The Birches

4.4★

8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets No
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Features

Electric car charging
Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Games Room
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

34 Customer Review(s)

Dawn
August 2024

“Beautiful house let down by condition.”

I don't like complaining but for the amount paid I expected more. It was cold and smelled of damp, the underfloor heating never got warm. There was black mould on the walls in the dining room. The sofas were stained and the place needed a deep clean. I guess the previous holidaymakers had a baby as there was food on the high chair. The knives were damaged, plates and pans had been put away dirty. There was no visitors book or the usual load of manuals (unless we didn't find them) and no welcome ...

I don't like complaining but for the amount paid I expected more. It was cold and smelled of damp, the underfloor heating never got warm. There was black mould on the walls in the dining room. The sofas were stained and the place needed a deep clean. I guess the previous holidaymakers had a baby as there was food on the high chair. The knives were damaged, plates and pans had been put away dirty. There was no visitors book or the usual load of manuals (unless we didn't find them) and no welcome pack. It was a great location but the house needed some care and attention. I complained to Sykes but got no response.

- Dawn, August 2024
Matilda August 2024

“We had a wonderful stay at The Birches.”

Plenty of room for six adults and a toddler, very comfortable and clean with a great range of facilities. The setting was lovely and it was a treat to be somewhere so quiet. The close proximity to Hay-on-Wye allowed us to explore the village and pick up any amenities for the week.

- Matilda, August 2024
Tomas August 2024

“Second stay- love the property, beautiful setting.”

Zero communication from owners despite e-mailing and calling about our arrival.

- Tomas, August 2024
Sally May 2024

“The Birches is a delightful farmhouse in a beautiful spot.”

It’s a peaceful ‘home’ to come back to after a day out. The house was very clean, and there were appreciated basics such as soap, washing up liquid, and so on. Kitchen equipment was sufficient, although the knives have seen better days. The furniture was in keeping with the house, but could do with some tlc. Parking was super easy. The route to the house is along a single track lane which wasn’t an issue to us but may be for some. It’s a shame it is a no dog house as we have dogs and usually they come with us on holiday. This time we were attending the Hay Festival so it suited us fine to not have them for once. Overall I would recommend The Birches.

- Sally, May 2024
Marjolein April 2024

“What a fantastic place!”

we saw deer as well as a fox and squirrels. a beautiful spacious house. the only thing is that it really needs a thorough cleaning. nice landlord. What is not stated on the site is that at the back of the holiday home, up the hill, there are 2 other holiday homes. So your are not completly alone if its rented.

- Marjolein, April 2024
Paul March 2024

“Great stay very isolated, perfect for being almost snowed in!”

Lovely house - spacious amd comfortable. Could do with more toilet paper, as not quite enough to cover the stay, and It's quite way to the shops to stock up. Also the security light is a heavy strobe light that took away from the atmosphere and star gazing. It would be great if it could be turned off by guests.

- Paul, March 2024
Jacqueline December 2023

“We spent a lovely Christmas here.”

Extended family from 2-66 years were all catered for comfortably with plenty of space for all. Inside the cottage, we loved the really comfortable lounge with plenty of seating and lovely dining room (with extra heater if needed). The kitchen was generally well equipped and good for Christmas cooking. Bedrooms all comfortable and cosy. For what we paid, everything was fine. Outside is a great table tennis table in an old barn ( with a fun slope to add to the game). The cottage is beautifully placed for access to Hay on Wye and nice walks. Only bits of minor feedback are that we needed a knife sharpener that worked and some kindling for the fire. If you’re over 6ft you’ll also need to duck in the kitchen ! Would love to return at some point.

- Jacqueline, December 2023
Grant December 2023

“Thanks for a great stay, really enjoyed it.”

Everything we needed was available.

- Grant, December 2023
Gillian November 2023

“Winter stay in the property.”

An enjoyable stay. Spacious farm house with good walks from the door. Well equipped house and kitchen and cold storage for good. The main lounge, hall and snug were deliciously warm (after a chilly start) but much of the house was on the cool side. The single Ikea beds were comfortable but the double beds were not and were lumpy and unusable for two of us. Nice quality linen and duvets which were appreciated. The owner quickly responded when we contacted him while staying at the property.

- Gillian, November 2023
Richard November 2023

“The cottage is remote, but that is clearly explained.”

Some of the roads were difficult in the rain. It could have been cleaner. We found quite a few pots and pans were dirty and the rolling pin was covered in blue mould. It was toasty and warm downstairs but none of the radiators in the bedrooms appeared to be working, so upstairs was cold. We pulled the duvets off the double beds to have another layer on the twin beds.. As others have mentioned, the double beds are very uncomfortable. We slept in the twin beds after the first night, as even sleeping on a duvet, the beds were still too uncomfortable to get a good night’s rest. There is a pay phone in the property, so take some change (it doesn’t take the new £1 coins though). There is also a lack of information for appliances, central heating, when to put the rubbish out etc which would have been helpful. Overall we had a quiet stay.

- Richard, November 2023
Kerry September 2023

“Lovely cottage in beautiful area.”

Very comfortable and well equipped, with comfortable beds and spacious living room. It's a little remote but we knew that when booking. Hay on Wye is a 15 minute drive away with lovely eateries and shops. We were well placed for our next stage of Offas Dyke. There is no mobile phone signal but decent wifi so we used WhatsApp for communication. Lack of light pollution makes for some great stargazing at night.

- Kerry, September 2023
Ann July 2023

“We enjoyed staying at the Birches.”

The house was spacious and interesting and it's remote position suited us for a quiet stay, for the views and for walking. Of the three pubs we used, the Bridge Inn at Michaelchurch Escley was our favourite. Booking ahead in the area is needed as is extra travel time to complete journeys safely on the (mainly) single track roads.

- Ann, July 2023
Barbara June 2023

“Lovely house, has everything you need.”

It is well off the beaten track so expect narrow lanes on your journey, but worth it. Comfortable bedrooms, well stocked kitchen, lounge is very welcoming and cosy. Definitely recommended, thank you

- Barbara, June 2023
Debbie July 2022

“A lovely comfortable house, perfect for a week of relaxation.”

In the middle of nowhere the peace and quiet was fantastic, only the odd sheep, cow or bird noises. 3.5 mikes to the lovely town of Hay On Wye. The house was an ample size for 8 of us, with lots of different rooms to give us all space. The kitchen was well equipped with everything you would need. I would highly recommend this property.

- Debbie, July 2022
Sally March 2022

“Absolutely stunning location, beautiful building with period features throughout.”

Plenty of space for a large family, we loved the flagstone floors, cider press in the dining room, lovely hot bath for the end of a long day, and comfy beds, oh, and the log burner really brings a warmth of it's own, definitely recommend this place, and the owner was very helpful. One suggestion - make sure you email for the keycode before arrival as this isn't provided in the Sykes information.

- Sally, March 2022
Mark March 2022

“It was a really lovely cosy cottage feeling in a rural location, great for walking (although beware of the hilly nature of the location) .”

the lounge is a really nice place to chill out if the rain sets in. All facilities were of a good standard and necessary cooking equipment was provided. All in all a lovely stay and would definitely return. Great facility in the car charging point and will be more necessary in the future for all properties. A couple of points, the double bed in the larger bedroom was very lumpy and uncomfortable due I think to the age, my wife did not sleep well due to this. The other bedrooms seem to have more comfortable mattresses. Also beware of the some low door heights. The games room does not fit the expectation, because the floor is on a slope so it’s difficult to play table tennis and that’s about the only game in there, it’s not part of the house but in the shed and is not very inviting.

- Mark, March 2022
Ryan October 2021

“Beautiful, quiet and well equipped property close to Hay on Wye with great walks from the doorstep.”

- Ryan, October 2021
Stewart September 2021

“The accommodation is a renovated old farmhouse, this makes it quirky and atmospheric.”

The down side is low doors and steps into many rooms. It's a short drive into town which can be an adventure at times so planning for all your needs . The large dinning room and lounge allows for meals and socialising together which ensures a great holiday.

- Stewart, September 2021
Rosita June 2021

“The peaceful location was just what we all needed.”

We spent many happy hours in the garden enjoying the surroundings and fresh air. A perfect holiday in these unsettled times.

- Rosita, June 2021
Jacqui October 2020

“Great and spacious house.”

Fantastic location. Really really enjoyed our stay.

- Jacqui, October 2020
Kenneth September 2020

“A weird smell in 3of the bedrooms, but lovely surroundings outside.”

Some lovely wildlife.

- Kenneth, September 2020

Thank you for your feedback. We did check for the smell you referred to but did not notice anything after your stay so sorry we are unable to comment further on that. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay otherwise though in this beautiful location. Property Owner
Ferdinand July 2020

“For this holiday we used my wifes car and left my electric vehicle at home because of the uncertainty of being able to load it.”

To my surprise the property had a charging station for an electrical vehicle. It might be an idea to specifically mention this if a property has this facility especially now that more and more people will use an EV.

- Ferdinand, July 2020
Graham March 2019

“Very peaceful and comfortable accommodation access can be a bit tricky on single track road but this is clearly stated in the discription and not too much of a problem the views are worth it.”

- Graham, March 2019
Violeta February 2019

“Lovely quaint cottage, had everything you could ask, easy outpost to go or and explore Wales and Herefordshire, very child friendly and good value for money.”

- Violeta, February 2019
Andrew February 2019

“Superb location , a really special place !”

Will definitely be booking to stay here again

- Andrew, February 2019
Mark October 2018

“Comfortable,warm house Good to play hide and seek inside and out.”

Big yard for younger children to cycle around safely. Wonderful views from house. Would highly recommend.

- Mark, October 2018
Dick October 2018

“Yes. The Wifi in the house is very poor.”

We read that there is only 1GB a month. There is a possibility to bye extra for 1 pound per GB. But when you rent the cottage at the end of the month no wifi is left. I think Sykes has to mention that in the adds.

- Dick, October 2018
Bruce March 2018

“A very comfortable farmhouse in a quiet area with stunning countrywide walks all around, yet with the market town of Hay on Wye nearby and Hereford only 20 miles or so away.”

Thoroughly enjoyable.

- Bruce, March 2018
Rebecca March 2018

“Absolutely gorgeous cottage in a very pretty area.”

We were provided with everything we needed including bread, milk and butter in the kitchen and an array of snacks in the living room. We had a wonderful time and would definitely come back again.

- Rebecca, March 2018
Mike February 2018

“This is my second time within weeks at The Birches where I recorded two acoustic music CD albums and on this trip I was inspired to write and record on the same day in the cottage with great results.”

I started to write a song called "SNOW" and while writing and recording it, the snow actually started to fall and lay outside. That was an amazing experience and very beautiful to see and for me to hear the results. I can't wait to re-book later this year after another song writing trip to Australia. I really hope that this will be a regular thing. The Birches is more than amazing, so quiet and so very inspirational.

- Mike, February 2018
Suvattana December 2017

“It may save owner additional expenses if he goes for unlimited internet allowance.”

Many people, nowadays, use internet a lot and the monthly limit can be easily exceeded.

- Suvattana, December 2017
Miss Matthews September 2016

“Very good cottage, in a lovely location.”

- Miss Matthews, September 2016
Keith February 2016

“An opportunity to stay in a traditional farm house in a remote and tranquil setting for 8 adults to chill out.”

The wood burner made all the difference during 3 cold February days.

- Keith, February 2016
Louise February 2016

“A lovely property, in a great location.”

We spent our time exploring the local area and then coming back to a homely property to relax in in front of the fire.

- Louise, February 2016

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Summary

Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x double, 2 x twin
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
Ground floor shower room with shower, basin and WC
Kitchen with breakfast bar
Utility
Dining room
Sitting room with woodburner.
Oil central heating with underfloor heating in hall, study and sitting room, plus woodburner
Electric oven, separate grill and hob, fridge, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, iPod dock, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs
Fuel, power and fuel for woodburner inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Travel cot and highchair
Ample off road parking
Lockable bike storage
Enclosed front lawned garden with furniture, BBQ and sandpit
Sorry, no pets and no smoking
Shops and pubs 3.5 miles
Note: Access to this property is via a narrow lane with regular passing points
External Games Room with Table Tennis Table
This property offers an electric car charging point

The property

Hay-on-Wye 3.5 miles.

A traditional detached farmhouse, on the edge of the Black Mountains, surrounded by miles and miles of unspoilt countryside.

Located close to the border with Wales and three and a half miles from pretty Hay-on-Wye, this thoughtfully furnished cottage provides spacious accommodation, making it the perfect base for a family get-together or for those who simply enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.

This Hay-on-Wye cottage has four lovely bedrooms with charming views, a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, perfect for grabbing a quick bite before a busy day and next door to the kitchen, a dining room where everyone can gather over dinner to discuss the day’s activities.

The sitting room in this Hay-on-Wye cottage combines contemporary furnishings with character features, including exposed beams and open stone walls and flagged flooring made cosy by luxurious underfloor heating.

There is also an original alcove, which now houses a warming woodburner, perfect for chilly nights, whilst in the study area, guests will find plenty of information to help their stay run smoothly and inspire holiday adventures.

Outside this Hay-on-Wye cottage is an enclosed lawned garden, complete with furniture, a barbecue for alfresco feasts and a sandpit to keep the little ones happy!

The cottage is on a non-working farm with occasional livestock handling on the yard.

The ancient market town of Hay-on-Wye, known fondly as The Town of Books, is just a short drive away and has a unique selection of tea rooms, shops, pubs and restaurants to suite all tastes and of course, plenty of quaint little bookshops, all set in beautiful surroundings.

The area offers numerous walks and cycle routes, all within easy reach, including the Offa's Dyke Path running close by, as well as many outdoor activities.

A delightful Hay-on-Wye cottage for a memorable holiday discovering Shropshire’s scenic beauty.

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About the location

HAY-ON-WYE

Hereford 20 miles.

Hay-on-Wye, renowned for its world-famous Hay Festival of Literature, lies on the Welsh/English border, and is a popular destination for book-lovers or holidaymakers wishing to enjoy the leisure activities and beautiful scenery of the Wye Valley. This ancient market town lies on the River Wye in the Brecon Beacons National Park, and is renowned for its many book shops, antique shops, restaurants and cafes. Hay-on-Wye is surrounded by spectacular countryside, which provides excellent walking, cycling, bird watching, fishing and canoeing, together with a variety of tourist attractions, including the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, The Three Castles Walk, Eastnor Castle, the Offa's Dyke Path, the Mortimer Trail and the lovely walk to Hergest Ridge, the inspiration for the music of both Elgar and Mike Oldfield. The epitome of picturesque England, the ancient city of Hereford lies 20 miles away, with its magnificent cathedral with famous chained library and Mappa Mundi, and medieval bridge over the winding River Wye. A supremely appealing all year round holiday destination.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Beautiful house let down by condition.”

“We had a wonderful stay at The Birches.”

“Second stay- love the property, beautiful setting.”

“The Birches is a delightful farmhouse in a beautiful spot.”

“What a fantastic place!”

“Great stay very isolated, perfect for being almost snowed in!”

“We spent a lovely Christmas here.”

“Thanks for a great stay, really enjoyed it.”

“Winter stay in the property.”

“The cottage is remote, but that is clearly explained.”

“Lovely cottage in beautiful area.”

“We enjoyed staying at the Birches.”

“Lovely house, has everything you need.”

“A lovely comfortable house, perfect for a week of relaxation.”

“Absolutely stunning location, beautiful building with period features throughout.”

“It was a really lovely cosy cottage feeling in a rural location, great for walking (although beware of the hilly nature of the location) .”

“Beautiful, quiet and well equipped property close to Hay on Wye with great walks from the doorstep.”

“The accommodation is a renovated old farmhouse, this makes it quirky and atmospheric.”

“The peaceful location was just what we all needed.”

“Great and spacious house.”

“A weird smell in 3of the bedrooms, but lovely surroundings outside.”

“For this holiday we used my wifes car and left my electric vehicle at home because of the uncertainty of being able to load it.”

“Very peaceful and comfortable accommodation access can be a bit tricky on single track road but this is clearly stated in the discription and not too much of a problem the views are worth it.”

“Lovely quaint cottage, had everything you could ask, easy outpost to go or and explore Wales and Herefordshire, very child friendly and good value for money.”

“Superb location , a really special place !”

“Comfortable,warm house Good to play hide and seek inside and out.”

“Yes. The Wifi in the house is very poor.”

“A very comfortable farmhouse in a quiet area with stunning countrywide walks all around, yet with the market town of Hay on Wye nearby and Hereford only 20 miles or so away.”

“Absolutely gorgeous cottage in a very pretty area.”

“This is my second time within weeks at The Birches where I recorded two acoustic music CD albums and on this trip I was inspired to write and record on the same day in the cottage with great results.”

“It may save owner additional expenses if he goes for unlimited internet allowance.”

“Very good cottage, in a lovely location.”

“An opportunity to stay in a traditional farm house in a remote and tranquil setting for 8 adults to chill out.”

“A lovely property, in a great location.”

Summary

The property

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About the location

HAY-ON-WYE