Described in the 17th century as ‘a neat house… in a picturesque spot’, Hawthorn Cottage is a simple Georgian home with lots of original features. It’s on the Hafod Estate, one of Europe’s finest landscapes in the ‘picturesque’ style, with trails that look wild but were carefully designed to unveil a kaleidoscope of sights and experiences for the gentry who visited the estate. The Lady’s Walk passes Hawthorn’s front gate before eventually leading to Mrs Johne’s Flower Garden and views into the valley; loop onto circular routes to see Peiran Falls, Mossy Seat Falls and other restored bridges and features. The Johnes family created Hafod estate as their own paradise in the 1700s, and while their mansion is long gone, their church survived and now houses an exhibition about Hafod’s history.
The rubble stone cottage is tucked into the edge of the woods and overlooks a pond. Inside, it is traditional and homely. We have restored the shutters and panelling and conserved the slate and wood floors. There is a woodburner in the inglenook fireplace, and carved furniture, wool rugs, watercolours and local ceramics all in keeping with Hawthorn’s past. The money you spend on your holiday helps us restore and care for special places like this.
Hafod is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and rich in wildlife. You might see otters or a kingfisher down by the river. Roe deer and hares live in the woodland; look out for the elusive pine marten.
The valley is about 40 minutes from the coast at Aberystwyth, passing through the Cambrian Mountains and the wild mid-Wales landscape. The Devil’s Bridge, with its famous waterfalls, is just four miles from Hafod; a restored steam train ride sets off from here at certain times of the year.
Layout
Ground floor: Sitting and dining room with woodburner. Toilet. Steps up to kitchen. Kitchen leads to double bedroom with en-suite shower room.
First floor: Double bedroom. Twin bedroom. Bathroom with shower over bath.
Outdoor space
Enclosed garden wrapping round cottage. Front garden looks onto the Lady’s Walk and duckpond. Table and chairs.
What's provided in a National Trust holiday cottage?
