OUT AND ABOUT

Stay at THIS BLACK MOUNTAINS HOTEL to ENJOY ITS Beautiful Setting AND COSY INTERIORS

Nip to the Black Mountains for a splendour-filled stay at Llangoed Hall

Huddled deep within the Welsh countryside, Llangoed Hall is a handsome former residence turned stylishly old-school hotel. alongside an enviable art collection and award-winning fine dining, the property also lays claim to a guestbook with a sprinkling of stardust – Jane Fonda, Lauren bacall and Prince Charles have all visited, thanks to the hotel’s proximity to the world famous Hay-on-wye festival.

INTERIORS WITH CHARM Llangoed was once owned by Laura ashley’s widower Sir bernard ashley, and exists today as something of a hybrid between a grand private residence, country house hotel and art museum. Much of ashley’s noteworthy collection of 20th century british art remains, with works by figures such as augustus John and Henry Scott tuke drawing in an art-loving crowd. the graceful decor reflects Llangoed’s Edwardian heyday, while a healthy dose of Laura ashley textiles references the hotel’s previous ownership.

Nature AND Literature Situated in the picturesque Wye Valley, Llangoed Hall is just a short drive from both the black Mountains and the brecon beacons, so guests can enjoy walking, hiking or rambling through some of the uk’s most gorgeous countryside during their stay. For those who would prefer to while away a cosy afternoon with a well-thumbed book, Hay-on-wye – known as the uk’s bookshop capital – is just nine miles away.

a CIVILISED Stay after a day exploring the landscape and pottering around the second-hand bookshops, guests can retire to the hotel for an elegant dinner courtesy of nick brodie, the talented head chef. brodie’s seasonal menus make use of foraged ingredients, and have regularly appeared on lists of the uk’s best restaurants. after dinner, you can retire to your luxurious bedroom and find a decanter of sherry waiting for you.

HOW MUCH? From £150 per night based on two sharing. LLANGOED HALL HOTEL, LLYSWEN, BRECON LD3 0YP, 01874 754525, LLANGOEDHALL.CO.UK.

Set amidst beautiful countryside, the grand residence is the perfect place for a relaxing break. Guests can enjoy fabulous fine dining, with seasonal menus created by forager and head chef Nick Brodie.