Cân yr Afon, a riverside retreat

Guests can step outside and enjoy stunning walks, superb bike rides or peaceful fishing directly from this newly refurbished 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house in the beautiful Rhondda Valley, without even getting in the car. Bike Park Wales and the Brecon Beacons are also just a short drive away making the house an ideal base for anyone wanting to explore this lovely area. Secure bike storage and bike washing facilities on site. There is private parking for 3 cars and on-street parking for 1 car. Aptly named Cân yr Afon (song of the river) the house is the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding area or simply to retreat from the stresses and strains of everyday living. Originally built to accommodate the station master and his family, the house has been in the same family for more than 75 years. It is tucked away at the end of a no-through road next to the old Blaenrhondda railway station, where trains once stopped before continuing on through the Blaencwm tunnel (soon to reopen for walkers and cyclists) onto Bridgend and beyond. The old railway line is now a footpath leading to fabulous waterfall walks, stunning scenery and mountain rides, all within walking distance of the house. The river Rhondda runs right past the garden where bird enthusiasts will regularly spot herons and dippers, and occasionally kingfishers, and the garden boasts first class views of Pen Pych, one of just 2 table-top mountains in Europe. The house has been fully refurbished to a high standard and has 2 double bedrooms plus a twin bedroom which can be changed to a Superking; a family bathroom with over bath shower; a downstairs shower room; lounge; dining room, a fully equipped modern kitchen and separate utility/boot room with laundry facilities. There is private parking for 3 cars to the rear of the property and on-street parking for 1 car to the front. There is secure bike storage in the lockable workshop, and a hosepipe is provided for cleaning bikes. All bedrooms have both river and mountain views and guests are provided with towels and robes. You will find a welcome pack of hot beverages, milk, sugar and either biscuits or cakes available for you when you arrive. Superfast broadband is available free for your convenience and there are USB sockets in all rooms. The Smart TV in the lounge gives you access to a wide range of channels and, if you have one, your own Netflix account, and there is another TV in the dining room if you like to be entertained while eating. There is also a DVD player and a collection of DVDs for cosy nights in. For family fun or rainy days we have provided a selection of board games, and a variety of books and paperbacks are also available if you want to take yourself off to a quiet corner. For outdoor fun and adventure, walk or cycle from the house and be in the mountains within minutes. Or hop in the car and be in the Brecon Beacons within half an hour. The Rhigos Zip World (still under construction) is just 6.5 miles away, and the Rhondda Tunnel, just 1 mile away in Blaencwm, will be the longest pedestrian/cyclist tunnel in Europe and the 2nd longest in the world when it does eventually open. The angler can fish in the river that runs right past the garden, or travel a little further afield and fish from the Llyn Fawr while enjoying wonderful views over the Seven Sisters. The local Upper Rhondda Angling Association also provide guides, and instruction for beginners or those who want to improve their technique. If you like shopping, history or the arts then Wales’ capital city Cardiff is just a 50 minute drive away with its fabulous shopping centres, theatres and historic castle. If you are looking for beautiful golden sandy beaches then the stunning Gower peninsula (the 1st area in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is just 1 hr in the other direction. A maximum of 2 dogs are welcome for an additional £20 each (please check the house rules). Owners should advise the host of their intention to bring pets prior to booking. There is on-street parking for 1 car immediately outside the house. Although almost always available, this space is not reserved for the house. Additionally up to 3 cars are able to park in the lane at the rear of the house. There is a bus stop within a 1/4 mile of the house, and a train station approximately mile away. Our telephone number will be provided on booking and we are available via phone if there are any issues. We also have contacts living very close by who can offer hands on assistance if required. You will also find the locals very friendly and happy to give directions and point out places of interest if asked. Tynewydd, where the house is located, boasts 2 pubs, a small convenience store; a grocery shop; a family butcher’s and a post office all within ¼ mile of the house. Treherbert, just 1 mile away, has a Spar shop as well as a selection of other shops, restaurants and takeaways. Treorchy – voted UK’s best high street 2019 and famed for its male voice choir – is just a 10 minute drive away and has pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, hairdressers and a cinema as well as a selection of independent shops and supermarkets. There are wonderful walks from the door to suit all abilities. Both road and off-road cycling is hugely popular in the area and there are some fantastic routes for the enthusiastic cyclist. For fishing permits visit the Upper Rhondda Angling Association website. There is a bus stop within 1/4 mile with services running between Blaencwm/Blaenrhondda and Pontypridd. The nearest train station is 1 mile away at Treherbert with trains departing hourly to Cardiff via Pontypridd. The house is a 3 minute drive from the bottom of the Rhigos road, 20 minute drive from the A470 Merthyr Tydfil, 30 minutes from the A470 Pontypridd and 30 Minutes from the M4 Llantrisant The beds in the largest bedroom (the front bedroom) can be arranged as either 2 x 3ft twin beds or as a Superking bed. Guests must let the host know which arrangement they would prefer at least 48 hours prior to arrival, or accept whichever layout is there for them.