Penrhiwarwydd Barn

Why you'll love staying here

Penrhiwarwydd Barn is a traditional stone barn conversion on a working farm in the rural village of Cwmfelinfach in Caerphilly County. Thoughtfully restored, it retains much of its rustic charm while providing comfortable accommodation for a family or group of friends seeking a peaceful countryside break.

The spacious kitchen has wooden shaker-style cabinetry and a range of modern appliances, where the designated chef will enjoy preparing home-cooked meals while admiring the views over the surrounding farmland. A small breakfast bar offers a spot for casual dining or for enjoying a complimentary glass of prosecco thoughtfully left by the owners as the cooking gets underway.

Next door, the beautiful open-plan living space has a fantastic beamed ceiling, a nod to the barn’s history. Decorated in neutral tones, it allows the natural beauty of the wood, also found in the floors, window trims, and doors, to shine through. The sitting area offers plenty of plush sofas, providing a welcoming space for everyone to gather after dinner to watch a film or enjoy a competitive board game.

Completing the ground floor is the family bathroom, which has a stunning roll-top bath for a relaxing soak, as well as a sleek shower so you can start each day feeling refreshed.

Upstairs are three comfortable bedrooms with sloping ceilings, beams, and exposed stone walls, complemented by crisp white bedding. The master bedroom includes a waterbed designed to promote relaxation and deeper sleep.

Outside, a large lawned area and private patio await, furnished with dining furniture and a charming barbecue hut, perfect for leisurely al fresco lunches while enjoying views over the pastures, with donkeys often wandering over from the adjacent field hoping for carrots or apples. The farm is also home to a variety of other animals, including alpacas, horses, cattle, farm dogs, and, in spring, newborn lambs which you are more than welcome to meet.

The town of Caerphilly is just a short drive away and offers a great choice of pubs, eateries, and independent shops. Its skyline is dominated by Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales, surrounded by a vast moat that attracts a variety of birds. Visitors can wander the grounds and climb the battlements for panoramic views, while inside, the Great Hall features lavish interiors and a musician’s gallery. The castle also has its own leaning tower, tilting at around 10 degrees, which is more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, making it a favourite with photographers.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy visiting nearby Cwmcarn Forest, a mountain-biking paradise with marked trails, a bike repair shop, and a lift service. There are also plenty of walking trails with opportunities to spot wildlife. Mammals to look out for include red and roe deer, foxes, badgers, otters, and pine martens, while birds of prey such as red kites and peregrine falcons can often be seen soaring overhead. A fascinating sculpture trail winds through the forest, depicting characters from the myths and legends of the surrounding mountains.

Penrhiwarwydd Barn is around half an hour from the Brecon Beacons National Park, a must-visit destination. The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is a wonderful family attraction with three extraordinary caves to explore, as well as a dinosaur park, museum, Iron Age village, farm, shire horse centre, and covered children’s playground. The park is also famous for its waterfalls, with a number of waymarked trails that take you behind the rushing cascades.

For a day at the seaside, head to the Gower Peninsula. Rhossili frequently appears on lists of the world’s best beaches, and with its three miles of golden sand, dunes, towering cliffs, and the iconic Worm’s Head headland, it’s easy to see why. In summer, you can watch paragliders ridge-soaring on Rhossili Downs while enjoying a picnic in the sea air. Alternatively, spend the day building sandcastles or hunting through rock pools at Caswell Bay. This family-friendly beach holds a Blue Flag award and has an excellent reputation for surfing, with a surf school on the beach if you fancy giving it a go.