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St. Marks School House

(Ref. 1127682)

Nant-Glas near Rhayader, Mid Wales & Cardigan Bay Show on map

4.7

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • lovely (10)
  • walks (10)
  • beautiful (9)
  • garden (9)
  • location (8)
  • great (7)

21 Customer Reviews

  • "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!!!

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Nov 2024

  • "A beautiful school house in a lovely setting."

    We were there during a real cold snap and found it took a while to heat up but having mastered the wood burner things improved. The stars were just amazing, as were the glorious sunrises through the large windows. Perfect for dog walks and a good secure garden. On a negative point, It is rather tired in places and could do with some new bed linen and towels. Our main problem was the bathroom. The beams are a lot lower than they appear in the illustrations and for someone with a back problem, the toilet is a real challenge not to hit your head on the beams. Overall we loved the schoolhouse and the area.

    Thank you for your feedback. I think sadly the radiators had been turned down at their individual thermostats at some point over the warmer months and not adjusted as that cold spell hit. It usually heats up very quickly. They have been adjusted now. Please contact us immediately in future and we can pop over and do what we can to correct the problem. Feedback noted about bed linen and towels and will address this. Perhaps I could pick up the beams issue with Sykes and get them to specify it on the listing. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Paul3.8Sep 2024

  • "Perfect! Beautiful cottage in beautiful surroundings!"

    360 degree views, walks on the doorstep, the beautiful Elan Valley only 15 mins away. Cosy nights in by the fire. Great facilities in the cottage make it like home from home. Highly recommended!

    Reviewed by Kevin5.0Sep 2024

  • "What a gem ,we love old buildings brought back to life whilst retaining the character (slates/toilets !"

    Dogs loved the garden ,fantastic walks (turn right 100 yrd and follow path gradient medium round to the end well worth it .

    Reviewed by Anita5.0Sep 2024

  • "An unusual but lovely holiday home in a superb location."

    Very well equipped. Thank you, Clive & Michelle from Essex.

    Reviewed by Clive5.0Jul 2024

  • "Idilic spot just to be calm and chill."

    Lovely views of the mountains and hills in the distance and handy with a shortish drive to explore the beautiful Elan Valley. Garden is ideal and totally secure for our big dog who equally enjoyed it!

    Reviewed by Gary5.0Jul 2024

  • "This was a lovely property offering a peaceful secluded location and all the amenities you would need for your holiday"

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Jun 2024

  • "Lovely cottage in a great location, wonderful base for walking with great walks available both from and door and within a short drive."

    Decor and furnishings perhaps a little tired. The shower screen was not really up to the job and the plastic strip along the bottom needed to be removed and given a really good clean. The other l drawback was that the fridge/freezer was in the entrance lobby and not in the kitchen and this was a little tiresome when preparing food.

    Thank you for feedback, due to the layout of the schoolhouse, the only place the put the fridge freezer is in the porch next to the kitchen. Shower screen noted and addressed. We have had the school repainted over the summer. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Barbara4.1Jun 2024

  • "Cottage beautiful Location stunning Garden perfect for our 2 Newfoundlands."

    . Walk opposite in forest perfect Could not fault it

    Reviewed by Graham4.7Jun 2024

  • "Although a few miles from the Town Centre, it was very quiet, which suited us."

    Many walks available from the property. The property met our requirements for the duration of our stay.

    Reviewed by David4.1May 2024

  • "A beautiful place to stay, just like home in respect of the facilities, highly recommend, the garden is beautiful so peaceful and the views are stunning."

    Reviewed by Carol5.0May 2024

  • "Would definitely come again, the house was beautiful, what dreams are made of."

    The local area was lovely, lots of great walks and hikes nearby, did Dragons back hike and explored Elan Valley. Red kite feeding centre very close by. Us and the dog loved it, played lots of board games and visited local pubs, the fire was great and cosy, comfy bed and nice bedding/towels, all the kitchen equipment you need. Garden was great and lots of birds. I would personally get larger sofas and a bigger tele, its nice after a day hiking and the pub to cosy up to a film but the TV was so small and so far away we didn't bother.

    Thank you for your great feedback! the bird song is particularly magical! We have considered a larger sofa but in order to gain access under the stairs, it then protrudes out beyond the stairs sadly. The TV is also a difficult issue because it needs to be far enough from the fire as not to get too hot but a larger one is tricky to fit on the side board. The Welsh stone in the wall makes wall mounting very difficult but we could perhaps look at swapping the bench for a TV table as you are not the first to mention the TV size. The sofas do move closer but I guess you then potentially lose the heat from the fire. lots to consider though. Hope to see you again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Holly4.7Apr 2024

  • "We had an absolutely wonderful time here regardless of the weather."

    St marks school house has a very relaxing cosy atmosphere, it was very peaceful, spotlessly clean and we didn’t want to come home.

    Thank you for your very kind feedback! You are certainly welcome back anytime! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Mar 2024

  • "Lovely place, great location."

    Ideal base and dog walks nearby.

    Reviewed by David4.7Feb 2024

  • "Fantastic cottage in peaceful location great for dogs with large enclosed garden and forest walk across the road."

    Great log burner and very well equipped with everything you need. Elan valley and mountain road to devils bridge a short drive .

    Reviewed by Mark5.0Feb 2024

  • "We had a fantastic weekend here!"

    The location was perfect, in peaceful surroundings but not far from some lovely towns. Great facilities and perfect secure garden for the dogs. We loved the forest over the road for walks and then cosy nights in front of the log burner.

    Reviewed by Laura4.7Jan 2024

  • "The property was beautiful, the artwork was fantastic, the views were stunning and the location was perfect!"

    thank you for such a lovely stay in your beautiful home!

    Thank you for your feedback! we hope to see you again! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Shannon4.4Nov 2023

  • "It was a lovely place to stay, very roomy and a lovely mix of old and modern."

    It's a nice remote area, which is what we were looking for. We had a drive around the Elan Valley the one day and went to Aberystwyth the other full day and had seaside fish and chips on the pier. All in all it was a lovely break

    Reviewed by Geoff4.7Oct 2023

  • "We had an amazing 5 nite stay in this Charming old School House, it was absolutely beautiful"

    Reviewed by Sarah5.0Sep 2023

  • "Quirky property, good secure garden plenty of walks in forests opposite property could do with a bigger TV"

    We now have a 42" rather than the 32" TV in response to your feedback thank you. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Richard3.4Sep 2023

  • "Beautiful building and surroundings, couldnt have asked for a more peaceful setting."

    Reviewed by Laura5.0Aug 2023

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Summary

  • One king-size double bedroom with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove
  • Gas central heating
  • Electric cooker with oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
  • TV and WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot available on request
  • Off-road parking for 2 cars
  • Enclosed garden with lawn, patio, furniture and barbecue
  • Two well-behaved dogs welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 1.5 miles, pub 5.1 miles
  • Note: Due to steps throughout the property, may not be suitable for those less mobile

The property

Rhayader 5.3 miles.

Tucked away in the rural setting of Nant-glas, a short drive southeast of Rhayader, lies this charming, one-bedroom holiday cottage, St. Marks School House.

Boasting off-road parking, an enclosed garden safe for dogs, and exquisite views of the surrounding Welsh countryside, this delightful, rustic property sleeps two and is a perfect choice for couples seeking a romantic, self-catered stay in the heart of mid-Wales.

Step into your new lodgings and be greeted by well-presented, tastefully-decorated interiors, complete with high ceilings and tall windows that serve to both heighten the cottage's warm living spaces, and showcase the stunning vistas that encompass your new dwelling.

Set up shop in the fully-fitted kitchen to prepare hearty, home-cooked meals for your partner; savour your meals alfresco in the well-appointed garden whilst your dogs frolic in the summer months or even on the sofa in the sitting room, an idyllic spot to enjoy a film with your loved one as you stay nice and toasty by the woodburning stove.

As day rolls into night, indulge in a long, hot soak in the bath before retiring to the plush king-size double bed to rest and recuperate ahead of a new, fun-filled day.

If you can tear yourself away from your new peaceful lodgings, take time to explore your local area by popping into nearby Rhayader, where you can stock up on essentials at the Co-op Food, stop for a coffee at The Lost ARC, or settle down for some delicious pub grub at the Lamb and Flag Inn-Bar-Grill if you fancy a break from cooking one night.

Further afield, a short drive will bring you to the Valley View Falconry if you'd like a day handling wild birds; the stunning natural landmark of Caban Coch Dam; the serene scenic point of Pen y Garreg Dam, which enjoys superb views of the surrounding waters and woodland; and the tranquil grounds of the Bailey Einon nature reserve.

Perfect for making memories, bring your nearest and dearest for a romantic escape to St. Marks School House.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £150.

View on map

About the location

RHAYADER

Llandrindod Wells 10 miles; Aberystwyth 34 miles.

Rhayader is a small Welsh market town with a selection of tea rooms, pubs, restaurants, amenities and unique little boutiques, including local antiques. An added bonus of a leisure centre with a large swimming pool and a weekly livestock market. The Red Kite Feeding Station, on the outskirts of the town is a great attraction not to be missed. Rhayader is the first town on the River Wye and is home to the spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. The Elan Valley offers a variety of walks and cycle trails (cycle hire is available in Rhayader), as well as a visitor’s centre with café and children's play area. This area is known as the Wildlife Centre of Wales, with its amazing variety of nature reserves open for visitors to enjoy. There is also pony trekking available in the area. Visit Builth Wells, where the Spring Festival, Royal Welsh Agricultural Show and Winter Fair are all held annually. Alternatively, a scenic drive will take you to the Welsh coast 34 miles away.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas