Swallow Barn was an old threshing barn, now converted to a smart four-bedroomed property with luxurious living and dining facilities for up to 16 people. Its stunning circular light fitting and vaulted ceiling provide ample bright space for expansive parties, supported by excellent kitchen equipment and tableware. The lounge has spectacular uninterrupted views of the Black Mountains, and opens on to a vineyard and south-facing terrace with plenty of high quality seating.
The Granary is a snug old dwelling that oozes character. The door opens onto flagstone floors, ancient oak studding, and heavily beamed bedrooms. The high living space above with its original plasterwork is overarched by huge oak timbers. The whole is imaginatively endowed with natural textures and comfortable furnishings. The stone buttresses on its south-facing terrace hold the sun’s warmth, an ideal spot for admiring the vineyard and mountain beyond.
Goose Cotts is an ancient cruck house converted to a studio flat with a romantic canopied bed on a balconied mezzanine. The mullioned windows, massive blacksmith’s hearth and large glazed frontage make a rich marriage of ancient and modern. Outside is an east-facing breakfast patio, and southerly terrace for afternoon sun. A famous local dowser divined seven streams running beneath – it has a very special feel. Sofa bed for extras (£50).
There is wi-fi throughout the properties, large digital TVs, Mp3 docks, DVD and CD players. The kitchens are well-equipped with matching tableware and glassware. There are quality appliances in each property: a stove, hob, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, microwave, blender, and excellent cooking equipment. All showers cabins are 1200mm, and the double beds are generous king size, with pure cotton bedding and deep down duvets (synthetic available on request). A box of good dry logs for the woodstoves is included in prices with more for sale.
The properties' Grade II listed authenticity has been preserved; inside with original oak timbers and studding, and externally with walls colonised by ferns & flowers, and stone-tiled roofs. The interiors are stylish with light, open spaces blending with planked English oak fittings and country antiques. The properties are generously supplied. The kitchens contain beverages, condiments, kitchen linen and cleaning materials. The bathrooms are stocked with bath sheets, hand towels, loo rolls and toiletries.
Dukes farmstead faces south west to the Cats Back, one of the most popular walks in the Black Mountains. This small range linking England and Wales provides magnificent views and a unique, bloody borderland past recorded in the castles and villages hereabouts. The properties are well-equipped with maps and guides for walking & sightseeing, also contact details for activities, retail and restaurants. Dukes Farm makes an excellent base for tours and cycling, canoeing or horse-riding: the Black & White Village Trail, Cider Route, Holy Valley, and the River Wye.