Finest Retreats | Great Cantal Granary

Nestled away within the sweeping hills is this homely and historic 1 bedroom cottage, a perfect destination for a couples relaxing break, whilst being perfectly located for any variety of reasons, your visit to the Great Cantal Granary should be met with comfort in this serene little valley. Just 30 mins away from the highly regarded annual Hay Festival, Great Cantal Granary is an ideal spot to feel at home. Upon entering the reception area with unique pieces of furniture, setting the tone for the history throughout. The w/c and shower room sits off the reception area, as does the open plan living room, kitchen and dining area which looks out to the rear of the property, whilst just up the stairs the bedroom the exposed brick and wooden beams add to the character of the Great Cantal Granary.

Converted to detached holiday accommodation, the Granary was built in early Victorian times as the grain store for the adjoining Great Cantal Mill, which itself dates back to the 17th century. The mill, which last operated in the late 1940s, had a wooden overshot mill wheel on its east wall, powered by water from the River Aran. The mill served as the ’court mill’ for the parish: local farmers brought their grain to Great Cantal, where it was stored in the Granary until it was milled.

Most of the mill machinery had been removed by the 1980s but one of the bedstones, made of French burr stone, dating from about 1830 and weighing over a ton was carefully removed and is now on display at Talgarth Mill, which is about 30 miles away, between Hay on Wye and Brecon.

A network of tracks crosses the farm, giving easy access to Maelienydd and Little Hill Commons. Overlooking the farm to the north is Beacon Hill Common, a moorland across which runs Glyndwr’s Way, a long distance footpath running from Knighton to Machynlleth. All three commons are access land on which there is the right to roam.

A little north of Builth Wells, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Area of Conservation, where a variety of wildlife can be found. Twitters will be interested in Maelienydd, a breeding ground for redshank and curlew and Beacon Hill still hosts the rare ring ouzel, as well as red grouse. One of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, Tylcau Hill, lies about 2 miles from the Granary and is open to visitors all year round. The spa town of Llandrindod Wells is 15 miles. Shop 8 miles, pub and restaurant 4½ miles.

Booking Conditions:
- Pet Friendly, max 2.
- Guests are to take note that whilst there is no access restrictions, some vehicles may not wish to cross the river, in which guests will have to walk across a little bridge instead. Parking on site for one car only, no vans. Parking for an additional car might be possible on request.
- There is a sofa bed in the bedroom should a 3rd guest wish to stay, please select the extra bed upon booking so linens can be provided.
- Energy rates are inclusive to your stay, however excessive use above average may be charged for at cost - Please contact Finest Retreats for more information prior to booking if required.