Donkey Shed

Stunning views across the Wye Valley, a wood burner, oak-framed open-plan living and a warm welcome await you at the Donkey Shed. The main living space is double height with kitchen, sitting and dining all enjoying the spectacular view. The burner will warm you if it is chilly out and we'll make sure you are well stocked with logs throughout your stay. We also provide a couple of bottles of excellent ale from our favourite local brewery on your arrival. Upstairs on a mezzanine is a king bed and rocking chair warmed by the wood burner flue. Downstairs is a cosy bunk room with shelves stacked with decent novels. The bathroom is across the hall. With separate shower and enormous bath tub wrapped in marble, we also provide Honey Bee Beautiful organic soap and a pot of relaxing bath salts, both made locally. Outside there are seating areas all with fantastic views - there's a sunny corner to read the morning paper, a table on the patio directly outside the front door to enjoy a meal, a picnic table amongst the wildflowers and a bench with a buzzard's eye view of the river, all within 30 minutes of the M4/M5 interchange. You'll have private access to the property. You will be sharing the drive with guests staying in Seren and our garage is also attached to the building - washing machine, dryer and recycling/bins are all here. The outdoor picnic table and meadow are shared with guests staying in Seren (although both places also have their own private outside table and chairs too!). We always make sure we are around to meet and greet you on arrival. We can show you around and can answer any questions you might have. After that, the place is all yours! Step out of the door and onto the Wye Valley Walk. Explore ancient woodlands, carpets of bluebells, wildflower meadows, autumn leaves and frosty winter mornings. Head down to the river to join Offa's Dyke. Head up to Beacon View and take in the Brecon Beacons. Monmouthshire has some great pubs and Michelin starred restaurants. The Whitebrook Restaurant is 10 minutes by car (or a lovely walk), the Inn at Penallt, Walnut Tree, Hardwick Arms, Bell at Skenfrith and Kingstone Brewery are all within reach. Well situated for Abergavenny Food Festival, Green Man and Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival. Visit Tintern Abbey or explore the castles of the Welsh Marches. Also a great spot for taking in Monmouthshire's beautiful and inspiring open gardens. The Black Mountains are 35 minutes away, the Brecon Beacons are 1 hour. Please ask for some of our favourite routes - walking or mountain biking. Canoe the River Wye - there are several canoe hire outlets in Monmouth who also provide guiding. One of the last slips just before the river turns tidal is below your window. Local fishing is also very good, please see the wyeuskfoundation for further details. Road cycling - including the alpine Lydart ascent from Monmouth is nearby. Mountain Biking - home of Dirt magazine, ask Hugh about local singletrack and some of his favourite routes. We provide a clean up station to wash the mud off if you need it. Visit the local rare breeds smallholding, Humble by Nature and take a course in rural skills. Go Ape in the Forest of Dean or get lost in Puzzlewood, climb Symonds Yat Rock and get back to nature with Forest Bushcraft. We are fairly remote so travelling by car remains the easiest way to get about. There are buses down to Monmouth - the bus stop is a 15 minute walk. There's another holiday let next door, but views and access are private.