The Gatehouse Apartment is part of Porthmawr, a Regency Mansion set in almost 3 acres of mature gardens where visitors are free to roam and take in the magnificent views of the Usk basin and 3 mountain ranges of the Brecon Beacons, Llangattock and at the base of the Black Mountains, which feature the table mountain- Grug Hywel from which the town gains its name meaning Hywel,s Rock, after Hywel Dda- Hywel the Good, whose laws still exist today and concern land ownership and women’s rights.

The Mansion is only a minutes walk from the centre of the attractive and busy picturesque Welsh market town of Crickhowell with a bustle of restaurants and shops, the individuals selling local lamb, beef, game and poultry, not to mention locally reared venison and smoked meats all to enrich your culinary experience.

It is also only a few minutes down to the Riverside walks and the meadows. Alternatively, stroll to Llangattock along the canal see the boats, rise to the escarpment for a gentle tramway walk or climbing. Head north to the Black Mountains with Hywel’s rock or walk the ridge- read the book- Under the Black Hill! - View The Sugar Loaf as a backdrop, hear the myths and sense the breathing space of this special National Park.

The accommodation arranged on a split-level was originally where Nanny slept, ate and fostered the children’s play and education (affectionately remembered), it enjoys magnificent views of the lawns and surrounding mountains while being attached to the medieval gatehouse which dates back to 1480. This is one of the most important Scheduled Monuments in private ownership in Wales. You can enjoy a glass of wine in the Gatehouse, imaging its history as a royalist stronghold in the Cromwellian wars, when feuding took place with the Welsh lord Rhymsey and Sir John Herbert, Knight in Armour to Charles 1. During the gathering of Welsh troops Charles stayed here overnight and was feed and watered by his Knight’s wife before going on to lose again against the Parliamentarians to which Lord Rhymsey subscribed.

The Apartment is reached via a flight of exterior steps leading from the front terrace and parking area. There is a spacious kitchen/lounge with character-beamed ceiling. The areas are subdivided with a breakfast bar for informal eating but with a candle lit solid ash table and chairs for intimate meals. The kitchen has, a gas hob build into laminated worktop and electric built in oven, fridge, microwave and a washer/dryer and access to a freezer in the Gatehouse,.
The sitting area has a fireplace, sofas, dining table and chairs. TV with Freeview, DVD and wi-fi.

Bedroom 1:    with a double bed, south facing window overlooking the courtyard
Bedroom 2:    with a single bed south facing window overlooking the courtyard and views of Crickhowell
Bedroom 3:     with a single bed south facing window overlooking the courtyard and views of Crickhowell

The bathroom has a bath with a hand-held shower over, hand basin and toilet, shaver point.
Full gas fired central heating with barbeque available and ample garden furniture.

All beautiful linen and towels provided, high chair, baby cot and travel cot available. Electricity and central heating inclusive. Sorry not suitable for pets. Ample parking at the side of the mansion. Welcome Pack to sample local goods on arrival. Mobile reception good.

You will also be able to take advantage of all the excellent amenities in Crickhowell; The Bear Hotel best pub in Britain award 2010, the Nant-y-Ffyn Cider Mill just up the road but seven well rated restaurants are within a very short walking distance.

So abandon the car and the taxi, enjoy the freedom of strolling amongst the local shops, pubs and restaurants, chat to the locals, feel the culture and know that you are in a special place.

Abergavenny 6 miles, Brecon 10 miles, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre 10miles, Hay-on-Wye (the famous book town) 14 miles.

Local attractions Castles, Churches River walks, mountain biking, walking and climbing. Caving, hang and para-gliding, canoeing, sailing and water-skiing, boat hire, mountain railway,  pony trekking, paint-balling, river and coarse fishing, clay pigeon shooting, pony trekking, horse riding, even polo. Walking, music, food and book festivals. Art courses, open gardens, museums of Welsh life, military and industrial heritage, art galleries and open studio workshops and many more that your host can advise on.

Local Events

• Crickhowell walking festival

• The Green Man Festival, 2 miles

• Hay Festival, 14 miles

• Brecon Jazz 14 miles

• Ryder Cup Wales, 25 miles

• Abergavenny Food Festival, 6 miles

• National Eisteddfod of Wales 2010, 8 miles