RURAL RETREAT

Character family home provides rustic yet contemporary living

Nestled in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons is this character family home, called The Held, that not only provides rustic yet contemporary living but also a bunkhouse, which offers additional sleeping accommodation for 24 people.

And that’s not all, also included in the sale of this property and its grounds are a self-contained cottage annex and a useful converted barn attached to the main home which has been used as a games room, but could have a myriad of uses.

Stepping into the main six-bedroom house, a potential buyer is probably struck by the successful combination of restored original features such as charming character beams with modern additions such as the luxury tiling and bathroom fixtures and fittings. Of course, it really helps the house to achieve its full visual potential when the current owner is an experienced interior designer, running her own company, Designer Space, for many years.

Owner Christina Flexen says: “The interior design is modern rustic, taking inspiration from the local surroundings and buildings to create a warm family home.”

Christina has been living at

The Held for 21 years and over that time she has renovated and renewed the property into the home and business that can be enjoyed today.

She says: “The property was actually a farm which was held under the local estate house next door. It was full of wonderful oak beams, which I have incorporated into the design.”

The delightful beams are complemented with the flooring throughout being a combination of warm honey coloured wood and slate flag stones. Character internal doors and windows have been restored or when renewed, the choice has been sympathetic to the age and design of the home.

But the period property offers more character than just the eye-catching original and restored beams. Where Christina has added contemporary touches, the choice of design has been traditional.

The kitchen has all the modern builtin appliances a new buyer might expect such as dishwasher and fridge freezer, but the main interior focus of this room is the bespoke traditional wooden cupboards contrasted with gloss granite worktops. Being a characterful country house, of course the centrepiece of this kitchen is an Aga. There’s also a breakfast bar area to ensure this room is a sociable space too.

There is a separate dining room with slate flagstone floor that is separated from the main living room by an attractive partially open wood beam and plaster internal wall. The main living room is an open and light space, showcasing the original ceiling and wall beams and providing access to the garden through a set of large French doors. The stone chimney breast is complemented by a wooden mantelpiece, substantial log burner and character wooden recess shelves.

There is also a lounge which some people might call a snug. The centrepiece of this cosy room is the stone fireplace and hearth, complete with roaring log burner. But a cosy room does not mean a small and dark room, as this space is flooded with light from dual aspect windows overlooking the approximately two acres of garden.

Downstairs also offers a potential buyer a utility room, laundry room, large storeroom and two downstairs toilets.

Upstairs this country retreat has six bedrooms, two bathrooms and two ensuites. Imagine relaxing in the traditional style roll-top bath in the master bedroom ensuite, looking out over some captivating countryside views. The master suite also has a walk-in wardrobe. The “wow-factor” of this wing of the home is the vaulted beam ceiling in the master bedroom; it might be hard getting to sleep with this characterful feature above you.

And so to the intriguing bunkhouse. According to the estate agent, it was established around 30 years ago and has been converted into a venue for groups who want to stay and make the most of the surrounding Brecon Beacons, including outdoor activities such as mountain biking, canoeing, hill walking and pony trekking.

The building offers four shower rooms plus a further shower room and toilet accessible for disabled people. In total the bunkhouse offers sleeping accommodation for up to 24 people, spread over a number of bedrooms. There is an attractive kitchen/living/ dining area which has a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and access to the garden and outdoor picnic area.

Christina says: “It’s a great place to live with great road links to south Wales and London and only a couple of miles outside of Brecon if you just need to pop out to the local village or enjoy a long country walk. Alongside the main house is the bunkhouse, people love staying here to make the most of the great outdoors.”