth speaker provided. Radio signal is poor (the downside of being surrounded by beautiful trees!).
Water and the environment
Esgair Barn is not on mains drainage and the sewage and waste water is treated by a dedicated biodigester unit before being fed into the stream. Please don’t flush anything other than wee, poo and paper, and use biodegradable/ environmentally friendly shampoos/shower gels if possible. We'll provide environmentally friendly disinfectant in case you need it.
The barn is heated using an air-source heat pump with underfloor heating, and powered by solar panels and a green energy electricity supplier. Please use the recycling and compost bins provided.
The wood burner
We’ll supply enough dry wood to get you started and can provide top ups for a reasonable additional cost.
