There's an 18th century farmhouse located in a peaceful valley that has been transformed and uplifted into the category of outstanding dream home and perfect rural retreat - both inside and out. From humble farmhouse beginnings, the abode has been extended, restored and renovated into a gorgeous home that could live happily within the pages of any high-end, international, glossy property and interiors magazine.
The successful and stunning combination of old and new creates a unique home nestled within the foothills of a national park, with location and building offering a new owner the best of all worlds for a perfect countryside home. With far-reaching views across the mountain tops of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du, the setting and location of this farmhouse is an idyllic 3.8 acre slice of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park that cocoons the 18th century abode in the wonders of nature.
The home even has the quintessential mountain stream running through its land, that actually trickles past the property creating one of nature's best soundtracks as a permanent and welcome addition to living at this special abode. Dig a little deeper on the background of the land and something amazing comes to light. According to the estate agent around 2,000 saplings were newly planted as part of the property's renovation in collaboration with The Woodland Trust.
This peaceful pocket of rural paradise is located at the end of a dead-end lane and immediately there's a special air about the site that transcends more than just the tranquil setting and mesmerising views. With the gardens full of wildflowers, woodland and fields encompassing the house, the panoramic and iconic vistas of the Brecon Beacon create a special ambience.
But try to focus on the property too, because the views here are truly absorbing. It first appears that the site can offer two, white-washed, period properties and this is correct. Next to the charming farmhouse there is a barn that has the potential for a new owner to add value by converting it, plus there's also a semi-derelict barn you might not have noticed as it has no roof.
In its entirety, the site comprises a series of former agricultural buildings and the farmhouse set around a large courtyard with extensive private gardens. And in the centre is the main farmhouse that has already been given the high level, bespoke architect treatment by the acclaimed practice Jones Architects Studio. The result is a house that marries old with new that is remarkable.
White-washed walls contrast with a dramatic, black extension. Tactile rough stone sits next to smooth wood cladding. Old slate looks out over new, metal sheeting. Natural materials opposite manmade materials. And that's just the outside of the house.
There are also subtle elements that drive an even deeper connection between the two sections of the house, like cladding a section of the kitchen exterior wall in the old house with metal sheets to visually connect it to the extension. It would probably have been a less impressive project had the new extension try to mimic and replicate the old farmhouse, weathered by centuries of Welsh weather and embedded in history, so a degree of contrast between old and new is what makes this home from two different centuries so successful.
The original building still oozes its vintage character, having been sympathetically renovated to ensure all its period features are on show. Each room has been carefully curated to enhance the beams, floors, walls and fireplaces - uncluttered by masses of fussy furniture or bold colours, instead framed by natural and muted tones, and classic design pieces that add visual value to the spaces.
This tasteful, elegantly understated interior design with touches of Scandi as well as classic, statement design pieces is one of the successful ways that the two sections of this house flow naturally together.
The new living room extension might be new and crowned by a metal sheet roof, but the use of natural materials such as wood and glass and the continuation of the muted colour palette and tasteful furniture brings visual continuity through the space, from old to new. Any visitor, before exploring inside, first goes through the historic, solid oak front door of the farmhouse and into the entrance hall, which is a delightful sitting room.
Ceiling beams are painted in a contemporary charcoal grey, echoing the flagstone floor. There are creamy lime plaster walls and a log burner in the fireplace that the comfortable, classic and effortlessly tasteful furniture nestles around.
The door to the kitchen is a spot to linger for a moment and applaud the design of the home. It's not an accident that from this spot you have an uninterrupted view of a central corridor bathed in light and, with the help of continuous flooring, guides your eyes to the end and an intriguing staircase that you desperately want to go to.
But there's the kitchen and a bathroom to admire first. Entering the kitchen on the left you are immediately hit by the garden view framed by a well-placed picture window at the end of the space. Again, your eye is guided to this sweet spot of design by the length of the island unit, not that you need any assistance in finding that window and enjoying the connection to the outdoors.
The bespoke kitchen is dark and dramatic, matt and moody, with the handless units and integrated appliances giving a seamless, smooth and unfussy finish that contrasts brilliantly with the rough white walls opposite - the existence of one visually brings out more drama in the other.
The bathroom on the opposite side of the central hallway is a masterpiece in contemporary, sleek design. The walk-in shower has no tray and the glass shower wall has no visible support meaning no hard edges or unwanted interruptions to the effortless visual flow or use of the space.
Then down the corridor to the new addition to the house, the south-facing lounge diner, found at the end of the adjoining glass-link walkway that also provides access to the courtyards and gardens on either side.
This double-height, pitched ceiling new space cantilevers over the mountain stream to provide an overhanging balcony perfect for relaxing and alfresco dining - the whole new extension is arguably the most impressive space in the house.
Again there are contrasts - this is a very spacious room compared to the more intimate atmosphere of the spaces within the period home, but connections are made via materials used and flowing interior design. Another consistent connection between the two spaces is the location and views; it floods into every room in the whole house, no matter where you are.
But this living dining space is new, a blank canvas to be designed to drink in as much of the delicious views as possible. This is achieved through the wall of glass doors out to the balcony, and a surprise corner window that adds extra character as well as light and views to the room.
Back into the period farmhouse and there are three bedrooms to explore arranged over two floors. Each bedroom has character, from its own unique view of the landscape to ceiling beams, and one which has a door out to the garden too.
But its the main bedroom at the top of the house that is the top place to relax and sleep, where thick oak beams crosshatch the pitched ceiling and a quiet retreat with far-reaching views from the timber-framed sash windows await.
But there might be some work to do for the new owner before there's time to relax at the top of the house or on that balcony over the stream, as there is the potential to add value to the site by renovating the two barns. Luckily some of the work has been done for you, with plans already drawn up by the owner of the property who is an architect.
According to the agent selling the property, planning permission was granted in 2021 for holiday rental, ancillary to the main farmhouse, with over 4,633 square feet of guest accommodation ready to convert and a sizeable, predicted annual income.
So it might be some time before long, daily walks through the wonder of the Brecon Beacons occurs. But during the renovation process, if you choose to undertake it, treat yourself to a wander out into the countryside and feel blessed you live at such a stunning house in such a landmark location.
The farmhouse, barns and land are for sale for £995,000 with estate agent The Modern House, London, call them on 020 3795 5920 to find out more. And if you never want to miss the best dream homes in Wales, renovation stories and interiors, join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter, sent out to your inbox twice a week.
