The Upstairs Flat, 13 Castle Street, Hay-on-Wye

Our Airbnb is a beautiful two bedroom flat in a traditional stone terrace. It’s full of original features such as beams, staircases and stained glass, whilst benefitting from a tasteful modern refit. Situated on Castle Street, our flat gives you walking access to bookshops, river walks, cafes and pubs in just minutes, yet its elevated position means you’ll have a peaceful, multi-functional space if you prefer to stay in. The flat is set across three levels. When you open the door, you’ll be greeted by a winding wooden staircase, which takes you up to the large and airy kitchen diner. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the equipment you’ll need whether you’re planning a roast dinner or quick breakfast. There’s an oven, grill, hob, microwave, toaster, and even a dishwasher should you need it. We also provide basics such as tea, coffee, salt, pepper and various condiments, which you’ll find in the cupboard above the all-important kettle. Just off the kitchen, a few steps take you up to the large bathroom, which has recently been refitted with a new suite and shower that has great heat and pressure. Next door to the bathroom is a roomy twin bedroom. Back down to the kitchen diner, and another characterful wooden staircase transports you up a level, to a good-sized living area. With armchairs and a sofa bed, the room can be transformed to a sleeping space. You’ll find French doors and a balcony, which overlook the beautiful local countryside and is ideal to catch the sunset with a bottle of wine on clear days, or greet the morning with an alfresco cuppa. The master bedroom with skylight can be accessed through the living area, via a few steps. Please note that the flat has multiple stairs (some steep), and low windows – if you have mobility issues or small children, you should consider whether this property is suitable for you. The outer door of the building is shared with a lovely dress agency staffed by helpful Hay on Wye locals. Once you’re through the outer door, you’ll have your own private door to the flat, whilst the dress agency has theirs. The flat is exclusively yours during your stay; we’ll leave you to it unless you need us. We’ll meet you to show you around the flat, pass on your key, and answer any questions you have. We keep an information corner stocked with local leaflets and info. If something isn’t right during your stay, please let us know and we’ll endeavour to sort it out asap. Hay-on-Wye is a pretty market town abundant with distinctive character. It’s famous as the town of books, and for the annual Hay Festival. But it is also an excellent base for serious walking with two national trails, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Wye Valley trail passing through the town, and the protected countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park on its doorstep. Whilst the town is a dream for book lovers as its fame suggests, it has lots more attractions besides. There are great cafes, pubs, restaurants, a craft ale bar and bottle shop as well as a deli and chip shops, so your foodie needs are more than covered. The town has lots of great independent clothes shops, vintage shops, a fair trade store and galleries, as well as practical shops for walking gear, wellies or hardware. The Globe Theatre hosts a wide variety of events from live music and cinema nights to plays and a philosophy festival. A large common and River Wye walk are situated just behind the flat, perfect if you bring your dog or just need to stretch your own legs, and you can of course access the serious walks from your Hay base. After sunset on clear days, Hay on Wye is the sort of place where you can see the stars. Transport facilities are limited so ideally you’ll bring a car, but there are regular bus services. In summer there are special Sunday and Bank Holiday Beacons buses for walkers and the whole area is electric car and bicycle friendly. The main Hay-on-Wye Car park is less than 200 yards away and costs £3.10 per day. You can unload luggage outside the front door, before parking your car for your stay. We now also have a new standup shower!