We hope that staying at Fron Cottage, in its secluded location by a stream and surrounded by farmland, will give you a holiday to remember.
We could tell you loads about the house, it’s character, the views, the wonderful dark skies, the long list of birds you might see and the walks you can do from the door in the Cambrian Mountains but we won’t – we’d like you to take a look for yourself….
Set in a rural location within a mile of the market town of Rhayader, Fron Cottage, was formerly two mill workers dwellings next to a carding mill. Now it has been sensitively refurbished so you can relax in a house that is comfortable and modern but with many original features from its past life.
If spending too much time relaxing isn’t your thing, then you can head out on your bike or put on your walking boots and spend every day outdoors in some of the most amazing countryside Wales has to offer.
Fron Cottage is close to the Elan Valley and within a mile of the market town of Rhayader, the cottage is approached down a short track which is just off the Aberystwyth Mountain Road noted for its beautiful scenery. Every window looks out onto a rural scene, especially in the Sun Room which has spectacular evening views of the sun setting behind the hills of the Cambrian Mountains. When the skies are clear you will get a spectacular show from the stars as it is truly dark here.
On the first floor you will find 3 Bedrooms:
1 king size zip-and-link (which can be made into twin beds on request) with en-suite shower and WC,
1 double with en-suite shower and WC
1 king size zip-and-link (which can be made into twin beds on request) with an en-suite but no shower. This bedroom is accessed by separate stairs, and easy access to the Wet Room.
On the ground floor there is plenty of room for everyone to find their own space to relax:
In the Sitting Room you can ‘cwtch’ by the wood burner on a chilly night or sit and watch TV.
There is also, tucked away, a spacious Wet Room with basin and toilet. Next to it, you have internal access to the biomass boiler room – ideal for drying coats if the weather hasn’t been on your side.
The Dining Room, originally the main room in the house before renovation, is lovely space to enjoy a meal. It is the room that had the updating and has much of the original panel work intact together with the range that was used for both heating and cooking. How times have changed!
The Kitchen is well equipped with an electric oven and induction hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
and lastly, a room which we think you’ll really enjoy being in., the Sun Room is really light, airy and opens out on the enclosed patio. It is, apparently, where most guests say they spend they time. It’s a birdwatchers paradise because there is so much to see from the large windows
Step outside and you will find an enclosed area with patio furniture and BBQ and a garden which goes down to a stream. Tucked in behind the Sun Room there also is a secluded area with table and chairs which catches the morning sun, ideal for an early cuppa.
The cottage has ample private parking for 2 or 3 cars with plenty of turning space.
Bed linen, towels, and tea towels are provided as well as the essentials in the kitchen plus a few treats for you to enjoy on arrival.
Electric, underfloor heating and WiFi are also included, together with a basket of logs and kindling for the wood burner.
We welcome 1 well-behaved dog, as the area offers excellent walking opportunities with or without a canine friend. We can be persuaded to take an additional dog if you can guarantee that they will get on with each other. We add a small additional charge for each dog. There is open access to the stream from the garden, something you may want to consider if coming with young children.
Rhayader has a good range of independent shops with a butcher, greengrocer, and deli where you can get fresh bread. There are several pubs and places to eat and all are within walking distance. If you don’t fancy walking home then the local taxi will help you get back home!
We prefer to changeover on Friday and take bookings for short breaks, especially way from the peak holiday periods. Prices range from £550 – £1650 with short breaks ranging from 90% for 4 nights and 80% for 3 nights.
Our cottage bookings are managed by holidaycottages.co.uk where is is known as March Melin. If you prefer, you can contact us directly about booking the cottage, our number is +44 (0) 7870 53719 or email doliago@hotmail.co.uk
Loved the house + the dog adored the stream. The Elan Valley is beautiful and great for walks! We made some great memories bird watching and relaxing (saw the kingfisher!) Hope to come back again. Thank you! 😊 August 2021
Thank you for absolutely fantastic stay. We have loved walking in the area. The cottage is the best equipped we have stayed in and the wildlife has been fascinating. We will definitely be back
June 2021
We loved our stay at Fron Cottage over Easter week. We had a mixed bag of weather (rain and snow) but ended on the most beautiful spring day. The cottage has been an idyllic spot and we loved staying here, the sun room, log fire, stream – perfect .
April 2018
Another amazing week, in a great cottage. Our third time here!! We’ll be back again!! ….
Abbie and Andy | March 2018
The photos don’t compare to how stunning this place is! Absolutely beautiful cottage. Woody loved the walks. The scenery is amazing …
Kerri, Stuart and Woody the Border Terrier | February 2018
The cottage more than met our expectations. The stream has been the main attraction for the children. Spent all their time down there. Lovely break
The Dear’s and Hendy’s | August 2017
The setting, scenery and wildlife make this place so attractive….
The Brewsters, and Oscar the Dalmatian | March 2017
A magical location for a beautiful cottage…. What a great place to kick back from the daily hustle and bustle of life…
The Browns and Ella the dog | February 2017
It was an amazing relaxing holiday! Thank you
Ola, Mirka, Sebastian, Bozena and Tomek | February 2017
Great cottage and fab location. We’ve had a lovely time and would definitely come again! Thanks
Laura, Dawn, Ash & Dylan the dog | January 2017
What can we say – Perfect!
Jennie and Pam Whyte | November 2016
We all had a superb time at this wonderful cottage. The location is amazing and our needs were fully catered for. We’ll definitely be back in the future. Thank you.
Geoff, Gwen, Andy, Abbie, Dave, Amy and Jess | September 2016
Rhayader, the first town on the River Wye, is known for its warm welcome. The town used to have the most pubic houses in Wales – that’s not the case now but there is still a fair selection of pubs and cafes when you want something to eat.
It’s well worth parking the car and spending time in the town wandering around. Visit the Tourist Information Centre andRhayader’s Museum and Gallery which gives you a fascinating insight in the town past and present, or browse in the antique and craft shops. We are lucky to have an excellent butcher in the town selling locally produced Welsh beef and lamb, and you will find most things from the essentials to gifts in the range of independent small shops.
There are plenty of circular walks from the both the cottage and the town.
The Elan Valley is a must. Supplying the city of Birmingham with water the reservoirs and dams are spectacular throughout the year.
The Gilfach is worth a visit if you’re a lover of wildlife and the natural world
The Hafod Estate and Devils Bridge are not far and would make an interesting day out. You can see why Turner painted here on his travels through Wales.
Fron Cottage is owned and managed by Liz, James, John and Tom as part of a wider family partnership. When we bought the property in 2014, you could hardly see the cottage as the garden was totally overgrown. it was a place well known to us all as we used to cross the footbridge when checking the sheep during lambing.
James and our sons farm with James’ brother Owain at two locations;Doliago which also has a small campsite; and the Parc which is just across from the cottage. The two places are upland family run farms where we take great pride in producing high quality beef cattle and Welsh Mountain Lamb that are largely grass fed. In the summer, our sheep graze on the open hills of the Cambrian Mountains and during the rest of the year they spend their time in the fields around the cottage.
The family connection to the area and the Cambrian Mountains goes back many generations.