Head for the Hills

A week in rustic Nantyrychan Farm in the Black Mountains, Wales, for ten

Of Nantyrychan Farm, Jane Nissen writes: 'The house and its remote surroundings are in complete contrast to the formal beauties of Chiswick House, which we’ve known and loved for nearly 60 years. This year in particular, the Chiswick House grounds - still so beautifully maintained during lockdown - have been a superb destination for so many, including us.

We have owned Nantyrychan Farm since 1972. It is situated at 1000 feet and accessed from the small town of Crickhowell on the A40, near Abergavenny in Powys. It lies five miles along a no-through road, and then up a forest track. Rustic by design, the charm of the house lies in its location (very private) and its wonderful walks straight out of the farmyard and onto the Black Mountains and beyond, should you be intrepid enough.

The house sleeps ten in six bedrooms, with two bathrooms (with baths, not showers), one small and one large sitting room, the former with a fireplace, the latter with a wood burner. The kitchen is equipped with an oil-fired Rayburn, two gas hobs, a wall-mounted grill and a dishwasher. An adjacent larder houses a second fridge and a freezer. The kitchen table seats eight comfortably and ten at a little bit of a squeeze.

The house is not central heated but there are electric heaters in all the bedrooms. There is satellite wi-fi, a TV and DVD player, but no TV reception. Mobile phone signal is sketchy, but there is a landline. We never rent it out, so it is full of personal family belongings (including a bookshelf full of books about the local area, walks etc.).

If you are after a luxury break, this is not the house for you. But if you love walking, enjoy the opportunity for kids to run free, or if you would like to spend a week in and around Crickhowell, which was overall winner of the Great British High Street Awards in 2018 - and the many opportunities it offers for outdoor pursuits such as pony trekking, gliding, paragliding, canoeing, wild swimming, rock climbing and fly-fishing on the River Usk, then this is a wonderful opportunity.'

We are eternally grateful to everyone who has kept the grounds open during lockdown and wish the auction every success.

Donated by Jane and George Nissen.

Terms & Conditions:
To be taken by the highest bidder before the end of 2021
Dates to be agreed with the Nissens; not available for Easter 2021, and during some days over the Hay Festival (May 27-6 June 2021).
Not transferable